My first time scuba diving. I chose Banyan Tree. They had great communication. Diving Instructor Simon was perfect…. Calm, informative, and gave great instructions. I’ve done lots of snorkeling and am comfortable in the water. Simon stayed close throughout the dive, checking in often to make sure I was okay and remembered everything he taught us. Safety is very important. He made me feel very comfortable and safe the entire experience—which was wonderful!!!! Thanks so much!!! Can’t wait to do it again!
Quick Details
- No certification needed
- Gear included
- Small groups
PLEASE NOTE:
Before scuba diving, every non-certified diver must complete the required PADI medical questionnaire honestly and accurately. Depending on your answers, additional evaluation or medical clearance from a physician may be required before diving.
Please review the medical questionnaire before making your reservation.
Beginner Scuba Dive
cost is per person
$ 159
Two-Dive Package
cost is per person
$ 288
Never been scuba diving before? You’re in the right place.
Banyan Tree Divers specializes in introducing first-time divers to Maui’s underwater world. Your professional scuba instructor will teach you the essential safety skills, help you become comfortable breathing underwater, and guide you step by step through your first ocean dive from a beach in Kaanapali.
No scuba certification or previous diving experience is required. We keep our groups small so your instructor can give you personal attention and let you progress at a comfortable pace.
Your scuba equipment is included and will be ready when you arrive. Then it’s time to explore Maui’s coral reef and look for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, tropical reef fish, moray eels, octopuses, and other local marine life.
Ready to try scuba diving in Maui?
Beginner Scuba Dive in Kaanapali
$159 per person · Approximately 2 hours · Ages 10+
Want more time underwater?
Add a second dive and extend your experience to approximately 4 hours.
Two-Dive Package
$288 per person · Approximately 4 hours · Ages 10+
For guests who want more time underwater, a second dive can be added at checkout.
Already scuba certified? Explore our guided Maui shore dives for certified divers.
What Your First Scuba Dive Is Like
Your day begins at a pre-selected West Maui dive site, where you’ll meet your instructor, get fitted with your equipment, and complete a thorough safety briefing. Before entering the ocean, you’ll learn the essential skills and hand signals and practice becoming comfortable breathing underwater.
Your instructor will guide you through each step at a comfortable pace. Once you’re ready, you’ll gradually descend into shallow water and begin exploring Maui’s reef.
There is no rush to descend.
You’ll first practice breathing through your regulator while floating comfortably at the surface. Once you feel ready, your instructor will help you descend into shallow water and practice a few confidence-building skills.
Only after everyone is comfortable do you begin exploring the reef.
For many first-time divers, simply realizing that they can breathe calmly underwater is the moment when nervousness turns into excitement.
Small Groups and Patient Instruction
Trying scuba for the first time can feel exciting—and a little intimidating.
That’s why beginner dives at Banyan Tree Divers are designed around personal attention rather than rushing people into the water.
Your instructor stays with you throughout the experience, helps you become comfortable with each skill, and adjusts the pace to the group. You don’t need to arrive already feeling confident underwater. Helping new divers gain that confidence is part of the experience.
If you’re nervous about trying scuba, tell your instructor. We want to know.
What First-Time Divers Say About Banyan Tree Divers
5 Star Testimonial – Excellent Dive
- Shane, the scuba instructor, was very patient with those of us who had no experience. He was really knowledgeable about the fish and pointed out points of interest. Overall, it was a great experience, and he was a great dive master. Would definitely recommend this activity!
- Leigh J | Tripadvisor
5 Star Testimonial – Safety Focused
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- Barb D | Google Reviews
5 Star Testimonial – Amazing Diving
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My wife and I are both certified but haven’t gone diving in years. We also had our 16-year-old daughter with us, who was diving for the first time. Sean was great at getting us all ready to dive in confidently in a short period of time. We saw a couple of turtles and a lot of fish at the first site. The second dive stole the show. So many turtles, different varieties of fish, a reef shark, and a couple of eagle rays. We will definitely dive with Banyan Tree Divers again when we are in Maui.
- South Texas Poker | Google Reviews
What You’ll See While Scuba Diving in Kaanapali
West Maui’s reefs are home to an extraordinary variety of Hawaiian marine life.
