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Aqua Zone Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Categories: Active Life Diving Active Life Boating Diving, Boating [Edit]
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa2335 Kalakaua Ave, Ste 112
Honolulu, HI 96815
Neighborhood: Waikiki
(808) 923-3483
Yelp Deals
$40 for $50 Deal at Aqua Zone Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
- Promotion lasts for 1 year from date of purchase. After that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid, less any value you may have received. Not valid with other certificates or offers. Certificate can only be used for services, not retail products. Only 1 certificate(s) can be purchased and redeemed per person. Up to 3 can be purchased as gifts for others. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.
- Reg. Price $50
- Discount 20%
- Savings $10
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
23 reviews for Aqua Zone Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
23 reviews in English
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Review from Chris A.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2011 1 photo
I've used Aquazone on 5 separate trips now to Honolulu. I found them via PADI website. The crew is top-knotch ... always very helpful and friendly, and constantly conscious of safety. I've been on small boats with as few as 5 of us diving, and also larger boats when there are a dozen or so people snorkeling above while we divers are below.
The reefs in Hawaii are not near as large or as colorful as the Caribbean. But the sites are great year round, including some great wrecks - the Corsair, and the Sea Tiger.
My favorites are Dive Master Travis, and boat captain Ryan. Super friendly guys, who have guided us on many dives. And I've also been guided by others good people of their staff ... all of them very professional and thorough.
And the best part, still being a relative novice diver (32), they handle all the equipment for us, so we get to relax and enjoy the sites on the dive. If you're going to dive from Honolulu, I highly recommend Aquazone. -
Review from Amy C.
Financial District, San Francisco, CA
3/11/2012
I was told to come at 1130am. Showed up at 1126am and the boat lefties without me. Another boat radio them, response was I was a little late so they left. Doesn't make sense to me. Read other bad Yelp review but who knew it would be this bad. Guess I have to ask Groupon for my money back. Lame!
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Review from Jacqueline V.
Santa Ana, CA
11/6/2011
It was my first time snorkeling (first time doing anything in the ocean, actually), and I'm glad that my first time was with Aqua Zone.
The boat is a bit hard to find, but just give them a call, and they will give you good directions. The people running the boat are very friendly and understanding. They explained everything in great detail, and I didn't feel rushed at all.
If you feel uneasy in the water, you can get a life jacket and boogie board to help keep you afloat. I'd recommend the boogie board because it gets tiring trying to stay afloat.
We only saw 3 turtles, and we weren't allowed to touch them. As you can tell, there wasn't much action happening, so things got pretty boring after 15 minutes. This was a little disappointing.
On the ride back, we saw a lot of dolphins and flying fish, which was enough to satisfy me.
It was a fun and relaxing activity. I enjoyed it and will probably go snorkeling again, but next time I will choose something with more to look at than just turtles. -
Review from Michelle T.
South San Francisco, CA
2/16/2012
The staff is awesome! Finding the boat was a bit of a challenge, plan accordingly! Overall, the experience was great. The scuba gear is all included. I didn't feel like scuba diving, so I was able to layout take pictures and enjoy the ride. The kids enjoyed it very much. They offer light drinks and snacks. I would highly recommend Aqua Zone, staff is very personable and experienced dealing with newbies like me or regular scuba divers. My family had a blast! We look forward to snorkling with Aqua zone again.
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Review from Russ B.
Irvine, CA
9/29/2011
My family of and I had a fantastic time with the guys from Aqua Zone. Three of my family are not certified and completed the free pool training with Daryn followed by a two tank boat dive. The dive spot was excellent, the variety of sea life amazing, turtles, tons of fish, eels, frog fish, puffer fish and octopus.
The thing I most appreciated about Daryn, other than his sense of humor, was during boat ride to the dive spot he told my daughter (14) once in the water she will be stuck to him at all times which he did. Daryn never separated from her which put me at ease.
Ryan our other guide was an awesome photographer, the CD was money well spent. Most of the photos look like they belong in a dive magazine.
The staff, dive, equipment exceeded all my expectations. I will definitely visit Aqua Zone on my next trip to Oahu. -
Review from Iva G.
