David Kirk's Dive Log

Three Tables is a great north shore dive site in the summer, but we had trouble finding directions, so I am listing them here. It is easy to find as it is immediately off the large beach area just south of the Shark's Cove Fire station. On Google Maps, it is labeled 'Three Tables Beach'. There is a small parking lot right at the beach and more parking just up the road in the lot south of the Fire station - an easy walk, even all geared up. There is a bathhouse at this lot, although no shower. Entry is super easy, right off the beach. Some have complained about the soft sand, but we found it no problem. Best entry is from the far south end of the beach, surface swimming out between the rock 'jetty' at the south end of the cove and the first 'Table'. It is 10-15 feet deep through this cut, and then drops off to 20 outside the cove. If you go due west from there, it quickly drops to 30 feet and then you go over a wall and it drops to 50+. You have to watch the current, but there are lots of turtles, morays, and large reef fish. Didn't see the White-tips that some have seen . . . maybe next time.

I think this is the best dive site on the north shore! Like all north shore dives, only good in the summer or way-calm days other seasons. This site has a great description of the driving directions and parking in the Park lot south of the Fire House. Entry is just a little tricky over the lava rocks. There is a distinct trail that goes from the north end of the parking lot, hugging the Fire House fence around the Banzai trees. You then drop down into a sandy area and can enter through a protected cove about 50 yards from the edge of the rocks . . . the cove opens to the south. You can also walk out to the edge of the lava rock and giant-stride in, but can't get out there. Exit though the small cove is a little bumpy if there is any swell but not too bad. Would be impossible with anything above 3-4 foot swells. Others have described the 'Cathedral' cave, so I will only say it is way cool! You can spend the entire dive exploring under it if you want. We also went out from there on about 270, weaving around through the collapsed lava tubes out to a wall that drops to about 45 feet. Lots of large reef fish, a turtle cleaning station, free-swimming morays, and octopus hiding in holes on the bottom. Will be back there many times to explore!