Scuba diving · USA

The 15 Best Scuba Diving Trips in the USA

65 dives  ·  from $39 a diver

The 15 best scuba diving trips, with what each costs, how long you spend underwater and who it suits. Number one is there for a reason; start with it.

First-Time Scuba Diving in Honolulu + Free Videos - Why the instructors matter so much
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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 instructor at Magic Island Lagoon for a beginner-friendly scuba lesson in waist-deep water, followed by a guided swim to about 15 feet. Alex, Nick, Danny, Dan, and Rida are among the instructors praised for calm guidance. Gear, safety instruction, and underwater videos are included.

“Excellent time spent! Danny (the instructor and guide) was very patient and friendly in teaching and guiding while underwater.”

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Oahu Shark Dive - What you may see below the surface
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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, receive a safety briefing, and enter a secure cage for close views of wild sharks. Galapagos and sandbar sharks are common, while turtles, dolphins, and winter humpback whales may appear en route. Maddie, Emma, and the crew have been praised for calm, clear instruction. Boat viewing is also available.

“Went on a solo trip - it was awesome in one word. The crew and captain were nice, courteous and knowledgable - always ready to wall the extra mile. First the ‘non shark part’ we went the extra mile to see whale as well as dolphins. The ‘shark’ experience was out of the world - they give you enough time to experience the 8-9 sharks circling around you with eyes on you! Its safe, pushes the adrenaline spike, and gives you once a life time opportunity to go near the galapagos sharks. Few tips: do take sea sickness meds, keep some buffer time (the crew will go to any extent…”

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Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore - The 90-minute route into open water
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Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

3.Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

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

From Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, you’ll take a 90-minute boat trip into open water with an English-speaking crew, then spend about 15 to 20 minutes in a secure cage near Galapagos sharks. The water can be wonderfully clear, and you may also spot dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, tuna, or barracuda.

“Awesome experience! Saw lots of Galapagos sharks at best weather conditions. Can only recommend. Henning”

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Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore - Entering the floating cage
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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 Haleiwa Boat Harbor, you’ll take a short boat ride offshore with Hawaii Shark Encounters and enter a floating cage above wild Galapagos and Sandbar sharks. Caleb, Dave, Efraim, Jax, and the crew explain shark behavior, fit you with a mask and snorkel, and keep the experience calm, safe, and practical. No scuba certification is needed.

“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 safety briefing makes the first minutes less daunting
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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 in Honolulu’s protected Magic Island Lagoon with instructor Kyle and a group of no more than four. You’ll practice in shallow water, then spend 20 to 30 minutes underwater among Hawaiian fish and marine life. Gear, instruction, and an underwater video package are included.

“Kyle was very knowledgeable and very patient with us. This was our first time to dive and we had a great time.”

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Safe and Educational Shark Dive from Haleiwa: Sharks Guaranteed - The Haleiwa departure and boat briefing
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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 two-hour open-ocean shark swim led by One Ocean Diving. Marine biologists explain shark behavior, body language, species, and Hawaiian cultural traditions before you enter the water with safety staff, snorkeling gear, and a secure boat line. Whales, turtles, fish, and tiger sharks may also appear.

“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! The experience and tour guides were amazing! I felt safe the whole time I was in the water. Gina was by our side the entire time. We did the photographer package as well and it was worth the money! Bret was friendly and did an amazing job! We received both pictures and videos of our experience. If we come back to Hawaii, I will do it again!”

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2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers - What the first tank is like
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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

Join Dive Maui for a six-hour, two-tank boat trip from Lahaina to Lanai’s Cathedral sites. Certified divers can expect caverns, arches, swim-throughs, and marine life, with guides such as Abby, Jess, Brian, and Scott leading small groups. The crew provides water and a light snack, while the captain chooses sites based on sea conditions.

“Our guide Abby, and her tram kept us safe and informed during this strong current dive. Visibility was not great due to the excess sand being kicked up, but mother nature controls that. Highlight was seeing a few eels coming our of their hiding spots and free swimming. Plus, the largest puffer fish I have ever seen in person.”

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Wreck and Bridge Span Dive for Certified Divers - What the 50 to 75 foot depth means for you
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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 a four-hour boat trip to a shipwreck and bridge span off Panama City Beach. Certified divers visit sites 50 to 75 feet deep, with typical visibility near 30 feet and little current. DM Ben helps with gear and site briefings. Weights, snacks, fruit, water, and Gatorade are included.

“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 - What it feels like to see sharks in open water
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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

From Haleiwa Harbor, marine scientist guides take you about 3 miles offshore to watch sharks in open water. You’ll receive a safety and shark biology briefing, use provided snorkel gear, and may see turtles, dolphins, or whales. The crew may include guides such as Gina, Tyler, Ethan, Drew, or Haley, though staffing can vary.