San Diego, CA
2/16/2012
I would recommend Aqua Zone to anyone:) I visited Honolulu to get my Advanced Open Water Diver Certification,and after an extensive research, I picked Aqua Zone as my dive shop. I had a great experience with them, everybody was very nice and friendly,their equipment is good shape, they have two boats,and most of the Dive Masters and Instructors were girls! My instructor Christina was awesome, she paid so much attention to me and made me feel so confident and comfortable:) They also do snorkeling and sunset fireworks tours, you should check them out!
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Review from Kara S.
Seattle, WA
11/10/2011
These guys are amazing!
This was my first time snorkeling, as well as my family's, and it was definitely not as terrifying as I thought it was going to be. They had various flotation devices for you to use if floating in the open ocean wasn't your thing, and were very friendly and helpful. We saw sea turtles from the very start, up until we left. There were tons of fish, big and small. It was a truly amazing experience!
We were late getting to the boat, and the guys waited for us to get there before departing. How many places would do that? Thus, this adds to the 5-star rating.
Keep up the good work guys! We'll definitely be back! -
Review from Fernando M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/1/2011
May 15, 2011
Had a great time with the guys at Aquazone! Great attitudes, love for diving, and beautiful sites made this a great trip. Book multiple days of diving, and SAVE $$$$!!!! Dive Masters Ryan & Francis were awesome! Small boats = Small groups = more 1 on 1 attention. I will be back!!! See you guys soon!!! -
Review from Lisa Y.
New York, NY
8/31/2011
I can't believe I had been looking for you guys on PADI's website and for some reason couldn't find you but lo and behold after I pick another dive shop, found you!
Our trip in September 2010 found me booking a 3 day dive package from Aqua Zone. The crew was fantastic. We had a great time chatting, checking out the sites and our dive masters/captains were fantastic. Knowledgeable and fun! LOTS of sea life, great photos and Corsair was awesome. We'll definitely be booking with you again another year since we hope to come every year! -
Review from Arlene P.
3/2/2011
I was staying at the Marriott Beach Resort where Aqua Zone is located and I was able to take their free introductory scuba lesson in the pool.
Can I just say that from Leah who signed me up, to Francis who did the dry land and hands on pool training, to the friendly and understanding Devon the Owner, Aquazone was a great experience!
Unfortunately, I scheduled my day badly and wasn't able to go on the real dive, but I recommend this highly for any new scuba diver. I had never been before, but they made me feel very comfortable and I feel like I learned a lot. I reallly wish I had been able to go on the dive with my people that I learned with.
Anyhow, when I do go back and am ready for a dive, I will go to Aqua Zone first. I suggest that you do too. :) -
Review from Lisa B.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2011
Aqua Zone is a great place for scuba diving and I was very happy with my experience here. Not only was the staff really helpful and knowledgeable, but they were really fun too. Our instructor added the perfect amount of humor to the "textbook" part of the dive lesson, making it educational and memorable. He also took a lot of time working with the two girls in our group who were really nervous/having hesitations about diving, and made sure they felt absolutely comfortable in the water and in their scuba gear.
My group did the Beginner Dives in Koko Crater. Both dives were awesome and we saw abundant reef life, including several turtles. Our instructor took amazing photos of our dive and the photo CD is well worth its very reasonable cost. While the best part of the experience were the actual dives, the crew on the boat were pretty great as well. At times just talking and joking around with the guys was almost as fun as diving!
My friend (a certified diver) and I looked into several options for scuba diving on O'ahu, and by far Aqua Zone had the best price and service (PADI, free beginner lesson, full equipment use included in the quoted price, transportation and two dives in one day!). I recommend Aqua Zone 100% and I will definitely dive with them again if I have the chance.
Also, remember that if you like your dives, TIP your boat crew and TIP THEM WELL! They do everything for your dive so all you have to do is enjoy your time underwater. -
Review from Gina N.
San Diego, CA
3/15/2012
Did the living social Turtle snorkeling trip. Had a great time. Every one on the staff was friendly and would help you if you needed. They all seem to enjoy their jobs. Saw plenty of turtles and other sea life.
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Review from Kayla S.
Kailua, HI
11/10/2010
The BEST dive and snorkel tours on island. I am a certified diver and go several times a year and this is the only company I dive with. The crew on the boat is fun and I feel safe with them. They always keep an eye out for everyone underwater which is nice (even if I am certified!)
