Horseshoe reef is pretty much a Hawaii scuba diving location that is a boat scuba dive in Oahu located a quarter of a mile out from Kewalo boat basin- which is located across from the Ward Movie Complex near Honolulu.
Although you can scuba dive the Horseshoe Reef from the shore it is best to just suck it up and use a boat. Traffic out here is a mess with parasail boats and fishing boats cruising all around; not paying to much attention to what is in from of them or other scuba dive boats for that matter.
The dive itself is 45 feet to about 65 feet in depth. A very nice, semi-beginner dive but novice divers will find this reef very entertaining. The shape of the reef is - well you guessed it , a horseshoe. The main mooring line will take you to the center of the "horseshoe" on the west inner-side. Once down you pretty much can follow the contour of the "horseshoe" reef and sooner-or-later will arrive at the same
location. Feel free to get off the beaten path and check out all the neat stuff around. There are a few smaller reefs at around 55 to 60 foot that are worth stopping at. You can
usually see these reefs from the edge of Horseshoe reef. Underwater photographers will really enjoy this site, nice frog fish are always around.
***This dive spot/area is fairly close to a busy boat channel , do not make any assents away from your dive boat***
Occasional dragon moray eel hanging out. With those razor sharp teeth, don’t even think about catching one to get that $1000.00 price for it. I’m sure you’re medical bills will be a lot more. I have personal seen a lot of big fish here including the dreadful tiger shark. Recently I had a great if not the best manta ray encounter ever. Check it out, a 15 foot
wingspan manta came right up to me and my customers. Well , guess who forgot the camera ? You got it, me. I left the camera in the dive van so it wouldn't get wet. Sometimes you will meet the occasional Hawaiian sting ray, those guys are huge I must confess. They sort of resemble a magic carpet , jump on and let the sting ray take you away- forget your bills.
Other times you will find turtles sleeping under the coral/lava rock ledges. For the last year a unique hawksbill turtle has taken refuge here and actually swims right up to divers. I honestly wonder if he knows who I am because he actually swims over to me, not for food- I don't have any to begin with but I guess just a good old shell rub. Although no one feeds this turtle he continually enjoys the company of divers.
Boat Dive
Vis 70-100 feet
Temp 75-81 F
Max depth 55
Average depth 45
***Air monitoring is a must on this dive***
On this reef you don’t want to just pop up to see where the boat is. With those parasail boats zipping around watching the cute girls they will never see you on the surface. So you California divers make your return underwater NOT ON THE SURFACE. Make your return to the boat 1000 P.S.I. and you will make it back in one piece every time. Don’t be an idiot and return at 500 P.S.I. , you won’t make it. I have noticed certain scuba dive companies and their divemasters seldom brief divers on the dangers of making an assent away from the boat so DON’T DO IT !
All in all horseshoe reef is very fun. As always be on top of your game, this dive in particular will give you a long bottom time so as long as you are properly weighted and relaxed.
