Maui Ocean Center aquarium dive?

[Kirgan]

I understand they provide 63 cu ft tanks -- is there an option to bring your own 80 or 100?

At the bottom of the tank our max depth was only 18ft. Even with those tanks after 53 minutes, I still had a good 1200 psi left. The advertise that it is only at 45 minute dive - we went just a little over that. So, unless you really go through air quick, there should be no need for anything larger at that depth.

However, just call them and ask. From my experience with them, they are really down to earth and not overboard on regulations. I really think they would let you bring your own tanks if you want to. My wife and I brougth all our own gear - except for tanks. One other person that went in the tank didn't bring anything, so they supplied it all for him.

--Mike

 

[cra2]

Even with those tanks after 53 minutes, I still had a good 1200 psi left. The advertise that it is only at 45 minute dive - we went just a little over that.
However, just call them and ask.

emailed them. Just got my reply;
They say,
"The dive itself is for 30 minutes. Your check in is at 8:15am, the
first dive is at 9:15. We do allow underwater cameras in the tank.
Stacy Choquette
Maui Ocean Center
808-270-7000 Direct
808-270-7070 Fax
info@mauioceancenter.com"

darn. what the heck? 30 min is a LOT less than 53 min.

 

[Kirgan]

emailed them. Just got my reply;
They say,
"The dive itself is for 30 minutes. Your check in is at 8:15am, the
first dive is at 9:15.

That first hour is spent getting a briefing and you have to watch a video, where one of the local Hawaiian leaders talks to you about the program.

darn. what the heck? 30 min is a LOT less than 53 min.

I was just there - June 23rd, 2006. They told me 40 or 45 minutes (I can't remember for sure which), but they certainly didn't tell me 30. We did 53min (according to my dive computer, which I wore to log the dive). We probably just went a little over because the DM didn't notice the time or he waited until he was at a predetermined psi. Most of the time, the DM was face down in the gravel looking for shark teeth. He said during the briefing that any teeth he finds, you get to keep. That way you can just pay attention and enjoy the experience.

It may also depend on which DM you get. The girl you spoke to was the person at the front desk. It was the DM during the briefing who told us how long the dive was going to be, so maybe it will be longer or maybe it just depends on the individual DM going with you. I am under the impression, our DM was main person responsible for the program. He was pretty cool and easy going (Can't remember his name, but he was much older than the other DMs). After the dive, he just had us put our gear in back near the shark tank and told us after we were done at the aquarium, to just come on back and pick up our stuff. When I asked about getting a ticket to get in, he showed us where the doors were that said employees only and told us we didnt' need a ticket. We get free run of the place. That is what I meant about them not seeming to be big on regulations (us being allowed to walk around like regular vistors, but being told it is fine to come back through all the employee only doors where the shark tank entrance and other things were- unescorted - to get our gear.

 

[scubabear]

Hey All, Just returned from a 2wk. vac. visited MOC on last day, excellent facillity.
Did not know aquarium dive was avail.,oh well. I do remember staff mentioning that they were going to release the tiger around April. Any interested may want to check on that. Later

 

[SBP Studios]

This is PERFECT! I think this is what im going to do next month when I go to Maui!

Is there any coupons or anything online somewhere?

 

[SBP Studios]

Do you need your own gear for this? We are just getting certified right now and dont own anything besides Snorkel gear.

 

[KrisB]

Do you need your own gear for this? We are just getting certified right now and dont own anything besides Snorkel gear.

Yes you do (aside from tank & weights) -- but you could rent it at another dive shop, like Maui Dreams Dive Co. before you go.

 

[WingNutt]

I havent even gotten past the first page of post to respond to this thread! My son went to Maui with my parents for a family wedding I was unable to attend. He went snorkling in open water (HUGE DEAL as he just learned to swim last summer and doesnt get the chance to very often as we dont have a pool) in over 60ft deep water. He got to see Giant Sea turtles and many many other things and fish. On the last day they visited the aquarium and have several pics and video. They never mentioned you could dive there though. This is soooo cool. My wife doesnt like the water at all but it would be soooo awesome to have her be able to see me dive like that! If we ever go to Hawaii I think that is a must do!

 

[Taniwha]

I just came back from Maui...this aquarium dive is expensive! It is now $245 which is more than a two-tank dive at Molokini Crater. I decided not to do it, and I don't regret it at all. It looks nice, but there's so much more water-time in Maui, e.g., I did quite a bit of snorkeling (some great snorkeling beaches) and the Molokini drift dives.

Just my 2¢.

Cheers,
Doug