Aqua Zone is excellent for beginners or first time divers because of the pool dive they offer. (The morning before you dive in the ocean, they take you up to the Marriott pool and you put on all the gear and practice.) This is SO great for people who have never been diving. My mom nearly had a heart attack she was so frightened, but we were able to convince her to do the pool and then she was comfortable enough for the ocean. She LOVED it! (And I was completely shocked she did it.)
There are a lot of different dive locations and where you go depends on the weather and the group. But you will always see fish and almost always see turtles too! One time we saw a shark....lucky for my fellow divers it's too hard for me to scream underwater or I would've.
For our friends that we can't convince to go scuba diving, they have a new snorkeling trip that rocks. It's on a big catamaran that leaves from Kewalo. (And unlike those maitai cruises they actually let you sit on the net!) This is one of my favorite things to do because it doesn't take as much prep as scuba and the site is awesome. It's like a turtle zoo under the water and I love following the turtles! Plus the anchor spot is right out from Waikiki so you get a great view of the strip. One time we even followed a pod of dolphins on the boat. That never gets old!
I recommend this trip to all of our friends and family who come to visit. It doesn't matter if you're a tourist or a local - diving and snorkeling trips are fun! -
Review from Eric O.
San Jose, CA
3/31/2011
I stopped in and did a 2-tank boat dive with Aqua Zone when I was visiting Waikiki Beach. The staff was what I expected and hoped for: Relaxed, entertaining and competent.
We dove the Navy F4 Corsair and then one dive along the reef. The crew helped rinse everyone's gear, which was a nice touch.
If you're looking for a smaller-scale dive charter, check these folks out. -
Review from Beecher W.
Terre Haute, IN
4/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Talk about flexible,. At the last minute my 14 year old ( excellent competitive swimmer) decides he wants to dive for his early birthday present. They took him down to the pool for training and the free intro class at the Marriot pool. Francis did a great job of bringing up to speed.
However, he was in the process of moving back to Seattle and we do not have any pics of my son's first dive. -
Review from Terry L.
Bothell, WA
3/5/2011
My gf and I are both first time divers so we decided to go with aqua zone as they had a free intro class at the Marriot beach resort swimming pool. I strongly suggest the free class as it gives you the opportunity to try out the gear before you do the real thing. If you do not feel comfortable in the pool, why go out to the ocean?!?!
Devon the owner gave us a good understanding of Scuba Diving and Francis who did the training and dive with us was very helpful. My gf and I felt comfortable the whole time with the great staff crew at Aqua Zone. The dive location was also great, we saw 3-4 sea turtles, octopus, and a white-tip reef shark. Francis took some awesome pictures which are available for 35 dollars. -
Review from Jennie O.
Riverside, CA
11/21/2011
Great service and prices. Equipment was in great shape. I will totally use them again.
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Review from Debora L.
5/23/2011
Fantastic experience. My fiance and I were first time divers, and the free intro course in the 7 foot pool at the Marriott was great. We started by filling out waivers, then sat through a speedy 30 minute crash course before donning tanks, weight-belts, and masks to practice "diving" around the pool for 30 minutes.
Then, we headed out to the Honolulu harbor for 2 dive sites. Each dive was about 30-40 minutes (less time if you're a larger person - you use up air faster) with a max depth of 40 feet. Since we were new, we dove with one other inexperienced person and one guide who was watching us like a hawk, constantly adjusting and giving us tips so that we could maximize the experience. Thanks, Dylan!
My impressions and tips were:
- Diving is the complete opposite of swimming. I'm a swimmer by nature and swimmers want to FLOAT: look at the bottom of the pool, kick from the hips, coordinate arms in front of you (superman), and belly up. Diving is the opposite: neck up, gaze in front, kick from the knees, arms at your side, and back arched as if you were pregnant, You'll sink more, which is the point of diving!
- Popping my ears every 3 seconds helped me acclimate to the pressure more comfortably.
- If you have a small mouth like I do, the mouth gauges don't fit and you need to remember to press it manually against your lips. Otherwise you break seal and start inhaling water (salty)
- You truly cannot control your limbs during the first dive.
