Hawaii Eco Divers — Attraction in Oʻahu

Very disappointing experience. Dive master touching endangered green turtle! Driving yourself across the island.

I would advise divers to avoid this shop due to the experience my fiancé and I had with them last week. I would like it to be noted my fiancé and I are both dive masters and I have worked for dive shops in the past and what we experienced with this shop was not professional.

Here is what happened.

We arrived at the dive shop at 7:30a as instructed. The dive master in training greets and and right away starts telling us how several staff members called out because they were hungover from cinco de mayo but not to worry because she called the best dive master they had and we would be taken care of. (interesting way to start the experience.) I ask her if I have time to go back to my hotel and get my dive computer and she says no problem.

The "great dive master Ricardo" arrives to the shop while I am still getting my computer. He is rude to my fiance and says I told you both to be here we are leaving without drive yourself across the island. My fiance tells him his employee said it was ok and that I was only a few min away. He doesn’t care and leaves without us and emails a address of a dive site on the complete opposite side of the island. I arrive back a few minutes later and they have left. My fiancé is upset by the unprofessionalism but I saw lets just go and enjoy the diving. We drive across the island and arrive a the site before them. They were so rude about waiting a few minutes for me and in the $130 per person price it says transportation was included but we had to drive about 2 hours ourselves round trip to the site.

THE DIVE- for the price of $130 they take us to a shore dive called electric beach. We were surprised there was no boat because on the website It said we would be doing boat dives. We were disappointed to learn we would be doing the same shore dive twice! no second dive location. also disappointing. determined to enjoy we go on the dive. Ricardo was swimming all around and it was hard to keep up. It was unclear why we had to cover so much ground. usually with dives you want to take it slow and relaxed.. We finally got to the electric beach pipes where all the fish are and this part was cool. I was unsure why we only staid in the fishy part for a few minutes. While we were near the pipes, Ricardo started petting a green sea turtle. This is a big no and every dive operation I have ever been with has rules about touching and disturbing marine life. We were very surprised that a dive shop employee would do this.

We cancelled our diving with them and moved to Aloha divers (very good shop) and when we asked why he touched the turtle he just said the turtle liked it and go a head a write a review. so here I am.

Go to a professional shop that respects marine life and is professional. Aloha divers was amazing so I am glad to know there are good shops...

Adventurer beware.

Never in my life have I had a more disappointing, unprofessional experience with a company. My best friends Cera and I were scheduled to scuba dive on Sunday, January 26 at 11:00 am (her birthday). The week before we flew from NYC and Boston (11 hour flights), Luana confirmed with me via email details about our equipment. Everything has been paid for totalling $350 between the two of us. We complied with all requests and showed up Sunday morning early at the boat. Before leaving for the excursion, the receptionist, Nicole, called and confirmed that they'd sent us an email with incorrect info, being a mistake and we should pay attention to the first email. No problem.

So, we get to the doc and we're waiting for our instructor. Nicole again tells us to look for a tall guy named Max. We're waiting and waiting, now it's getting closer to 11:15. Nicole calls us back. Max isn't coming. He was "too old and didn't want too today". OH. We drive an hour and a half, stood outside for a half hour and now are instructor isn't coming.

Nicole told us she didn't know what to say. She was sorry and trying to get in touch with the manager Luana. It was Luanas day off.

This started at 11:15. The crew on the boat we were waiting at was nice enough to let us snorkel while they dove for free. Such a nice gesture. We were out with them for two hours. Prior to leaving, Nicole told me that she'd call us back in ten mins. When we got back from snorkeling, two hours later, no one had called or given an update. We had to call them.

Nicole did not do a single thing to help us. However, this blame should be more on Luana who didn't even reach out to us until hours later. Another girl was waiting on the boat with us to go on the same tour and she didn't even know it was cancelled-- found out from us.

Essentially, Luana got on the phone with Cera and told her that she vacations all the time. There's plenty more things to do. That is NOT the point. We do not vacation all the time and planned a trip around this. She gave us no solutions and we are out $350 until they refund us which can take up to 30 days.

Nicole said shed called Luana and Ricardo a handful of times and they weren't answering. Ask yourself this-- if there were an emergency on the dive and they didn't answer because it's their day off... How comfortable would that make you feel?

They coudktn have cared less about the inconvenience they imposed on us and weren't bothered that we were beyond upset.

I do not advise this company to ANYONE. we are now with another agency and intend on...

I just recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in Ricardo Taveira's surf survival and apnea training course, hosted by Hawaii Eco Divers in the beautiful locale of Mission Beach. As a lifelong surfer deeply connected to the ocean, this course resonated with me on a profound level.

From the moment the course began, it was evident that Ricardo's knowledge and experience were unparalleled. As he shared the theory and origin story behind the training, I found myself captivated by the science supporting proper ventilation techniques and extended breath-holding capabilities. What struck me most was Ricardo's emphasis on the practical application of these skills specifically tailored for surfers navigating the unpredictable waters.

Throughout the training, Ricardo skillfully navigated the complexities and hazards inherent in surfing, instilling in us not only the confidence to handle challenging situations but also the tools to optimize our performance. From learning to read surf forecasts and prepare for upcoming swells to mastering safety and rescue techniques in the pool, every aspect of the course was meticulously designed to enhance our understanding and ability to thrive in the ocean environment.

Day two was dominated by immersive drills that simulated various scenarios, from broken leashes to underwater rescues. The realism of these exercises, combined with Ricardo's expert guidance, provided invaluable mindset training that I know will prove invaluable in real-life surfing situations.

I am deeply grateful to Ricardo for sharing his wisdom and expertise, and I eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to put these newfound skills into practice. Whether facing the next big swell in Southern California or venturing abroad, I feel confident and empowered knowing that I've been equipped with the tools to navigate the waves safely and...