Dive guide · USA SCUBA DIVING

Best Dives in the USA — Our Top 15

44 dives  ·  from $39 a head

Hawaii has the lava tubes and the shark cages, Florida has the reef and the wrecks. These 15 dives are compared on boat time, depth and price, with certification requirements stated plainly.

First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos - Meeting at Magic Island Lagoon
Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving for Beginners, Scuba Diving for Beginners in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos

1.First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,123 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Our pick

Meet your guide at Magic Island Lagoon for a small-group scuba lesson in calm, waist-deep water. After gear fitting and safety practice, you’ll reach about 15 feet with an instructor nearby. Guides such as Alex, Nick, Danny, and Rida are praised for patient coaching, while free GoPro videos give you a keepsake.

“I had an amazing scuba discovery experience! I got to see so many incredible marine animals, including spotted boxfish, dolphins, sea cucumbers, and jellyfish — truly unforgettable. Huge thanks to my instructor, Rida, for being patient, friendly, and making me feel completely safe the entire time. He also took lots of beautiful photos for me, which I really appreciate. Highly recommend this experience and Rida as a guide! 🌊🤿”

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Oahu Shark Dive - The ride offshore includes more than sharks
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Shark Dives in Oahu, Shark Dives in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

Oahu Shark Dive

2.Oahu Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,903 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

From Haleiwa, you’ll ride into open Pacific waters, hear a safety briefing, and enter a secure cage for close views of Galapagos and sandbar sharks. The crew, including guides such as Maddie and Emma, also helps boat-only observers follow the action. Allow about 90 minutes, plus travel time from Waikiki.

“What a great experience. A must do when in Oahu. I advise you have them film your experience as it makes it so much easier.”

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Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore - What the cage experience feels like
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Shark Dives in Oahu, Shark Dives in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

3.Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,485 reviews · 1h 30m · from $99

Meet North Shore Shark Adventures at Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor for a 90-minute boat trip to open water. Your English-speaking crew gives a safety briefing, supplies gear, and places you in a secure cage for up to 20 minutes near Galapagos sharks. You may also spot dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, tuna, or barracuda.

“This was one of the highlights of our trip to Oahu. Highly recommend.”

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Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore - What the floating cage is really like
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Shark Dives in Oahu, Shark Dives in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore

4.Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,391 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $100

From Haleʻiwa Boat Harbor, you’ll take a short boat ride offshore with Hawaii Shark Encounters, then enter a floating cage to watch Galapagos and Sandbar sharks through snorkel masks and polyglass windows. Guides such as Caleb, Dave, Efraim, and Jax explain shark behavior, while an observer ticket lets non-swimmers stay aboard.

“Awesome experience! Would highly recommend. Great crew, easy going and informative. Waves were a bit rough but managed to now get sea sick.”

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Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Video Package in Honolulu - The underwater session lasts 20 to 30 minutes
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving for Beginners, Scuba Diving for Beginners in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Video Package in Honolulu

5.Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Video Package in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 877 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $77

Learn basic scuba skills with instructor Kyle at Magic Island Lagoon, a protected site near Waikiki. After a safety briefing and shallow-water practice, you spend 20 to 30 minutes underwater with a group of no more than four. Equipment and an underwater video package are included.

“Kyle, our instructor, was GREAT. Very informative. Kyle makes sure you are comfortable with everything before the dive. Would highly recommend. An awesome experience for the first time diver.”

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Safe and Educational Shark Dive from Haleiwa: Sharks Guaranteed - Sharks first, with other wildlife as a bonus
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Shark Dives in Oahu, Shark Dives in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

Safe and Educational Shark Dive from Haleiwa: Sharks Guaranteed

6.Safe and Educational Shark Dive from Haleiwa: Sharks Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 553 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $165

Meet at Haleiwa Commercial Loading Dock for a roughly two-hour shark encounter led by One Ocean Diving’s marine biologists and safety divers. Learn shark biology, body language, species identification, and Hawaiian cultural meaning before entering the water with snorkeling gear. Sharks are guaranteed, while whales, turtles, and other wildlife are possible bonuses.

“I was scared to death to do this, but this crew helped me feel so much better about getting in the water. Never once did I feel like I was in danger. It wasn’t like the movies portray, it was peaceful and beautiful. We plan on doing this again. I want to do better next time and I definitely won’t be so scared. Great education on the sharks too. We all need to do better to make sure sharks stay in our oceans.”