- It's colder in the water than you think. Wet suit is necessary no matter how warm the water is in Hawaii.
- you cannot dive if you're flying 18 hours or less afterwards!
- in case it's not apparent, one free 3-hour course does NOT equal certification afterwards
I highly recommend doing both dives (two tank); the first one is awkward and you're still learning how to breathe and maneuver. The second was fantastic - saw sea turtles! - and was much easier to control my limbs.
Other perks:
- boat has free beer and snacks!
- for $35 you can purchase a digital copy of your photos. Highly recommended because even if you have your own camera, you likely will not be taking pictures of yourself while you're underwater
- bring a swimsuit, snacks if you want (no meals provided from 9am until 3:30pm)
- all equipment provided
I'd totally do it again! Thanks for a wonderful vacation experience!Listed in: the active life, mahalo
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Review from Patricia F.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2008
Great place to rent (or buy) beach, snorkel and scuba gear. Super-convenient if you're staying in the Marriott, since it's in the hotel complex.
At various times during the week I rented chairs, an umbrella, a snorkel set, and a boogie board. The staffer, Nathalie, was helpful and friendly. The equipment was clean and in good condition.
Prices were about half that of the rental kiosk on the beach itself, and Aqua Zone has a broader selection.
If you want scuba gear, they suggest calling in advance to make sure they have what you need in stock. -
Review from Michael H.
San Diego, CA
10/24/2011
After booking reservations online we had everything setup to enjoy a trip. As we went to Duke's the previous night we head over to that location about an half hour early to the aqua zone location by Outriggers expecting to get picked up. The staff there was friendly and told us to just wait in front of the store and the bus would be there shortly to pick us up. Around an hour later we get told that maybe the bus would was late as it could have had an accident or something else.
Apparently we find out that the bus doesn't go to that location? (not sure why we were told to wait there). So we are told there is the location at Marriotts and that maybe we should try there as it's the main location. Upon arrival it's closed for another 3 hours and can not get ahold of anyone. Unfortunately our cell phones were left in our room so we would not get them wet on the trip. There were two missed calls on my voice mail. The 1st was from approx 30 min before are arrival time, I listen to the voice mail to make sure we didn't screw up, the voice mail doesn't bother to give a location of where to go to get picked up. I double check the website and states they have two location. At this point I'm starting to get really bothered. I listen to the second voice mail and it was the bus driver who at least stated we were not in front of the hotel, at least someone finally gave an actual location. My girlfriend calls back to try to clear everything up and gets yelled at by a male employee. Seriously??? We get yelled at and treated with attitude after all this? We were told by the company's employee to wait at the location and we would get picked up in front of their location. I'm honestly in shock that the employee continued to yell at her over the phone. Usually I can not hear what is said when she is on the phone but I can clearly hear the employee continue to blame her for going to the wrong location and saying everything is completely her fault. She asked why she was never informed and why the employee at the other store couldn't have cleared it up or informed us to possibly go to the other location, she never was able to get a clear answer.
So in short after waiting over 2 hours, we were never even able to go on our trip. It appears that we are able to be rebooked and I'd love to give a positive score if it's a good experience. From previous yelp reviews it appears highly potential but at this point based off the customer service, I've already been extremely disappointed. -
Review from Kheng Y.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2011
Get your scuba or snorkel gear here!
We rented ours from here, and the gear was top notch. Service was friendly. Great value too.
Absolutely fantastic! -
Review from Paige G.
Baton Rouge, LA
4/14/2011
I had a wonderful experience with this shop. Jason was the dive master and was awesome! He gave a safety talk at the beginning and went over all the hand signals and equipment. You hold onto a line for the dives, so it's great for beginner/shaky divers. We dove the Corsair and the Koko Craters, both awesome! At the craters we saw several green sea turtles, Jason was able to get a few pictures with me and the turtle! I highly recommend these guys!
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Review from Nhia X.
Long Beach, CA
8/24/2010
This was my first time being out in the open water with nothing but a snorkel and fins plus a boogie board and life vest... lol But it really was an amazing experiance. Except I freaked out but after that I was totally fine ( after I got the boogies board and puffed up life vest) I got back in the water and swimmed around for a bit. And than I got sick. They are great and price is reasonable. Good place to snorkel.
