Scuba diving gives you the opportunity to get an up-close look at marine life just below the water’s surface. Beginners are encouraged to start with shallow dives, as they need to build their confidence under water, learn how to use equipment, and master breathing techniques. If you’re visiting the island of Oahu and want to try scuba diving, here are a few ideal locations for beginners.

3 Spots on Oahu for First-Time Scuba Divers

1. Sharks Cove

Although experienced divers can reach depths of more than 100 feet, beginners shouldn’t exceed 66 feet because more pressure is put on the body the farther down a diver goes. Located on the North Shore of Oahu in the Pupukea Marine Life Sanctuary, Sharks Cove is a popular spot to see interesting rock formations, including lava tubes and caverns formed 15 to 45 feet below the water’s surface. During a scuba diving tour, beginners can also see tropical fish, sea turtles, and local aquatic animals.

2. Turtle Canyons

Water depths throughout Turtle Canyons don’t exceed 45 feet, making the reef perfect for beginner divers. During the plunge, divers can encounter green sea turtles in their natural habitat. This is where the majestic creatures gather to have their shells cleaned by smaller marine animals. During the adventure, it’s also possible to spot porcupine puffers as well as viper moray and snake eels.

3. Rainbow Reef

The conditions at Rainbow Reef are perfect for beginners because the lagoon doesn’t have a current, and inexperienced divers don’t have to worry about getting overwhelmed by strong waves. From a depth of no more than 65 feet, divers can see rock formations, tangs, butterflyfish, and Moorish idols.

If you’re eager to explore one of these locations on your first scuba diving adventure, contact the team at Banzai Divers Hawaii in Honolulu. They serve the entire island of Oahu, and the PADI-certified instructors will guide your excursion and ensure you remain safe in the water. Call (808) 462-8290 to learn more about their scuba tours, or visit the company online for a complete list of diving locations. You can also view their TripAdvisor® profile to read customer reviews.