Depending on conditions and wildlife on the day of your dive, you may encounter:
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, butterflyfish, cornetfish, moray eels, octopuses, and many other colorful reef species.
During Maui’s winter whale season, divers may even hear Humpback Whale songs underwater.
Wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed, of course—but finding out what happens to swim past is part of the fun.
What’s Included
- Professional scuba instructor
- Small-group beginner scuba experience
- Scuba equipment rental
- Mask, wetsuit, boots, and fins
- Safety briefing and underwater skills instruction
- Guided ocean dive
- No scuba certification required
- Optional second dive
- Optional underwater photography package
Is This Beginner Scuba Dive Right for Me?
This experience is designed for non-certified divers ages 10 and older who want to try scuba diving in Maui.
No previous scuba experience is necessary.
Guests do need to be able to swim unassisted in the deep ocean. Banyan Tree Divers currently recommends a private diving experience for guests with a novice level of swimming ability.
If you’re already scuba certified, this isn’t the best tour for you. Instead, visit our Guided Maui Shore Dives for Certified Divers.
Beginner Scuba Diving FAQ
Do I need to be scuba certified?
No. This experience is specifically designed for people with little or no previous scuba experience. You do not need to be scuba certified.
Your instructor will teach you the basic safety procedures and skills you need before entering the water.
I’ve never scuba dived before. Can I still do this?
Yes. That’s exactly who this experience is designed for.
Your instructor starts from the beginning and gives you time to become comfortable with the equipment and breathing underwater before the dive begins.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. Participants must be able to swim unassisted in deep ocean water.
If you are not a confident swimmer, contact Banyan Tree Divers before booking. A private scuba experience may be more appropriate depending on your swimming ability.
Is beginner scuba diving safe?
Scuba diving involves inherent risks, which is why instruction and proper procedures matter.
Before entering the water, your instructor provides a safety briefing, explains the equipment and hand signals, and has you practice essential skills in a controlled progression.
You won’t simply put on a tank and be taken underwater.
What equipment is included?
Your scuba equipment is included with the experience. The current tour includes rental equipment such as a mask, wetsuit, dive boots, and fins.
How old do I have to be?
The minimum age for this beginner scuba dive is 10 years old.
Do I need a medical clearance to scuba dive?
Before participating, non-certified divers must review and complete the required PADI medical questionnaire.
Certain answers or medical conditions may require clearance from a physician before you are allowed to dive.
Please review the medical questionnaire before making your reservation, particularly if you have an existing health condition or take medications that could affect your ability to scuba dive safely.
REVIEW THE PADI MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Can I fly or visit Haleakalā after scuba diving?
You need to allow adequate time after scuba diving before flying or traveling to significant elevation.
This is especially important on Maui because many popular activities—including visiting Haleakalā and traveling through higher-elevation areas—can take you well above sea level.
For the Two-Dive Package, Banyan Tree Divers instructs guests not to fly or travel above 1,000 feet for at least 18 hours after diving.
Is this a scuba certification course?
No.
This beginner dive allows you to experience scuba with an instructor, but it does not make you a certified scuba diver.
If you decide you love diving and want to become certified, Banyan Tree Divers offers PADI scuba certification courses in Maui.
Want More Time Underwater?
If one dive doesn’t sound like enough, choose the Two-Dive Package when you book.
Your first dive lets you become familiar with the equipment and the feeling of breathing underwater. Many new divers find that they are significantly more relaxed on their second dive because the experience no longer feels unfamiliar.
Two-Dive Package: $288 per person
Prefer a Private Experience?
If you’d rather dive only with your own family, partner, or group, Banyan Tree Divers also offers private scuba diving in Kaanapali.
A private experience can be especially appealing for families, nervous first-time divers, groups with varying comfort levels, or anyone who wants more individual attention.
Certified already?
Want just your group?
Want to become certified?
Ready to Try Scuba Diving in Maui?
You don’t need a certification.
You don’t need previous scuba experience.
You only need to be ready to try something new.
Join Banyan Tree Divers for a small-group beginner scuba dive in Kaanapali and experience Maui from an entirely different perspective.
Beginner Scuba Dive — $159 per person
Ages 10+ • Equipment included
Questions before you book? Call or text (808) 446-6099.