Garden Eel Cove, located north of Honokohau Harbor about 20 minutes by boat, lies just offshore from Kona International Airport. By day, garden eels can be viewed in a sandy arena at about 70-80 feet, protruding from the sand like weeds in a garden. But approach slowly, because at the slightest sign of intrusion, these shy eels retract quickly back into the sand! The surrounding reef is abundant with beautiful staghorn and finger coral heads.

This site has also become the "hangout of choice" for the famous Kona manta rays who, up until the summer of 2000, were predominantly seen outside of Keauhou Bay down south at the Kona Surf Resort (now closed). Over 60 different rays, distinguished by unique spots on their under bellies, have been named and cataloged. Records show sighting odds to be 75 to 80 percent favorable, but no guarantees can be offered. We welcome snorkelers as well as divers to enjoy this unique adventure. The shallow 30 foot depth in this area affords a great view of the manta rays from the surface. For divers, it is a shallow dive requiring little more than an easy descent under the boat and a short swim over to a designated area to rest against a rock on your knees and enjoy the show while directing your light toward the surface to attract plankton! Often we are blessed with "multi-mantas" too numerous for an accurate count. Or sometimes only one or two rays show up for the "plankton buffet" offered up by the divers' bright lights. If the plankton is too thin or non-existent, the "manta ray night dive" may become a "night dive" instead, but by no means boring given the fact that this area is home to so many other fascinating nocturnal creatures.

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