FOUNDATION 2-TANK
2 LOCATION DIVE AND SNORKEL
Your South Maui boat diving adventures and education start here with our signature 2-tank/2-location dive. Offered seven days a week, this 3 – 4 hour cruise includes two different locations for two different experiences separated by a surface interval for safety. We at Yonegan Pro-diver are proud to offer “mixed boats” of divers and snorkelers, catering to the needs of both. Passengers also encouraged and welcomed. So if your family or party or friends want to share their ocean experiences above and below the water line, Yonegan Pro-Diver is here for you.
We meet at the foot of the Kihei Boat Ramp, nearest to the street entry. Just look for the big blue boats. Sign-in starts at 6:15 am, with our return to the landing around 10:30 am. Feel free to book online or give us a call at 1-808-875-4004.
DIVE PACKAGE OPTIONS
• 2-Tank Dive $229.00 plus local fees and taxes (w/out regulator, BCD & wetsuit)
• 2-Tank Dive $278.00 plus local fees and taxes (all gear inclusive)
• Must be certified.
• Must have dove within two years of dive day
SNORKEL/PASSENGER PACKAGE
• 2-Site Snorkel $169.00 plus local fees and taxes
• Swimming experienced preferred, but not required
• Life vests, buoyancy belts and/or swimming noodles available upon request
The Captain of the Day and our lead Dive Master will choose the day’s dive sites based on weather conditions, visibility and accessibility. This will be in consultation with you, members of the dive team. So, speak up! Requests are respected, considered and welcome as there are plenty of different dive sites to choose from. If you are diving with us multiple days, we can put you on a different dive site every day!
Our dive sites are listed below:
PRIMARY 2-TANK FOUNDATION DIVE AND SNORKEL SITES
Our dive and snorkel adventures are planned around two primary sites: the world-renowned Molokini Crater and the bountiful Makena Landing. Should either, or both of these be unavailable due to weather conditions, there are many options which provide for a wide variety of ocean exploration experiences.
MOLOKINI CRATER – FeatureD Site
Illuminating, Engaging and Ideal for All Divers and Swimmers
Formed 230,000 years ago–give or take 90,000 years—the Molokini Crater is one of only three existing three-quarter Crescent cinder cone formations in the world. Accessible only by permitted boats, Molokini provides unforgettable encounters in crystal clear water year-round. The amazing array of habitats and features, thrill divers from the newly certified to the most advanced divers world-wide. Your adventure begins at one of 24 inner wall mooring stations: your entry point for fun and exploration. Our most preferred spots include mooring at one (sometimes both) points of the Molokini crescent for a swim to the Back Wall. A Back Wall drift is featured as part of our Tuesday advanced 3-tank dives, reserved for skilled divers with greater than 30 dives and who have been diving within the last six months. A drift is not offered as part of our 2-tank foundation dives.
At the Eastern-most point lies Enenue, a gentle slope dropping to the 60 ‘ range. This site is known for its expansive coral fields and diverse marine life. Nicknamed “the Aquarium” for its abundance of butterflyfish, parrot fish, trigger fish, trumpet fish and puffers. Divers can explore this rich mixture of coral formations, sandy patches, and an abundance of fish species. Swimmers can enjoy the areas where the sea meets the Crater providing ample curiosities only a breath away. Rounding the corner in divots in the Back Wall are cleaning stations, known colloquially as the “shark condos” home to resting White Tip shark.
The Western crescent tip, dividing the inner reef from the Back Wall, known as “Reef’s End” presents a staggering and steep 200’ drop. This site is known for its expansive coral fields and diverse marine life. Divers can explore a mix of coral formations, sandy patches, and an abundance of fish species. The site often offers opportunities to see larger pelagic creatures, including barracuda and the occasional eagle or manta ray. The rare monk seal can be spotted from time to time, as well as the equally elusive whale shark.
But the star of the cruise – rather midway between Molokini and the Kihei boat ramp – are humpback whales between the months of November and April. In addition to their frequent spouts and breaches, the water fairly vibrates with whale song that can be heard for miles.
The Crater has been designated as a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. Those looking upward, you’ll be treated with views of Wedge-tailed shearwaters, Bulwer’s petrels, the occasional Brown boobies and other Frigate birds.
This is a must see while here on Maui!e
The quintessential Crater dive, at depths between 45 to 55 feet, Mid-Reef teams with marine life including trumpet fish, butterfly fish, yellow margin morays, octopi, the big-eye emperor and Hawaii’s State fish – The Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.
