Lanai Cathedrals 2-Tank Private Scuba Charter

The Cathedrals are large underwater caverns formed by lava flows along Lana'i's coast, adorned with natural arches and tunnels. Sunlight filtering through openings in the lava tubes creates a stained-glass effect, much like a grand cathedral. Your guides are well versed in leading divers through the Cathedrals.

Your dive plan is customized to your group and the day's conditions. Options include:

• First Cathedral - A smaller but dramatic submerged lava tube with a "skylight" opening. An intermediate dive site.
• Second Cathedral - A larger lava tube with multiple entrances and exits, a black coral "chandelier," and a vertical "elevator shaft." An intermediate dive site.
• Sergeant Major - Three coral pinnacles with small caves and occasional visits from dolphins, marlin, and manta rays.
• Sharkfin - Named for a rock shaped like a shark's dorsal fin, with canyons and plentiful marine life in a protected bay.
• Fish Rock - Underwater pinnacles home to schools of reef fish, sergeant majors, and raccoon butterflyfish.

Expect schools of reef fish, nudibranchs, octopus, and eels, including the occasional giant Javanese eel. Sharks, rays, and dolphins are seen on occasion, and pelagic species visit the deeper sites

Lana'i's waters are known for exceptional clarity, often with visibility of 100 ft (30 m) or more.

Yes. Because it's your private charter, you can combine snorkelers and divers on the same trip.

Yes. All scuba gear is included, but you're welcome to bring any personal gear or wetsuit you prefer to use.

Flying directly after scuba diving is incredibly dangerous and could result in a life-threatening illness called the Bends/Decompression Sickness. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) guidelines for flying after diving include:

• A single no-decompression dive, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000 ft (305 m) interval of 18 hours suggested.
• Multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000ft (305m) interval of 24 hours is suggested.
• Dives requiring decompression stops are recommended to have longer than 18 hours.

Please discuss with your dive guide ahead of time what is suggested!

Any activity that brings you above 1000 ft (305 m) can trigger the Bends/Decompression Sickness. Please check your hike elevation to ensure that at no time you will be going up in elevation. If the hike does go to elevation, you must treat it like a preflight interval as listed above in the flying FAQ.

Please check in 30 minutes before departure. Our standard departure time for dive and snorkel charters is 7 a.m., because ocean conditions are usually best in the morning. Since every trip is a private charter, we can adjust the departure time to fit your plans.

We meet at Slip 14 in Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui's centrally located small boat harbor. Head to the ocean side of the harbor, past the boat ramp and around the corner. We're on the wing of the harbor that looks out at the bay. Look for our 40 ft (12 m) orange rigid-hulled inflatable boat.

Yes. Paid hourly parking is available near our slip, and dockside spots are usually open before 7 a.m.

No. Please use the harbor restroom before departure.

Our boat is a 40 ft (12 m) rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), custom designed and built by our captain. The engine sits mid-ship rather than hanging off the back, so the weight is balanced and the boat glides over waves for a much smoother ride than a typical RHIB. Open seating gives everyone unobstructed views, and the boat is quick enough to reach Lana'i in about an hour.

We take a maximum of six passengers per trip. Private charters are a flat rate, so the price is the same whether you bring two people or six, and the entire boat is reserved for your group.

Your group will have a captain, a guide, and an additional crew member. On dive charters, the scuba guide leads your group underwater while the extra crew member can serve as a snorkel guide or as a "bubble watcher" on drift dives. You may request an additional scuba guide for your group.

Yes. Because the boat is yours for the day, we can personalize the trip for mixed groups and combine snorkelers and divers on the same charter.

Our charters include all the gear you need, taxes, fees, and food and drinks. Nitrox is not included, but it is available upon request for an extra fee.

On our longer charters, catering includes deli sandwiches (turkey, ham, roast beef, or veggie), fresh fruit, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, locally made granola bars, hot cocoa, soft drinks, juices, and water. Please let us know in advance about any allergies or dietary preferences.

Occasional sea spray is possible on the ride, so bring a windbreaker or light jacket. We provide drybags for your personal items. Please leave larger items ashore.

We partner with Maui conservation nonprofits, including Pacific Whale Foundation and Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. Through reef cleanup dives with our partners, more than 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) of lead, fishing line, and other marine debris have been removed from Maui's reefs. We also provide boat support for reef surveys, coral outplanting, and water quality monitoring, and our captain melts down recovered lead to make our dive weights.

Yes. Our captain also speaks Spanish.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled 'non-nano.'