Map of Garden Eel Cove / Manta Heaven (Makako Bay)
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IntermediateBoat Dive

Garden Eel Cove / Manta Heaven (Makako Bay)

Hawaii, United States
Depth35–80 ft (10.7–24.4 m)
AccessBoat
Cert LevelOpen Water (night experience recommended)
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Best Time

Sunset/night for mantas, year-round; afternoon twilight two-tank trips are standard.

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Boat dive site in Makako Bay just offshore of Kona International Airport, home to the world-famous Kona manta ray night dive. By day a sloping reef leads to a sand flat at ~70-80 ft colonized by garden eels; at dusk divers kneel around the lighted 'campfire' at ~35 ft while reef manta rays barrel-roll overhead feeding on plankton. One of the most reliable manta encounters anywhere.

Quick Facts

Depth Range10.7m – 24.4m
CertificationOpen Water (night experience recommended)
GearPrimary and backup dive lights, 3-5mm wetsuit (night chill), a few pounds of extra weight to stay planted at the campfire.
HazardsNight diving logistics, many boats and snorkelers overhead, surge over the shallow reef in swell; mantas can pass very close - control buoyancy.
boatreef

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