Rob Bennett's Dive Log

We dove for five days along the Puako reef using a Hooka set up and a small Avon inflatable so we could dive with a little more ease in a number of locations during the day including one night dive. On almost every dive we encountered more than one turtle, eels, the usual smaller fish which varied from just a few to fairly large schools - mostly where the underwater moorings are located in the northern end of the reef and of course lots of coral and varied terrain. We added extensions to our set up and two of us dove to 100' to the sandy bottom in search of garden eels, we did not encounter any as we only stayed for a few minutes - I suspect more time is needed and we are not experienced enough for that depth. The highlight of the entire trip was the night dive. Although we were disappointed with the small number of critters (my reading on night dives indicated we should see a lot more especially just after dark) however, our lights attracted a large Manta Ray which stayed with us, very close at times and just glided between, over and around all four of us until we had to eventually swim away. I estimate the wing span at six to eight feet. This was our first night dive and we were rewarded with a wonderful encounter. This was also our daughters first time underwater and I am glad we chose Puako as our main diving area - highly recommended.

Only my third dive (using "hooka") and using underwater video I felt I was diving in an aquarium. Spotted a turtle while walking out to deeper water, many species of reef creatures including an Eagle Ray just off the reef edge. Second day found easier spot to shore dive 1/4 mile north (pole 115) as waves were crashing on shore at church access. Highly recommend this area.