Bucket-list experience for our special-needs child!
I could not have asked for a more professional, customer-oriented operation - this company is the real deal.
Our severely autistic, intellectually disabled son has been bugging us to jump out of planes and helicopters since he was 10 years old, leaving us replying with "uhh . . . not until you are older" while scratching our heads and hoping he would grow out of it.
At first, I did not realize what we were getting for the price, so let me fill you in:
-A mini-helicopter tour of the Waikiki area with an extremely experienced pilot who will fly as dynamically as his passengers dictate -A jump from the helicopter into the ocean, anywhere between 10 to 65 feet above the water (based on sea state and jumper preference), with safety swimmers waiting below -Waiting next to the drop zone will be a fully equipped dive boat, ready to equip the jumpers with SCUBA or snorkel gear over a great dive site with lots to see -Guided SCUBA/snorkeling -Snacks and beverages provided on the dive boat -After SCUBA diving or snorkeling, the dive boat will return to the pier, and passengers are transported back to the Trident Adventure store (where they originally parked).
I initially had no idea that so much was included in the price, but there are a lot more intangibles worth mentioning that really set this experience apart for my family:
-It was clear that safety was paramount, as every reasonable aspect was briefed, including emergency contingency plans. As a former Navy pilot and Navy-trained SCUBA diver used to highly detailed briefings, I felt right at home as Steve walked us through the plan and "what if" scenarios.
-This is an operation run with military precision, but also with customer satisfaction the highest priority - they will bend over backwards to accommodate!
-You can SCUBA dive after you jump - even with no experience (instructor provided). Or snorkel. Or give SCUBA a try, then shift to snorkel. The staff is incredibly flexible! You will be supported above and below the waterline!
-NONE of these options increase the costs.
-Have a family member not keen on jumping out of a helicopter? No problem, they can ride the boat out to watch you jump, then snorkel/SCUBA dive with you.
-A truly ridiculous level of photo and video documentation. Steve was taking photos and video constantly as we worked through the training, launch, jump, and follow-on dive activity. There were no less than 6 GoPros mounted inside and outside the helicopter, with more carried by staff underwater documenting every moment.
-All equipment was top-level that had clearly been prepped with care and attention to detail. Everything just worked, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the experience.
-Trident Adventures is highly experienced in supporting special-needs and disabled customers, from wounded veterans to Make-A-Wish kids. They will go the extra mile to accommodate individual limitations and are incredibly supportive.
Watching the grin on Matthew's face as the helicopter banked sharply over the ocean, then dramatically flare into a stable hover next to the dive boat while Mom screamed and waved from the deck is something I'll never forget. I stood next to him on the skids, staying out of the way while Steve did his thing from the other side, hoping I would not need to jump with him. But Matthew confidently launched himself off the skid at the first count of three. The next thing I knew, Matt was snorkeling with Mom, while my oldest son (who has no SCUBA experience) knelt on the ocean floor next to me 45 feet down while we gazed upon 4 sea turtles getting cleaned by fish, with Steve watching over us with the GoPro running.
After Steve returned my son to the surface (new diver excitement eats up a lot of air), he returned with a powerful thruster for each of us to stick between our legs, allowing us to rip around like Iron Man before it was time to head back to the boat.
What an epic day...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreTrident Adventures: An Unforgettable Experience Worth Every Penny
If you're considering booking an adventure with Trident Adventures, don't hesitate for a moment! Seriously, this company delivers an exceptional experience that is undoubtedly worth its price.
Trident Adventures shines in customer service, ensuring that every guest feels valued and taken care of. Their staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and goes above and beyond to make your experience memorable.
The value you get for your money is unmatched when you compare to other dive companies on the island. Trident Adventures offers a wide range of activities, including diving certifications, diving trips, helo jumping, and training. Their programs are designed to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience that will leave you with lifelong skills and memories. Just do it! You wonāt be disappointed, and Iām not just saying it, I experienced it!
