Kauaʻi · United States · Cave & cavern · Reef
Sheraton Caverns
Three partial lava tubes where sea turtles are a given
Sheraton Caverns, a popular boat site on Kauai, lies about 400 yards (370 m) off the Sheraton Kauai, just off Poipu Beach, and is relatively untroubled by harsh ocean swells. Three partial lava tubes make up most of the site, with archways, overhangs and crevices. Sea turtles are so common that the crews give them a nickname.
Where it is and how deep
21.8720° N, 159.4619° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The site lies about 400 yards (370 m) off the Sheraton Kauai, just off Poipu Beach, with the reef between 11 m and 21 m (35-70 ft). The bulk of it is three partial lava tubes, open in places to form archways and overhangs, with nooks and crannies along their walls where small animals hide. Ocean swells rarely trouble the site.
Green sea turtles are the constant: they are so prominent here that the crews nickname them A.F.T.s. Life on the site runs from frogfish tucked against the lava to black coral, and the resident fish are so used to divers that most barely move as a group swims by. The tubes are partial rather than closed caves, and the site is rated for every level from beginner to advanced.
Marine life and season
- Sea turtles
- Frogfish
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good |
Season follows Kauaʻi: May to September brings the calmest seas and warmest water, though south-shore visibility tends to run a little better in winter.
Dive videos
Scuba Diving on Kauai | Turtles & Lava Arches at Sheraton Caverns with Fish ID · Wonder Ever After on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is Sheraton Caverns?+
The dive runs from about 11 m to 21 m (35-70 ft) across three partial lava tubes, archways and overhangs.
Are there turtles at Sheraton Caverns?+
Yes. Green sea turtles are so common on the site that the dive crews give them a nickname, and frogfish and black coral live among the lava.
Sources
- Dive Sites - Fathom Five Divers (Kauai) — Fathom Five Divers
- Scubago dive site: Sheraton Caverns — Scubago
- Kauai Scuba Dive Sites — Seasport Divers
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