Sea Tiger Wreck

The Sea Tiger sits in 120 feet of water off Honolulu's south shore, making it one of Oahu's most accessible wreck dives. This former Coast Guard cutter was intentionally sunk in 1999 and now serves as an artificial reef teeming with marine life. The 168-foot vessel remains largely intact, with swim-throughs in the superstructure and cargo holds that attract schools of white-spotted toby, Moorish idols, and green sea turtles. Advanced open water certification is required due to the depth. Charter boats depart from Keehi Lagoon and Honolulu Harbor year-round, with morning trips between 7 and 8 AM offering the calmest conditions and best visibility. On clear days, visibility reaches 80 to 100 feet, dropping to 60 feet when trade winds stir up particles. April through October provides the most comfortable diving conditions, as winter swells create choppy surface conditions. The site attracts intermediate to advanced divers comfortable with deeper water and mild east-to-west currents. A dive light illuminates the darker areas inside the wreck, while an underwater camera captures the abundant sea life. Charter costs range from $85 to $120 per two-tank dive, with most boats providing tanks, weights, and snacks. The wreck lies in open ocean with occasional strong currents, so stay close to your dive group and monitor air consumption carefully. Surface marker buoys help boats track dive groups in the busy shipping channel above. Parking at departure harbors fills quickly on weekends, so arrive 30 minutes before departure. Most dive shops offer full gear rental if you're traveling without equipment.