Here We Go, Diving Again
As soon as we were able to get out on the boats again, we went on a staff trip to Molokini. It was a gorgeous day. The stress of the past months seemed to be carried away with the current. We were reminded about everything good about this business.
It’s been a journey, learning about COVID-19, living through an economic downturn, sorting through rules and preparing for a safe and healthy re-opening. We can’t wait to see you back diving with us.
There are a few (hopefully) short-term changes we wanted to make sure you are aware of.
Recreational and commercial boating in Hawaii is highly regulated, and with COVID-19, there are a few new rules to protect your health and safety. Please take a moment to read about these procedures here, and hey, don’t shoot the messenger. We will endeavor to make these required changes as painless as possible.
We are reopening charters in September, and ask your support. Currently, there is virtually no tourism on Maui. Up until recently, our boat permits were restricted to 10 passengers, including crew, essentially shuttering business. Now, we are allowed to run at 50% capacity. Also, the State delayed lifting the 14-day transpacific traveler quarantine until September 1st. Visitors must still have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travel.
With divers from Maui and the state, as well as visitors, we plan to offer our most popular charters first, then ramp up business as visitors return. The best way to plan your dives is through the Charter Calendar, which you can view from the Scuba Charters tab or the Book Now button. The calendar lists all of the charters available, with a real-time notification if a trip has only a few seats left.
Please understand, because of the current restrictions placed upon us, we cannot offer discounts at this time, but also have not raised prices. The new rules compelled us to suspend our lunch and snack service, but you are welcome to bring your own items, which is also discussed in the new procedures.
One benefit of diving with us with restricted capacity is having plenty of room to spread out on the boats, for social distancing and soaking up some rays. There are also fewer boats out on the water. Even our pau hana (after work) watering holes are uncrowded. It’s actually a very pleasant time to be on Maui.
We’ll keep you updated as we move closer to September, including information on how you will be able to check in online, and other new features. Please check in with us on Facebook too. A hui hou!