Kona: How is Big Island Watersports for shore diving?

[Torontonian]

On Wed. Aug. 29, my wife and I will be coming to Kona on cruise ship. We'll go on the Body Glove 8am snorkel cruise to "Red Hill", returning around noon.

After that, for the remaining time, I found Big Island Watersports that offers 1-tank shore diving at 2pm, right by the King Kam hotel. Costs $70 + $20 (BCD + reg rental). Not cheap but probably be done around 3pm, so it's convenient with good timing. After diving, it leaves us just a little time to stroll around town, before tendering back to ship by 5pm.

I tried to search, but didn't find anything about Big Island Watersports, beside an old post 6 years ago on snuba that they also offer.

Anyone can comment on this outfit?

Thanks.

 

[Altamira]

Anyone can comment on this outfit?

Thanks.[/QUOTE]
We dove with Big Island Water Sports on a Celebrity cruise in May. We did a two tank boat dive with them, and while I know you are asking about shore dives, if our two tank dive is any indication, I can recommend them without reservation. They were extremely professional and fun to dive with. They seemed to want each of us to have a great dive, and as an example, they stayed around the first dive site for another 20 minutes so we could snorkel with a pod of spinner dolphins that showed up just as we were getting ready to head to the second dive site. Their boat was very comfortable and it had a great ladder. They were happy to give all the divers as much or little help as was needed, and the snacks, fresh fruit and ice cold water was abundant. I would use them again next time we are in Kona.

 

[diversteve]

You might check with Jack's also. Jack's Diving Locker : Guided Shore Diving

Only have time for 1-tank dive? ...Just call to arrange a one-tank shore dive and we'll take care of the rest. $80 includes all gear if you need it, guide and transportation to dive site in Kona. Meeting time is usually 10am and you'll return to our shop about 12pm - 1pm, or we can meet at 1pm and be done about 4pm. This excursion is also scheduled by request only, so call to reserve yours now! (FYI - There might be other people with you on your dive).

Google Earth put's Jack's at 8/10ths. of a mile south of the cruise tender pier. Maybe they'd pick you up?

This is probably the dive you'll do with Big Island: http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/Hawaii/TBI/Kailua/index.htm

I would guess Jack's goes somewhere else but IDK since they say Kona also maybe they don't. The next nearest shore dive is a couple miles south.

 

[Torontonian]

Thanks for the responses. Yap I also saw that shore dive with Jack's after see the Big Island Watersports. Jack's say 1-4pm, don't know where they go and if that longer time is because they do 2-tanks instead of 1-tank. I'll contact them to find out.

 

[Torontonian]

I ended up booking shore diving with Jack's. When I emailed Big Island sports, their responses were short and not too friendly. Responses from Jack's were much more detailed and welcoming. Jack's has a rate of $80 + $17 gear rental for certified divers, that can dive at several different places. They also have a $55 dive at the same place, by the King Kam hotel, that includes gear rental, but is a shorter dive and can be a resort type course for non-certified divers. I went for this $55 including gear dive by King Kam hotel. It's ok for me to have a shorter dive, as long as I get to dive and not too expensive. They'll also pick up my wife and I to their shop to get set up, then back to the pier. Jack's has a license to park at the pier, which makes things really easy for everyone.

I called up Angela at Jack's to book, and she was friendly as in the email exchanges. I have a very good feeling about this upcoming dive. Thanks diversteve

 

[Jack'sDivingLocker]

We look forward to diving with you!

Mahalo, Angela