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SCUBA Diving at
Captain Cook
 Want to know how to get to Captain Cook? Check out our main
Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay page for
instructions on how to kayak across the bay. Kealakekua Bay
was designated a Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) in 1969
because of its abundance and rich diversity of marine life. The
exceptionally clear water and the extensive thriving coral reef that
extends to below 80 feet in depth makes this a premier SCUBA diving
location.
 Captain Cook is located at the
northern edge of the picturesque
Kealakekua Bay.
Expect to take a lot of photos and prepare yourself by bringing an
underwater camera if possible. The water could not be clearer
and the visibility is often reported beyond 100 feet.
Courtesy Google Maps
 If
you are SCUBA diving, we recommend
following the reef to the south, away from the monument (Route1 above). Either
follow the drop-off down past 80 ft., or stay on top of the reef at
about 30 ft. Either way, you will see an abundance of tropical
coral and beautiful fish. Nevertheless, there is usually more sea
life on top of the reef than down below the drop-off. We like to
drop down alongside the wall as we follow this route to the
south, then as we return, we will climb up and dive just
above the reef, making a shallow return to the start.
 An alternate route - or if you are
planning a second dive, is Route2 (see above) and follow the reef to the
north as it curves around. This dive is a bit shallower and the
reef is not as diverse or wide as the other direction, since most of it
is in shallow (<20 feet) of water. This is
also a good route to follow if you are a snorkeler - the water is
shallow and visibility is fantastic.
Underwater Sea Life
 What will you see? Some of the best sea life in Hawaii! With
the superb underwater visibility, you will see a vibrant coral reef the
wraps around the cove and hundreds of colorful Hawaiian fish. You
will see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles,
Parrot Fish,
 Trumpet Fish, large
schools of Goat Fish,
Squirrel Fish, Angel Fish,
Crown of Thorns, Moray Eels, plenty of
Trigger Fish, Butterfly Fish, Blue Tail Wrasse, and much more.
In the shallow waters adjacent the monument, you may see the
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.
 The
Crown of Thorns is a red or blue colored starfish with thorn-like spines
sprouting all over its body. Crown-of-thorns starfish are found on
coral reefs throughout the world, and you will see them in Hawaii and at
Kealakekua Bay. As with most
 underwater
creatures, the spines protruding its backside are there for protection.
If accidentally touched or stepped on by humans,
the starfish's long spines are capable of
stinging, inflicting great pain, infection, and cause nausea and
vomiting. Do not touch! Unfortunately, the Crown-of-Thorns
is a predator, feasting on the coral polyps and destroying coral reefs.
It climbs on top of the coral, attaches itself to it, and releases
enzymes allowing it to digest the liquefied tissue.
Back to the main
Captain Cook Page.
More Captain Cook Articles
Kayak to Captain Cook
The best way to access the Captain Cook Monument and the sea life of the marine sanctuary is by kayak.
Snorkeling
Captain Cook
Read our Capt. Cook snorkel guide with maps and photos
SCUBA
Diving Captain Cook
Read our Capt. Cook SCUBA diving guide with maps and photos
Kayak Tips and Advice
Hot-to-kayak information, safety tips, gear guide
Hawaii Kayak Guide
Guide to kayaking on the Big Island, kayak snorkeling, sea caves
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