“The crew is very friendly and the experience is also very éducative . My five year old son loved it and my wife even if she was scared the night before felt very relax during the experience”

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Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu - First stop: the Sea Tiger at about 105 feet
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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

Board Dive Oahu at Kewalo Basin for a guided two-tank scuba outing off Honolulu. You’ll visit a wreck at about 105 feet, then a shallow reef near 50 feet, with gear, tanks, snacks, and drinks included. Guides such as Heather, Jordan, Alex, and Nacho help with checks, entries, and marine-life spotting.

“The wreck was a fantastic experience with a surprising amount of sea life to see (eel, octopus, lobster, sea turtle..). The shop’s customer service also was seriously top notch after a cancellation mix up. I really appreciated the Brian, John, Adam, the desk staff, literally everyone was sweet & solution oriented, above and beyond. Thanks guys. It meant a lot to me.”

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Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour - The first session: skills before sightseeing
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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

Meet at Waikiki Dive Center for a four-hour ocean scuba session with PADI-certified instructors such as Josh, Chad, Olga, and Red. Beginners receive training before two shallow boat outings, while certified divers get a refresher and reef time. Expect turtles, tropical fish, eels, rays, and possibly octopus or sharks.

“Jared and Phil were absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend diving with this company. If we ever come back to Hawaii I will be using them again. And I also wanted to mention Grace she was working in the shop when I came in and she was so pleasant and kind. Loved listening to all the places that she has dived at.”

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Certified Diver: 2-Tank Shallow Reef Dives off Oahu - Second stop: more fish, eels, and occasional sharks
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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 shallow reef scuba sessions at sites such as Turtle Canyons, Kaiser’s, or Secrets. PADI professionals guide certified divers through 25 to 50 feet of water, with gear, snacks, and refreshments included. You may also add a GoPro, scooter, Nitrox, private guide, or photographer.

“Beautiful shallow dive to an area filled with marine life! Water is a little chilly if coming from a gulf state or the southern Atlantic.”

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Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center - Starting at American Pro Diving Center
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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, suit up in a full 3mm wetsuit, and follow your guide by boat through spring-fed Crystal River toward Three Sisters Springs and nearby sites. You can snorkel or stay aboard, while guides such as Bri, Ryan, and Rodney help locate manatees and explain how to watch them without disturbing them.

“John and Bruce were great captains! My grandchildren had such a great time! John and Bruce really cared about you getting the experience and seeing the manatees. I would recommend this to anyone! Great time!”

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Intro/Refresher Dive Swim Ability Required - What happens during the two-hour session
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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 with In2Scuba Diving Maui Dive Co. in a small group of no more than four. Certified instructors such as Mike and Thai teach patiently, provide all equipment, and guide you toward Maui’s marine life. You must be a strong swimmer, in good health, and age 12 or older.

“Learning how to scuba....seeing all the turtles and fish...instructor (Mike), was awesome! We loved it all, thanks Mike!”

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Shark-Dive Tour on Oahu's North Shore - Sharks first, scenery second
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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

Leave Haleiwa with a small group and ride three miles offshore to 250-foot waters where Galapagos and tiger sharks often pass. Ocean Outfitters Hawaii provides snorkel gear, safety guidance, and an open-water swim with trained professionals. Captain Lily and crew members such as Tyler have earned praise for calm instruction and close attention.

“Lots of sharks and just 7 people on the boat, so it's perfect. Friendly crew, fun boat ride. The stay in the water could have been a bit longer.”

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Just added: USA Scuba Diving

★ 4.6Panama City Beach: Beginners Scuba Diving TourFrom $9923 reviews
★ 4.8Oahu: Wreck & Reef Scuba Dive for Certified DiversFrom $24817 reviews
★ 4.6Oahu: Shark Cage Diving ExperienceFrom $9746 reviews
★ 3.6Oahu Night Dive: Adventure for Certified DiversFrom $2486 reviews
★ 5.0Oahu: Shallow Reef Scuba Dive for Certified DiversFrom $24811 reviews
★ 4.9Oahu: Cageless Shark Dive AdventureFrom $12160 reviews
★ 4.8Oahu: Beginner SCUBA Dive at Electric BeachFrom $17510 reviews
★ 5.0Kauai: Morning 2 Tank Boat Dive for Experienced DiversFrom $2595 reviews
★ 4.8Miami Beach: Guided 2-Tank Reef and Wreck Dive TripFrom $10713 reviews
★ 5.0Maui: Small Group Shark & Turtle Scuba Dive from ShoreFrom $12815 reviews
★ 5.0Maui: Intro to Scuba Diving from Shore – LahainaFrom $1606 reviews
★ 5.0Maui: Eco-Friendly Conservation Scuba Dive Certified DiversFrom $1992 reviews
★ 4.7Maui: Beginner Discovery Scuba Dive Excursion from LahainaFrom $23846 reviews
★ 5.0Key Largo: Molasses Reef Novice to Intermediate DiveFrom $1342 reviews
★ 4.4Kauai: Shore Diving at Koloa Landing, PoipuFrom $1533 reviews

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