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2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers - Inside the Cathedral formations
Dives for Certified Divers, Dives for Certified Divers in the USA, Maui Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Two-Tank Boat Dives, Two-Tank Boat Dives in the USA, USA Scuba Diving

2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers

7.2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 548 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $306

Meet Dive Maui at 6:30 AM for a boat ride from Lahaina to Lanai. You’ll make two sessions in clear water, often visiting a Cathedral site plus another location, with caverns, arches, lava formations, and swim-throughs. Guides such as Abbi, Jess, Brian, and Scott are known for careful briefings and personal help.

“Great Whale watching on the way to the scuba site! Nick and crew were great! Very informative and helpful!”

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Wreck and Bridge Span Dive for Certified Divers - The shipwreck gives the outing its strongest focus
Dives for Certified Divers, Dives for Certified Divers in the USA, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving, Wreck Diving

Wreck and Bridge Span Dive for Certified Divers

8.Wreck and Bridge Span Dive for Certified Divers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 521 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $115

Join Panama City Diving for about four hours on two underwater sites off Panama City Beach. Certified scuba divers visit a shipwreck and bridge span at 50 to 75 feet, with Ben and the crew handling safety, site guidance, snacks, drinks, and optional rental gear.

“Safety is the key word for this dive shop. Set my mind at ease being by myself for the dive to say the least. The DM (Ben) could not have been more accommodating to the less experienced onboard. He (and the boat captain) made sure everyone knew how to use not only the rental gear, but also customers own gear that they weren’t sure how to setup. Visibility was decent given the recent storms (15-25’). All in all, definitely recommend for the novice as well as beginners in the diving world.”

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Dive with Sharks in Hawaii: Shark Tour from Haleiwa - The briefing makes the shark encounter manageable
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Shark Dives in Oahu, Shark Dives in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Scuba Diving

Dive with Sharks in Hawaii: Shark Tour from Haleiwa

9.Dive with Sharks in Hawaii: Shark Tour from Haleiwa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 468 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $153

Meet at Haleiwa Harbor for a two-hour shark swim about 3 miles offshore. Marine scientist guides explain shark behavior, safety, and conservation before you enter the water with snorkel gear. You may see several shark species, dolphins, turtles, or whales, and possibly help collect research data. Guides including Gina, Tyler, Ethan, Drew, and Haley have received high praise for their calm support.

“I booked the 9 am charter and we saw 24 sharks! It was so cool. The crew was incredibly kind and helpful. We booked the photography package as well, which I recommend!”

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Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu - Surface interval and boat support
Dives for Certified Divers, Dives for Certified Divers in Oahu, Dives for Certified Divers in the USA, Oahu Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Oahu, Reef Diving in the USA, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Two-Tank Boat Dives, Two-Tank Boat Dives in Oahu, Two-Tank Boat Dives in the USA, USA Scuba Diving, Wreck Diving

Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu

10.Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 331 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $248

Join a scuba-certified group from Kewalo Basin Harbor for two guided underwater sites off Honolulu. You may visit the Sea Tiger wreck at about 105 feet, then a shallower reef near 50 feet, with gear, tanks, snacks, and drinks included. Guides such as Nacho, Matt, Heather, and Jordan help with equipment and route-finding.

“The dives were great. The boat was clean and well kept. The crew and dive masters where professional while still being relaxed enough to have fun. They rotate dive sites throughout the week so be sure to check the full schedule if you are interested in a particular site or multiple sites.”

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Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour - The second tank and the best chance for turtles
Diving with Turtles, Oahu Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Oahu, Reef Diving in the USA, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Scuba Diving

Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour

11.Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 300 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $299

Spend about four hours learning scuba skills, then head by boat for two shallow open-ocean sessions off Waikiki. PADI-certified instructors such as Josh, Chad, Olga, and Red have guided beginners through turtle sightings, reef fish, eels, octopus, rays, and occasional sharks. Gear, water, snacks, and small groups are included.

“It is what it is . You get to dive along side of large turtles. Other than that the reefs were small and not much to see , other than a large pipe with a little coral and some small life around it.. I went during rainy season “not recommended “ and visibility was around 10 to 15 feet at best. I was given the opportunity to reschedule, but due to my time left on the island I could not .”

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Certified Diver: 2-Tank Shallow Reef Dives off Oahu - The second reef, with more room to explore
Dives for Certified Divers, Dives for Certified Divers in Oahu, Dives for Certified Divers in the USA, Oahu Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Oahu, Reef Diving in the USA, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Two-Tank Boat Dives, Two-Tank Boat Dives in Oahu, Two-Tank Boat Dives in the USA, USA Scuba Diving

Certified Diver: 2-Tank Shallow Reef Dives off Oahu

12.Certified Diver: 2-Tank Shallow Reef Dives off Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $141

Join Dive Oahu at Kewalo Basin Harbor for two guided shallow-water scuba sessions near Honolulu. PADI professionals such as Nacho, Heather, Jordan, and Lindsey lead small groups to sites including Turtle Canyons and Kaiser's, with free gear, snacks, and refreshments. Expect depths of 25 to 50 feet and frequent turtle sightings.

