Do I need to be certified to join this charter?

Yes. You must present a valid scuba certification card (C-card) before boarding; advanced certifications are recommended for deeper mid‑shore sites.

Can I rent gear on the boat?

No. The Niuhi carries no extra dive gear—arrange rentals ahead of time and notify Captain Andy to coordinate pickup.

What time should I arrive at the marina?

Plan to arrive by 7:00 AM; the boat departs at 7:30 AM and will leave 10–15 minutes after the posted time.

Is seasickness common on this trip?

Mid‑shore runs can encounter swell—bring seasickness medication if you’re susceptible and choose early-morning trips for calmer seas.

How much should I tip the crew?

A customary gratuity is about $10 per tank for divemasters; tips support the crew’s service and assistance during the day.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Cancellation and booking policies are handled through the referral link—contact the operator directly via the booking page for specifics and changes.

Three-Tank Mid-Shore Dive Charter on Niuhi II in Pensacola | Scuba | Water Activities

Out on the Gulf just off Pensacola, Florida, the Niuhi II’s three-tank mid‑shore charter turns a day trip into a deep, salt-bright classroom. This eight-hour itinerary leaves the marina at 7:30 AM (arrive by 7:00 AM) and runs three separate dives across mid‑shore reef sites—slightly deeper, farther from land, and often with the best visibility along the northeast Gulf. Because the boat ranges beyond the surf, divers find quieter sites, larger coral heads, scattered hardbottom, and regular visits from schools of reef fish.

Professional dive staff handle tank changes and surface logistics so you can focus on the water. A divemaster is aboard to brief each site, manage profile planning, and help with entries and exits. The crew keeps a cooler with ice and bottled water and welcomes personal snacks and sun protection. Bring certification cards and your signed waiver; Niuhi carries no spare regulators or rental sets, so confirm rentals through Captain Andy well ahead of your trip.

What makes this charter stand out for Pensacola divers is the mid‑shore mix: deeper ledges, isolated rubble fields, and occasional sandy channels that attract both reef fish and transient visitors. Expect to see sea turtles, rays, and dense schools of baitfish; the structure of these reefs—hardbottom interspersed with coral heads—creates pockets of life and blue-water views that reward three dives in a day. Surface intervals are long enough to relax on deck, swap stories, and rehydrate before the next descent.

Practical details matter on this trip. Assemble gear in the tank holders or on deck before boarding; arrive early to complete waivers and show C-cards. Seasickness meds and a wide-brim hat are smart; the boat provides comfortable seating but limited extra space for unused gear. Typical gratuity for divemasters is $10 per tank; the crew relies on tips for service.

A day with Niuhi II is as much about the pace as the places: deliberate dives, careful surface management, and experienced hands to optimize safety and fun. For Pensacola visitors who want more than a single shore dive, this charter offers a focused, efficient way to explore mid‑shore reefs in comfort. It’s a full day on the water that leaves plenty of time for evening sunsets back on the beach or a post‑dive dinner in town.

Booking is handled through the listed referral link; space is limited on this popular eight-hour run, so reserve early, especially on weekends and holidays. If you lack a full set of gear, coordinate rentals ahead of time; the Niuhi does not carry extra regulators. Bring spare batteries for dive computers, a small first-aid kit, and a zip-top bag for wet masks and keys. Expect to return to the marina mid‑afternoon and plan post‑dive nitrogen-free activities.

Three-Tank Mid-Shore Dive Charter on Niuhi II in Pensacola

Adventure Brief

Keep the Adventure Going

Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Highlights

Local Insights

Related Adventures & Guides

Operated By

About Niuhi Dive Charters

Reserve a 2-Tank Dive Trip with Niuhi Dive Charters

Adventure Tips

Recommended Gear