Trident Adventures is passionate about helping all Veterans. They offer an invaluable opportunity to use their 9/11 GI Bill and VR&E benefits. This allows veterans to enhance their skills, pursue new interests, and embark on extraordinary adventures without depleting their GI Bill funds. Either way, it will be an experience of a lifetime that will strengthen your bond between other Veterans in the community and boost your confidence and knowledge.. Win win!! š¤š½
The company's commitment to people and veterans is evident in everything they do. They create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected. We experienced this on a private charter/2 tank dive that was unforgetable. The staff was amazing!
Whether you're a seasoned diver or a complete novice, Trident Adventures has something to offer you. Their diving charters take you to breathtaking underwater worlds, while their diving certifications provide the necessary knowledge and skills to safely explore the depths. The skills and knowledge stemming from Navy Seal Training to other employeesā knowledge in the field that are Vereranās of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Truly masters of their craft!
Their helo jump experience is thrilling!! I also experienced this first hand, and it is a one of a kind in the tourist industry. You'll experience the adrenaline rush of freefall and learn the techniques necessary to safely and effectively perform this exhilarating activity. If you want to train to get certified, they do this too. Im actually already signed up for the Helicopter Cast Master course and canāt wait! āCast Master Certificationā is the only certification of its kind in the U.S. approved by the FAA.
Embarking on a journey with Trident Adventures is an investment in yourself and your future. You'll gain valuable skills, create memories that will last a lifetime, and be part of a community that values adventure and personal growth. Hands down, I havenāt seen and experienced this much passion for people ever in my experience with dive companies. There are many companies out there, but Trident Adventures š± is the top on my list.
In conclusion, if you're seeking an unforgettable experience that will challenge you, inspire you, and create lifelong memories, book with Trident Adventures today. You seriously won't regret...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreI had NO swimming experience. Yes you heard it right. It would be fair to say that I have phobia with water. I have come across lot of companies denying me an opportunity for Scuba diving just due to the fact that I donāt know to swim till date but not with Trident Adventures. When I explained them my swimming experience and my everlasting phobia with water, they reacted as if it wasnāt even a big deal for them and only focused on explaining me the basic rules around scuba diving and 3 safety skills that I needed to learn. Let me be honest those 3 skills could have been a piece of cake of a swimmer but not me at that time, may be I was a bit over anxious with my phobia and till the time I wore my gear, I was freaking out all the time. My turn comes and guess what I am already backing out thinking it wasnāt a great idea to do scuba diving, its just not for me. I could barely even swim in a 3 ft pool and looking at the deep ocean was just overwhelming for me. The crew was extremely supporting, encouraging but at the same time patient with what was going on with me before the jump to the ocean. After 3-4 attempts and constant support from the crew I was able to jump and started floating like anything. This was just a beginning, The thought of going inside the deep water was still haunting me, thats where my instructor James came to my rescue, made me calm and acclamatized me getting my head inside water , learning how to breathe with my regulator and so on. Hang on, I am not done yet , the next part was the actual dive into the ocean holding the rope and slowly getting used to the water pressure increasing with depth, My ears started paining but James always kept me calm inside giving me instructions on how to get past that stage and release the pressure by blowing my nose ( it was a tricky but important step) I gave up probably couple of times and said I canāt do it anymore. I thought James and the Crew already knew it that I would eventually complete my Scuba diving, donāt know how. After 3-4 attempts I was able to learn all the skills and guess what I am inside the ocean more than approx 35-40 ft and the view was just spectacular with all kind of fishes and the Sea turtle. Into 50% of my dive , I was already comfortable breathing and swimming with my gears. That was crazy , climbing up was just as normal for me as if I lived a dual life in 1st and second half of the dive. I came back, The crew and other divers on the boat were all happy and congratulated me as they went through my journey from total denial to blissful completion of my first Scuba diving journey. I am so thankful to James my instructor, Donna who introduced me to Trident Adventure and all its crew who held my hand throughout the activity. I am certainly not afraid to go back in the ocean and go for another Scuba diving with this team. Yes Thats how the trident adventure team has made an impact on my fear of water. I think I am ready to take swimming classes and finally be able to swim in the near future without any gear. Now thats a life changing impact right there. Thank you Trident Adventures and I hope to come back again and again in my next visit to the Oahu island in...
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