There’s no certification required. In fact, you don’t have to know how to swim.
Our next under the sea experience takes us to Waikiki, where no matter the weather, surf or sun an underwater adventure awaits you.
The Pacific Beach Hotel is known for its three-story salt water Oceanarium, but what you might not realize is two years ago they started offering people a chance to explore the aquarium using snuba.
Snuba combines snorkeling and scuba diving. An oxygen tank is placed on a raft on the water’s surface and a hose carries the air into your mouth piece.
"The good thing about snuba is you don’t have to wear all the gear for scuba diving, just the mouth piece and the bathing suit and experienced instructor is going to be with you all the time," Pacific Beach Hotel’s Toshi Amada said.
The 280,000 gallon Oceanarium guarantees you will see some amazing sea life.
"We have over 20 species, 350 fishes, three brown sting ray, one large grouper," Amada said.
After a 15-minute orientation, I am ready and excited to get my feet wet.
So far more than a hundred people have gone snuba diving in the 27-feet deep tank.
"People from all over U.S. Mainland, Canada, Australia, Japanese, Chinese," Amada said.
The most important thing to remember is to breathe.
"Its very safe because it’s inside a tank and you don’t have to be able to swim," Amada said.
Once on the tank’s floor you can stand, float or try to swim around with the fish.
"The great thing is you can go in the water and your friends and families can watch you," Amada said.
It’s peaceful yet exhilarating opportunity to watch sea life up close.
The Pacific Beach Hotel offers the snuba experience Monday through Saturday, every 30 minutes. Kamaaina rates are also available.
On Wednesday, I’ll take you on an underwater adventure that you can do in the ocean without getting your hair wet.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
