Scuba Diving Site Review Hawaii - Garden Eel Cove

Garden Eel Cove is one more characteristic scuba diving site on the Western side of the Island. It is a rather shallow dive, approximately 60 feet and less, following a gentle slope of stony corals.

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Overall Rating = 3.2 out of 5

Access - Moderate; boat only and 25 minutesfrom Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor, Kailua Kona
Depth to 70 ft
Visibility - moderate to good
Current - variable
Marine Species variety - Good; can find Dolphin and Manta Rays on this site
Reef health - Good

Garden Eel Cove is another representative scuba diving site on the Kona side of the Island. It is a somewhat shallow dive, approximately 60 feet and less, following a gentle slope of stony corals. This dive site can be extremely good as a late afternoon dive, previous to a night-time Manta Ray dive as you will often find the Manta's starting to assemble in expectation of their "meal" that will come presently in the evening. The corals on the site are extremely healthy as they are for the most part around the Kona locale. In spite of this, for individual divers who are accustomed to warmer water, you will not see soft coral in Hawaii and you may imagine the coral reef looks not as healthy compared to warmer climates. The key is you need to understand what you are focusing on on Hawaiian reefs. These reefs are in actuality crawling with life. You just have to appreciate your surroundings. So prior to your dive in Hawaii I would recommend you to read a bit on the coral reef so you can recognize the value of it on your dives.

On this dive site you can also come across dolphins, sea turtles along with a number of marine species. It can be a especially relaxing and remarkable dive. Make certain you keep your ears and eyes looking about on this dive. If the dolphins are close you will hear them long before you see them.

This scuba diving site receives its name from a sandy spot just offshore of the coral reef where there is a group of Garden Eels. These shy eels will quickly recoil into their burrows if approached hurriedly so if you desire to get a close look you will need to approach little by little and be extremely patient. When you have seen the Garden Eels you will work your way following the coral reef and can see a considerable diversity of fish, crustaceans, and numerous others. There are typically a number of "Crown of Thorns" starfish (Acanthaster planci) is a sizeable nocturnal sea star which preys on coral polyps. The crown-of-thorns receives its name from poisonous thorn-like spines that envelop its body. There are typically a sizeable quantity of Hawkfish on the dive site and they make splendid photos sitting on top of corals in contrast to a gorgeous blue background.

During my most recent dive here we had seventeen Manta Rays which decided to join us for a swim along the coral reef on a late afternoon dive. It was fantastic. That same day we dove at night and had another thirty seven Manta Rays swimming with us. Genuinely a great experience. View the video that is posted from the night dive at http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/2012/06/28/manta-rays-silent-sentinels-of-the-sea/. This short film will provide you a sense of the elegance and grace of these wonderful marine animals. The dive was dove with Big Island Divers on our previous outing and they handled us exceptionally well. There are a number of other dive operators in the vicinity but make sure to schedule a Manta Ray dive it may be a once in a life-time experience.

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