Located within the caldera of Molokini this site offers a unique, sheltered diving experience. The shallow waters here are perfect for exploring vibrant coral gardens and encountering a variety of reef fish. The calm conditions make it an excellent choice for divers and swimmers of all skill levels, providing a chance to see endemic species and enjoy a serene underwater environment.
At a maximum depth of 40 feet, Garbanzo presents a beginner divers’ paradise, full of marine life from a spectrum of fish to eels. Great for divers that haven’t dove in a couple of years, or experienced ones looking for a low-intensity, but high-quality dive.
This sand-channel featuring many rock formations, crevasses and young coral is world famous for its abundance of octopi (Tako). Easy to navigate at a maximum depth of around 40 feet, divers have the opportunity to hunt and seek and discover in this more-protected area of Molokini. With luck you’ll encounter the occasional manta ray which prize the elusive octopi and use this area to spawn.
MAKENA LANDING – Featured Site
Protected “All-in-One” Diving and Snorkeling for Turtles, Caves and Arches
Our next most common stop is Makena Landing, aka “Five Graves.” Named for five members of the royal family interred (but later moved) in the hillside above this dive site, is far from scary. In fact, it is in one of the friendliest protected harbors on all Maui. For beginners, this site is a smorgasbord of different encounters all in one place, the best of the best in miniature and manageable for both divers and snorkelers.
This semi enclosed Bay offers two sets of reef “Turtle Towns” where our local Honu – giant green sea turtles rest and play. At the 20’ level, cliffside is a shark cave where White Tip Shark can be found resting during the day – and Turtles enjoy at night. There’s also a “bubble” cave that lies at the end of a narrow underwater lava tube which rises to surface level. Here, divers can remove their masks and regulators – under the supervision of our dive masters, of course.
ALTERNATIVE 2-TANK/2-Site FOUNDATION SITES
In addition to our primary Molokini and Makena Landing sites, Maui offers a wide palette of dive sites providing even more variety permitting a different dive location for every day of the week.
The term “Turtle Town” isn’t geographical or scientific, or even cultural. You won’t find these on any maps. It is a term the identifies a turtle cleaning station where our Honu (Hawaiian for Green Sea Turtle) congregate with some regularity. Turtle cleaning stations are environments such as a reef or coral head that support “cleaner fish” such as damselfish, angelfish, tangs and wrasse. These fish will clean the algae that attach themselves to turtles, slowing them down and damaging their overall health. Turtles will hover near, or at, such turtle towns, not unlike humans going to get their teeth cleaned. This is much to the delight of divers and snorkelers the world over. So, come visit one of the many Maui “turtle towns” to get a “Honu” experience.
This glorious “turtle town” is composed of lava rock reef featuring tropical coral formations, endemic Hawaiian reef fish and an abundance of native marine life including: Milletseed Butterflyfish, Hawaiian Dascyllus, Hawaiian Seargent Major, Chocolate-dip Chromis, Hawaiian Cleaner and Saddle Fish, White Spotted Pufferfish and Potter’s Angelfish. You’ll also find a collection of under-sea pinnacles and a few arches. The “W.P.” provides a top-notch training dive for new divers with enough diversity to satisfy the more experienced hands.
Known in Hawaiian as Pu’u Ola’I, this dive spot is a cinder cone off of the South Coast of Maui formed out of red lava rock. The unique coloration is a treat to the eyes and provides an interesting contrast to our more familiar sea life – pufferfish, trumpetfish, butterflyfish and angelfish. Another “Turtle Town”, Red Hill/Pu’u Ola’i is home to many Honu (giant green sea turtles), zebra eels, and angler fish. The dive is a little deeper and more spread out, offering more of a work-out that leads to great results.
BEYOND THE TURTLE TOWNS
Two Reefs and a Wreck
A small area at a depth of 55 feet, Jody’s backyard is filled with lava ridges and coral mounds. There are also antler coral trees with fish living in and around them. This is a great place to focus on underwater photography.
Just beyond shore diving reach, north of Makena, in 60 ft of water there’s a healthy coral reef topped by picturesque antler coral heads. Calling this site home are schooling snapper and goat fish as well as hard to spot scorpion fish, leaf fish and flounder.
The remains of this World War II F-6-F Hellcat lies in about 35’ feet of water, upside down with its retracted wheels and wings exposed. 100’ feet from the derelict you’ll find its engine and propellor. Scattered damselfish and butterflyfish swim above resident cleaner shrimp.