Scuba Diving Kauai: Mana Crack with Na Pali Coast

The second dive happens miles away on a different drop point of the same reef.

Full-day scuba diving off Kauai's Na Pali Coast at Mana Crack, an 11-mile sunken barrier reef known for visibility and large marine life. Two dives bookend a boat tour through sea caves and lava tubes, with time to spot spinner dolphins and seasonal humpback whales. Certified divers only. Moderate fitness required.

The experience

You meet at Kikiaola small boat harbor at 6:30 a.m. and head out on a 60-mile round trip. The boat ride to Mana Crack takes 30 to 40 minutes, and you'll need that early start to beat the wind. Your first dive is a drift dive between 50 and 100 feet on the reef's outer edge: the furthest offshore dive site in Hawaii. The reef itself stretches 11 miles and has multiple drop points, each with its own topography and marine life.

After the first dive, the boat pulls back toward shore for an hour and a half on the surface while you burn off nitrogen. This is when you get close to the Na Pali Coast: the boat takes you into sea caves, past lava tubes, along waterfalls, and to hidden beaches you cannot reach by land. Spinner dolphins are almost guaranteed. In winter months, humpback whales move through the same waters. You'll have sandwiches, snacks, drinks and Aloha juice on board. The operator can accommodate vegetarian or vegan meals if you request them at booking.

Your second dive happens at a different location on Mana Crack, usually a few miles from the first site, and runs shallower at 45 to 80 feet. The reef is known for barracuda, spotted eagle rays, and white tip reef sharks. If you've logged 15 or more dives before, you might also see java moray, rainbow runners, grey reef sharks, and wrasse. The pace is fast and the dive is strenuous. You should be back at the dock by 2 p.m. If weather doesn't permit Mana Crack, the operator reroutes to south side Kauai diving and applies a 45% discount to your booking.

What’s included

• Scuba equipment and snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water, lunch, snacks and Aloha juice.
• live English-speaking guide.
• boat transport for the full 60-mile round trip.

Information

Lasts 8h, runs Tuesday and Saturday at 06:30, from US$ 650 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday and SaturdayDeparts at 06:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (14 to 85 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Explore Kauai Scuba

Is this one for you?Book this dive if you're diving with a small group and want the offshore challenge: the fast pace and 50 to 100-foot depths demand solid experience and fitness, and the remote reef rewards both with visibility and marine life you won't see closer to shore.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What makes Mana Crack different from other dive sites around Kauai?

Mana Crack is an 11-mile sunken barrier reef and the furthest offshore dive site in Hawaii. It's known for exceptional visibility and varied topography across multiple drop points, each attracting large marine life like barracuda, spotted eagle rays, and reef sharks.

Do I need to be an experienced diver to go on this dive?

Yes, you must be a certified diver. The operator recommends at least 15 logged dives and a moderate level of physical fitness, as the pace is fast and the dive is strenuous.

What happens during the surface interval between the two dives?

You spend an hour and a half on the boat touring the Na Pali Coast, exploring sea caves, lava tubes, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. Spinner dolphins are almost guaranteed to appear. Humpback whales are common during winter months.

What's included in the day, and what should I bring?

Scuba equipment, snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and Aloha juice are all provided. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and a jacket for sun and wind protection on the boat.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my dive?

If conditions don't permit diving at Mana Crack, the operator reroutes the dive to the south side of Kauai and applies a 45% discount to your booking.