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Travel Notes - Hawaii
Bruce Praet (Santa Ana, California) noticed that Sandwich
Isle Divers on Kona was not mentioned in the Travel Diver's Chapbook
and thought it was a disservice to the diving community.
He admits that six prior trips to various Hawaiian islands
had resulted in only average to good diving, but this year he returned
to dive with Steve Myklebust at Sandwich Isle Divers and found Steve
"not only personable, but with a degree in marine biology.
With over 10,000 dives under his belt, he knows the
Kona Coast. Limiting his boats to six divers (or less), it's like
a private charter instead of the cattle boats operating elsewhere
on the Island. When asked for manta rays, octopus, eels, frogfish,
and other specific requests, he delivered."
My husband and son dove with Sandwich Isle Divers. My husband has not
done a lot of diving, my son has. Both of them were thrilled with Sandwich
Isle. They made my husband comfortable, yet at the same time managed
to test and certify my son for his advanced diving certificate. My husband
says “You may find dive shops that are more “polished”
but you’ll never find one that makes you feel more comfortable
than Sandwich Isle and works harder on making sure you have a great
dive. The fact that they never take out more than 6 divers max and always
have at least two dive leaders on the trip make them an exceptional
deal.” One of the dives they did was the manta ray dive, which
they both loved. Seven manta rays showed up the night they did it. On
my son’s final day of diving, dolphins swam with them. I know all
about the controversy regarding swimming with dolphins, but in this
case, the divers were already diving and the dolphins appeared and kept
buzzing them.
Marilyn Anderson
Why not come dive with us yourself?
For more information
or reservations email
us
or call us toll-free at
1-888-743-DIVE!
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"You certainly cater to your divers
and it makes the experience unforgettable. Thank again."
Jim & Diane Yoder,
Coolidge, AZ
"Each
dive offers something new: turtles, octopus, manta rays. And with Steve's
personalized attention, you see it all!"
Jenn Todd, Berkeley, CA
"The
Manta Ray Night Dive and [diving at] Puako were the definite highlights
of our trip! I am so glad that we chose to come to Kona. I have never
felt so welcome!"
Cynthia Cozy, San Jose,
CA
"Diving
with Sandwich Isle Divers is like diving with family. Your expertise
with managing a dive trip and finding sea life coupled with a maximum
of six divers makes it feel like a private charter. I can’t wait to
dive with you again."
Mike Porter, Vallejo,
Ca
We
loved Sandwich Isle Divers for their small boat group. This was my first
boat dive, and although I read up on what to be aware of, having Captain
Steve and his divemasters to guide me through the steps was perfect.
Christine Tang,, Mountain House, CA
I
had a great time on my multiple dives with Sandwich Isle. This is not
like diving on a company dive boat - it's like diving with your friends
Niel
Canavan
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"
Steve and his crew gave me a thoroughly professional and well done scuba-learning
experience. I first met them when I wanted to try scuba and took an
introductory dive with them. Although somewhat nervous, the confidence
and thoroughness I observed in them and in the way they treated me immediately
put me at ease. I was totally taken care of and I felt completely safe
the whole time. I came back to Kona as a referral after I took my open
water course on the mainland and decided to finish my open water certificate
with them. Again, I was extremely well cared for. I had the intention
of trying out different areas with different companies, but they took
such good care of me, I couldn’t see stopping the fun! The crew
was very knowledgeable and helpful. I learned so much and decided I
wanted to keep learning with them. By the time my vacation was over,
I had earned my advanced certificate, and came away with a strong will
and desire to dive as much as I am able. I received a totally positive
experience. On the mainland, the dive shop tried very hard to “sell”
me equipment and lessons. Steve and the crew took a totally different
tact. They educated me as much as possible and left me to make up my
own mind and even counseled waiting to buy high priced items until I
got more experience and knew exactly what I wanted. Integrity AND knowledge!
What a great deal and something I don’t get to see too much. I
will be back to dive with this crew as often as my wallet permits. Excellent."
Kim Theis, Turlock, Ca.
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