Ocean Therapy Charters

Located in the heart of Honolulu, Ocean Therapy Charters operates out of the Ali Wai Small Boat Harbor, just behind the Modern Hotel in downtown Waikiki. This central location makes it an easy walk from the Hilton Hawaiian Village or the Prince Waikiki Hotel for those staying in the area.

The centre focuses on the diverse underwater topography of Oahu's south shore, ranging from shallow, sun-drenched reefs to significant historical wrecks. Their approach combines technical expertise with a focus on the restorative nature of being out on the open ocean.

The team consists of certified PADI and SSI instructors capable of guiding divers through a wide range of environments. They provide instruction for all levels, from those taking their first breaths underwater to seasoned divers looking to refine specific skills.

With a commitment to small groups and private charters, the instructors maintain a close connection with their buddy pairs. This ensures that whether you are working on your buoyancy or navigating a complex wreck, the guidance is precise and attentive.

The centre is a dual-affiliated facility offering training through both PADI and SSI. They cover the full spectrum of recreational diving, starting with the Open Water Diver and progressing through to Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver.

For divers looking to specialise, a comprehensive catalogue of specialties is available. This includes Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox), Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and Underwater Navigator. They also offer technical and skill-based training such as Diver Propulsion Vehicle, Night Diver, Search and Recovery Diver, Boat Diver, and Drift Diver.

Professional progression is also supported with Divemaster training, alongside practical workshops like Reactivate, Emergency Oxygen Provider, and Digital Underwater Photography.

The centre operates small-capacity vessels designed for intimacy and ease of movement, with a maximum capacity of 6 people per trip. This small scale is ideal for those seeking a more private experience or a dedicated charter for a small group of up to five additional divers.

On board, you will find refreshments including water, soft drinks, fruit, and cheese platters to keep you fuelled between dives. The boats are configured for various types of outings, including night dives, sunset cruises, and seasonal whale watching trips.

Full equipment hire is available on-site, allowing you to dive without the need to transport heavy kit from your accommodation. This includes all the essential components of a standard diving rig, such as regulators, BCDs, and exposure suits.

For those interested in specialized skills, the centre provides the necessary kit for night diving and various specialty courses.

The reefs around Oahu are home to a wealth of large pelagics and reef residents. You will regularly encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), reef sharks (Carcharhinus), and whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus). Manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and dolphins (Delphinidae) are also part of the local ecosystem, with humpback whales (Koholā) appearing seasonally from November to April.

The reef structure itself is built upon a foundation of hard corals and soft corals, providing a home for various colourful species. Look for angelfish (Pomacanthidae), butterflyfish (Chaetodon), parrotfish (Calotomus), and surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) navigating the coral heads. You may also spot moorish idols, snappers, and various species of wrasses.

For those with an eye for detail, the macro life is abundant. Keep a lookout for octopus (Octopus vulgaris), moray eels (Muraenidae), and nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) tucked into the crevices. Crustaceans such as shrimp (Caridea) and various invertebrates inhabit the sponges (Porifera) and sea anemones (Actiniaria) that decorate the seabed.

Diving in Honolulu is possible year-round, though conditions vary by site. While many reef sites like Turtle Canyon offer low currents, the wreck sites such as the YO-257 and San Pedro are known to experience strong currents.

Water temperatures typically range between 24°C and 28°C. Visibility is generally excellent, often reaching 30 metres at the major wreck and reef sites.