Nautilus Reef
Striking finger reef formations, endemic Hawaiian species, and calm white tip sharks await you at this visually stunning reef.
Intermediate–advanced dive at 40–80 ft with reef sharks, snapper schools, and butterflyfish.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Off the coast of Oʻahu
🌊 Depth: 40–80 ft
🔦 Visibility: Up to 100 ft
🎯 Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
🐠 Marine Life: White tip reef sharks, red squirrel fish, blue striped snappers, millet-seed butterflyfish, saddle wrasse, sea urchins
Nautilus Reef offers one of Oʻahu’s most captivating underwater landscapes — named for its twin finger reef structures that extend both east and west like underwater wings. These formations create natural ledges, overhangs, and coral corridors ideal for spotting both schooling fish and cryptic marine life.
Divers can expect white tip reef sharks resting under ledges, schools of red squirrel fish and blue striped snappers, plus endemic species like the millet-seed butterflyfish and saddle wrasse, found only in Hawaiian waters.
With visibility reaching up to 100 feet and vibrant reef life, Nautilus Reef is a rewarding dive for those looking to go beyond the basics.
❓FAQs: Nautilus Reef
How deep is Nautilus Reef?
📏 Nautilus Reef ranges from 40 to 80 feet, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced divers.
Is Nautilus Reef suitable for beginners?
⚠️ Due to its depth, reef structure, and potential surge, this dive is best for certified divers with some experience. Confident beginners may join with a guide on calm days
When is the best time to dive Nautilus Reef?
🌞 This site is diveable year-round. The best conditions are typically in summer, when waters are clearest and the reef is most active.
What marine life can I see at Nautilus Reef?
🐟 Common sightings include:
• White tip reef sharks, red squirrel fish, blue striped snappers
• Millet-seed butterflyfish, saddle wrasse, sea urchins, and coral reef fish.
What’s the visibility like?
👀 Visibility at Nautilus Reef often reaches up to 100 feet, particularly during summer months or in the morning.
What’s the water temperature like?
🌡️ Water temps generally range from 75°F (winter) to 80°F (summer). Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit, which is provided by Dive Oahu.