“It’s truly a pleasure to review my experience with Dive Oahu on 6/27/24. Nothing stands out as “ the best” because everything was 5 star super fine. The dive masters were all very professional and easy to be with including Ami, Coulter(Coulton) and Heather. Nacho was our boat captain and kept all the great gear in clean orderly shipshape condition. The pace of my two 40 feet depth dives was perfect and allowed ample time to ogle sea turtles, eels, strange fish and coral. Booking my dives was easy and everything advertised went according to plan and even better than I had anticipated. The value also exceeded my expectation. I…”

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Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center - The short ride to Crystal River
Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Scuba Diving

Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center

13.Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 265 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $65Best value

Meet at American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River 30 minutes early, suit up in a full 3mm wetsuit, and follow your captain to spring-fed Crystal River. Guides such as Bri, Taylor, Ryan, and Rodney help you find manatees while explaining safe, respectful behavior. You may snorkel or remain on the boat, with gear, drinks, and a small group of up to 15 included.

“Be ready for what the day bringsWe got to swim around the manatees and have a nice boat ride too. Thoroughly enjoyable day😎”

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Intro/Refresher Dive Swim Ability Required - What Happens Before You Enter the Water
Maui Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, USA Scuba Diving

Intro/Refresher Dive Swim Ability Required

14.Intro/Refresher Dive Swim Ability Required

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 248 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $239

Learn the basics of scuba in Maui with a certified instructor from In2Scuba Diving Maui Dive Co. This two-hour introductory session is limited to four people and suits strong swimmers age 12 and older. Equipment is supplied, and you may see turtles and fish. Mike and Thai are among the instructors mentioned by name.

“My scuba diving experience was unforgettable. I highly recommend doing this lesson especially if you are a first timer. Thai (instructor) was very patient teaching me. He didn’t mind repeating the instructions multiple times since he knew how important it was to get the basics down. I’m very impressed overall. Also, paying extra to have them record (go pro) your experience is worth it. I was a newbie and was able to enjoy my dive without worrying about taking a video or photos! Enjoy your dive!”

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Shark-Dive Tour on Oahu's North Shore - The crew makes the biggest difference
Oahu Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Shark Dives in Oahu, Shark Dives in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Scuba Diving

Shark-Dive Tour on Oahu’s North Shore

15.Shark-Dive Tour on Oahu’s North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 240 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $135

From Haleiwa Boat Harbor, you’ll ride three miles offshore to 250-foot water for a cage-free shark swim with a professional crew. Ocean Outfitters Hawaii provides masks and snorkels, keeps groups to 12, and may encounter Galapagos sharks, tiger sharks, dolphins, whales, barracuda, and reef fish.

“It was so epic. All of the workers on the boat were so nice and fun. They were also very knowledgable. I'm sure they get a little tired of having to deal with all sorts of people all day but they did a great job at making sure our experience was great. The boat ride was fun, the sharks were super cool, I would do this again several times.”

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New in USA Scuba Diving

★ 5.0Certified Divers: Best 2-Tank Wrecks & Reef Boat Dive All Inclusive From WaikikiFrom $25941 reviews
★ 5.0One Tank Manta Night Dive and SnorkelFrom $13556 reviews
★ 5.0Kauai’s Exclusive Morning Scuba Charter for Experienced DiversFrom $25947 reviews
★ 5.0Kauai’s Ultimate Dive Boat Adventure (for CERTIFIED Divers Only)From $28584 reviews
★ 5.0Certified Diver: 2-Tank Night DiveFrom $24861 reviews
★ 5.0Maui Certified Shore Diving from LahainaFrom $199107 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkel Or Dive The Amazing Rainbow River FloridaFrom $75116 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Shallow 2 Tank Dive Trip for CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVERS ONLY!From $250123 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Small-Group 2-Tank Scuba Dive in Key Largo (CERTIFIED DIVERS ONLY)From $114125 reviews
★ 4.8Deep Dive into Denver: Small-Group Walking TourFrom $39119 reviews
★ 5.0Oahu Open Water Shark Diving ExperienceFrom $150128 reviews
★ 5.0VIP Aloha Nui Snorkel Adventure w/ optional SCUBA from LahainaFrom $235136 reviews
★ 5.0South Maui Shore DiveFrom $155147 reviews
★ 5.0Key Largo Scuba Trip, 2 Location – 65 Min Per SiteFrom $105151 reviews
★ 4.5Try Scuba Diving with Professional Scuba InstructorFrom $259170 reviews

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