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Discover the Carthaginian Shipwreck off Kihei, Maui—a thrilling dive site packed with vibrant marine life and stunning underwater scenery, perfect for certified divers ready for an unforgettable ocean adventure.
Discover the Carthaginian Shipwreck off Kihei, Maui—a thrilling dive site packed with vibrant marine life and stunning underwater scenery, perfect for certified divers ready for an unforgettable ocean adventure.
Book with Island Style Snorkeling
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Island Style Snorkeling · Kihei, Hawaii
Located off the sunny coast of Kihei, Hawaii, the Carthaginian Shipwreck is a standout dive site for certified divers seeking an exhilarating underwater experience. This unique wreck rests on a sandy seabed about half a mile offshore, at a depth of approximately 97 feet. Far from just another dive spot, the Carthaginian offers a glimpse into local maritime history submerged in vibrant Pacific marine life. Its location near Mala Pier makes it accessible while still feeling like a secret slice of underwater exploration.
The Carthaginian is famous for being featured only through the Atlantis submarine’s route—meaning divers get exclusive access to this captivating site. Diving here means encountering an array of colorful tropical fish, from trumpet fish to the striking orange spine unicorn-fish and rainbow cleaner wrasse. Keep watch for well-camouflaged frogfish that make their home on the wreck’s surfaces, blending almost seamlessly with corals and marine growth.
Beyond the smaller creatures, divers often spot turtles gliding gracefully and, if luck favors, sharks and eagle rays that patrol the surrounding waters. The presence of these species adds an element of thrill and natural wonder to the dive. Experienced underwater photographers will find plenty to captivate their lenses here, whether it’s close-ups of intricate marine life or wide shots of the rusted shipwreck set against crystal-clear Hawaiian waters.
This dive trip typically starts early, with check-in at 6:10 a.m., and lasts around six hours. It includes a roughly 45-minute boat ride from Kihei Boat Ramp to the site. Because the dive depth is close to 100 feet, this adventure suits divers with at least 15 logged dives and recent experience within two years. Nitrox enthusiasts will appreciate the profile’s suitability for enriched air use, allowing longer bottom time while staying safe.
What makes this operation special is the commitment to safety and quality gear. The boat carries top-tier dive equipment, including premium BCDs, regulators, and wetsuits from trusted brands like Sting J Maui and Aqualung. Snacks, fruits, and beverages aboard keep guests fueled and comfortable throughout the excursion. The dive guides emphasize “Safe and Fun, in that order,” ensuring that weather or ocean conditions dictate daily plans without compromising guest safety.
Kihei provides the ideal nearby hub with accommodations, dining, and local charm. This shipwreck dive frames itself as an unforgettable chapter in Maui’s rich seascape adventures, perfectly blending history, marine biodiversity, and expert dive logistics in one compelling package.
challenging.
6 hours.
Good physical fitness for boat travel, deep dive activity, and handling currents is recommended.
Yes, you must be a certified diver with at least 15 logged dives and have dived within the last two years to join this trip.
Yes, premium BCDs, regulators, and wetsuits are available for rent; mask and fins are included in the base price.
When conditions and scheduling allow, divers may have the opportunity to witness or dive alongside the Atlantis submarine.
The dive trip lasts approximately six hours, including a boat ride of about 45 minutes from Kihei Boat Ramp.
If conditions are unsafe, the trip may be rescheduled or refunded. Safety is the crew's top priority.
Expect to see frogfish, turtles, trumpet fish, sergeant majors, eagle rays, sharks, and other tropical fish around the wreck.
The Carthaginian shipwreck lies in waters historically used for regional trade and is now a vibrant artificial reef.
Dive operators actively promote reef-safe practices and limit diver numbers to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.
Island Style Snorkeling operates out of Kihei, Hawaii, offering guided snorkeling, scuba and whale-watching experiences across Maui's iconic marine sites. The company runs a variety of trips including a 2-hour Whale Watch aboard the Double Scoop, private charters to Molokini and other dive sites, Carthaginian Shipwreck dives, and Molokini Crater first-class scuba and snorkel outings. Trips are designed for small groups and personalized attention. The 2 hr Whale Watch 8 am features live underwater audio to hear humpback whale songs and includes interpretive information from crew familiar with local whale behavior. Private Charter options allow guests to tailor routes, request specific dive or snorkel sites, and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while exploring clear-water locations such as Molokini Crater. The Carthaginian Shipwreck and Mala Pier dive highlights an artificial wreck site near Lahaina known for diverse marine life, where certified divers can encounter species like frogfish, turtles, and reef sharks. The Molokini Crater and second-site dive combines a limited-capacity first-class dive experience for up to ten divers with snorkeling options for non-divers, emphasizing visibility and concierge-level service. Safety and local knowledge are central to the operation. Crews follow standard marine safety practices, provide briefings for divers and snorkelers, and ensure equipment and procedures meet required guidelines. Island Style Snorkeling focuses on responsible wildlife viewing and sustainable practices while offering memorable, accessible ocean experiences from Kihei for visitors seeking snorkeling, scuba, and whale-watching excursions. Reservations are available for scheduled departures and private charters; guests book in advance to secure limited-capacity trips.
Book with Island Style Snorkeling