FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please visit our Be Prepared page to learn more about age, height and health/weight requirements and restrictions.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Book online, instantly see live ability 24/7 by clicking the "BOOK ONLINE NOW" button above. If it says "CALL TO BOOK" it is likely full, please select a different day or time or call us if your schedule is not very flexible and we may be able to add another trip for you or add you to a waitlist. We recommend booking the earliest time available in the day. And considering that we are heavily reliant on weather, we also recommend booking a dive at the beginning of your trip (if you're visiting Hawaii) in case we need to reschedule your dive with us due to less-than-ideal weather conditions. We hope to dive with you soon. ALOHA!
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT OR HEIGHT LIMIT FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PELAGIC PROGRAM?
There is no age or height limit to come onboard the vessel. However, participants must be at least 4ft tall to get into the water. We require persons under 80lbs to bring an additional life vest that fits snuggly. We are not able to care for infants or tiny children, please leave them in the care of a loved one on land while you enjoy your time out at sea with us.
HOW DO I PREVENT SEASICKNESS?
Make sure to get enough rest the night before and take antiemetic medicine the night before as well as 1 hour before boarding the boat. Dramamine is a commmon over-the-counter antiemetic pill that helps treat and prevent the symptoms of motion sickness. Avoid eating and drinking any acidic foods and beverages, like coffee, oranges and orange juice and alcohol. If you start to feel sea sickness while on the boat look a the horizon, drink water and chew on ginger (up to you to bring on board).
CAN YOU GUARANTEE SAFETY IN THE WATER?
Because it is an open ocean (no cage) and uncontrolled environment we cannot guarantee safety. There are occasionally jellyfish, sharks, and other wild animals. The owners and all current crew do however have a 100% safety record and we have taken hundreds of thousands of people out in the ocean with zero incidents for over twenty years (owners have operated for over twenty years, crew go through a minimum of one year training) however it is a wild environment so we cannot and do not guarantee your safety. We have the most experienced, professionally trained, and medically certified safety divers/marine biologists/divemasters in the water with you at all times. They are specifically trained in Hawaii for this specific area and conditions and they are the first ones in the water and the last ones out. Please check out our "MEET OUR TEAM" page and youtube videos if you're intrested in learning more about a few of our team members.
IʻM NOT A GOOD SWIMMER, CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?
Yes, you can still participate, however we strongly encourage you to practice swimming and specifically using a snorkel beforehand. We have a divemaster in the water at all times as well as a floating safety line attached to the side of the boat that you can hold onto. Please do not be shy and please be sure to let the divemaster and captain know that you are not confident in your swimming abilities! Safety is our number one priority! We do recommend you try snorkeling before signing up, if at all possible, to be able to enjoy our experience to the fullest. If you are not comfortable snorkeling, please consider joining us on the boat as a "Ride Along."
DO I NEED ANY PREVIOUS DIVE EXPERIENCE?
You do not need any previous dive experience, it is NOT a scuba dive. It is a snorkel with the opportunity to swim down, but you do not need to swim below the surface if you donʻt want to. the water is usually at least 70+ft visability and you can see everything from the surface.
CAN I BRING MY OWN CAMERA/GOPRO?
YES! However, small hand held cameras are not permitted in the water and GoPros are only permitted in the water if they are mounted on a dark colored pole at least 6 inches in length. We do have some GoPro poles on board if you donʻt own one that can be borrowed for free, however, the poles are older and we will not be held liable if the pole breaks and you loose your GoPro.
We do offer video and photography package options and you can learn more about the options avaialble for each tour when you click the button below.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A WETSUIT?
A wetsuit is not required or needed for this program, but a rash guard is recommended for sun and jellyfish protection. We also provide rash guards for you to use, just ask when you board. If you get cold easily we recommend bringing a wetsuit.
WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO BE AT THE HARBOR?
You should arrive at least 10 minutes before departure (your trip time). If you need to use the restroom there is one available near the exit of the harbor (we DON"T have restrooms on the boat). Please wait by the white fish scale on the loading area closest to Haleiwa Joes Restaurant, just to the right of the single launch ramp. You can also wait by our blue "One Ocean Diving" kiosk. You should be able to see it as soon as you pull in the the harbor.
THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DEPARTURE/NO SHOWS/PEOPLE THAT ARE LATE DUE TO TRAFFIC.
Please be sure to allow extra time for traffic. We take only 6 people, space is very limited and many people book months in advance. Please just make sure to give yourself extra time to make it on time.
DO WE NEED TO BRING OUR OWN MASK AND FINS?
No, we provide high quality mask and fins for you and eco-friendly defog solution.
HOW LONG DOES THE TRIP LAST?
Trips are exactly 1 hour and 40 minutes. Please show up early/on time to maximize your time in the water.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE DIVE LOCATION?
The boat ride to the dive location is about 15 minutes. During the ride out you will look for dolphins, whales (November-May), Honu (sea turtles), monk seals and other ocean life. You will get a very thorough educational briefing on shark and marine life behavior on the way out, including safety rules/guidelines on how to be as respectful and safe as possible while sharing the water in close proximity to large marine animals, specifically sharks.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I GET IN THE WATER?
About 45-60 minutes depending on animal behavior, weather conditions, group sizing, abilities and time taken donning gear and getting into the water.
CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE IF I HAVE OPEN CUTS OR AM ON MY PERIOD?
You will be fine. The animals' behavior is not affected by human blood. If it makes you feel better: most of our marine biologists/divemasters/in-water safety divers are females that work year around, every single day in the water with sharks.
HOW MANY SHARKS WILL I SEE?
We guarantee that you will see a shark while you are in the water or we will issue a full refund! We cannot guarantee how many or what species will be present as the environment is constantly changing. The average number of sharks seen per trip ranges from:
6-20 sandbar sharks, 2-15 galapgaos Sharks, 1 if a tiger shark is present (seen on average once a month), 1-40 scalloped hammerheads are seen (more rare than the tiger sharks)
Whale sharks, great white sharks (white sharks), mako sharks, silky sharks, oceanic White tips, oceanic Black tips have all been observed while on our trips. However, these sharks are EXTREMELY rare and cannot be seen on a regular basis.
HOW MANY GUESTS CAN COME ON THE BOAT?
The maximum amount of guests per tour is 6 for your safety, comfort and for the highest quality intimate setting and an extremely fun and educational experience.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY/NO SHOW/ LATE ARRIVAL POLICY
Due to the high demand and very limited spaces (6 persons max) and the cost to run the vessel and program, we do not issue any refunds for no shows/late/cancellations for any reason within 24 hours of your scheduled departure. If you think you may not be able to make your scheduled departure please reschedule prior to 24 hours before departure by calling or texting 808-649-0018. You must make sure that the call or text is recieved and verified with a verbal response or text back! The same applies for an email cancellation at oneoceandiving@gmail.com
Office hours from 8am-4:00pm HST
WHAT OTHER MARINE LIFE WILL WE SEE BESIDES SHARKS?
We look for dolphins, whales (November-May), Honu (sea turtles), monk seals, Malolo (flying fish), Boobie birds, and if you're really lucky you'll see the fascinating and elusive @JUANSHARKS.
CAN I FLY MY DRONE?
Unfortunately it is a company policy we cannot allow use of drones on board for safety reasons. There is a possibilty someone may be hit, our boats are rather small, and the north shore tends to be very windy. Exceptions can sometimes be made for private charters, contact our office for details.