Pensacola Dive Charters
COME DIVE WITH US
Niuhi Dive Charters offers three types of trips, Recreational, Technical, and Spearfishing. Recreational and Technical divers are permitted to dive on the same charter. Please give Captain Andy a call if you have any special trips in mind, and he can help you set something up.
The Niuhi Dive Boat
SCUBA DIVING IN PENSACOLA
The Niuhi is a 25 foot Sea Cat Catamaran powered by twin Suzuki 150 horsepower 4-stroke engines. It’s a comfortable 6-pack and provides a quick, stable ride to the many available dive locations on the Pensacola Gulf Coast.
The Niuhi is outfitted with redundant electronic systems, VHF radio with built-in DSC locating system, premium Bose stereo, fresh and saltwater rinse down, organized tank stowage, custom dive ladder, a cabin for dry storage and changing, all required coast guard equipment, emergency oxygen and first aid kits. Water and snacks are provided on all dive charters.
The boat is named “Niuhi” (ny-u-ee) which is Hawaiian for Tiger Shark and is the basis for many Hawaiian legends. It was named in honor of a Captain buddy of mine who, while not in the marines, still swims like one.
Recreational Charters
Two and three tank recreational charters are available for up to six divers per trip. Charters can be booked virtually every weekend. Weekday charters are available during the peak Summer months. Recreational charters include a divemaster unless otherwise noted. Cold water and snacks are provided. Please feel free to contact Captain Andy with any questions you have about recreational diving on the Niuhi.
Technical and Rebreather Charters
Technical charters are available for both open circuit and rebreather divers. Most of the true technical diving that takes place in Pensacola, centers on the Oriskany, but there are other wrecks and artificial reefs that may interest folks wishing to dive deeper, or stay longer.
Open circuit divers are generally limited to one set of doubles and one or two stages (depending on the size of the tanks). Closed circuit divers are limited to the same number of stages (again, depending on size). Technical divers booking the entire boat may be permitted to bring additional equipment depending on the total number of divers. Please call Captain Andy for details. Divers wishing to conduct technical dives are required to file a written dive plan with the captain or divemaster. The dive plan should contain the areas you plan to visit, your decompression schedule, and total run time. Please feel free to contact Captain Andy with any questions you have about technical diving on the Niuhi.
Charter Rates
What to Bring
BE PREPARED TO DIVE
Captain Andy provides his charter customers with water, ice, sports drinks, and surface interval snacks. It is very important for you to bring your own sunscreen, seasickness medications, bathing suits, towels, and any prescription medications you may require during the charter.
Seasickness medication is usually most effective if taken the evening BEFORE your charter leaves the dock. It’s sunny on the Pensacola Gulf Coast, so you may also want to bring a wide-brimmed hat, and a long-sleeved rash-guard. You will be required to provide certification card(s) for the dives you are planning, so don’t forget to bring your C-card Obviously you’ll also want to bring your scuba gear.
The scuba equipment that you bring should be appropriate for the dives you are planning. It is not acceptable to show up for a technical dive with single-tank recreational gear. Personal Dive Computers (PDC) are HIGHLY recommended. If you don’t dive with a computer, be sure to remember your tables and a bottom timer. If you need help finding rental gear, please let Captain Andy know as far in advance as possible.
The Niuhi carries no extra dive gear, so if you show up without a regulator, you’re probably not going to dive. It’s also a good idea to bring a small save-a-dive kit, with spare O-rings, batteries, etc. The Captain can help you make arrangements if you need to rent any scuba equipment that you may need for your charter.
Please show up on time, and be prepared to leave the dock 10-15 minutes after the posted charter time. You can save yourself some time by printing and filling out the waiver before you come to the boat. We have space for your dive bags and boxes but please pack reasonably.
Please assemble your scuba unit at one of the tank holders. Some people assemble their gear before they board, which is good too! Let the crew know if you have any special requests, we’ll try our best to accommodate you.
Divemasters work for tips, and the customary gratuity for a dive charter is 20% of trip cost. If you feel the crew went the extra mile to make your day fun and safe, please show your appreciation at the tip jar.
- Dive Certification Cards
- Scuba gear
- Personal Dive Computers or Tables and Watch
- Sunscreen
- Seasickness medications
- Swimming suits
- Towels
- Prescription medications you may require
- Save-a-dive kit
- Spare batteries
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Long-sleeved rash-guard
If you need help finding rental gear, please let Captain Andy know as far in advance as possible. The Niuhi carries no extra dive gear, so if you show up without a regulator, you’re probably not going to dive.
Please show up on time, and be prepared to leave the dock 10-15 minutes after the posted charter time. You can save yourself some time by printing and filling out the waiver before you come to the boat.
We have space for your dive bags and boxes but please pack reasonably.
Please assemble your scuba unit at one of the tank holders. Some people assemble their gear before they board, which is good too!
Let the crew know if you have any special requests, we’ll try our best to accommodate you.
Divemasters work for tips, and the customary gratuity for a dive charter is 20%. If you feel the crew went the extra mile to make your day fun and safe, please show your appreciation at the tip jar.
THE FINE PRINT
All cancellations must be made within 48 hours of dock time to receive a full refund. Any special considerations are determined by the captain. A Divemaster is always on the boat, however, if you would like a private Divemaster for safety and touring purposes we can arrange that for you. Additional fees for private Divemasters are set by the individual professionals. Divemasters may vary in price depending on availability and the services requested. All passengers aboard the Niuhi are required to read, understand, and execute a liability release.