Black Rock - Hawaii - Hawaii

Don Juan is one of our favourites in Coiba, especially for those looking to build confidence without sacrificing the good stuff. It’s a shallow spot, topping out around 14 metres, with wide sandy channels flanking the reef. This layout is brilliant; you can drift along the sand, keeping an eye on your buoyancy, while still having a full, unobstructed view of the coral action. We’ve found the visibility here to be pretty reliable, often around 10-12 metres, which is plenty to watch the schools of bigeye jacks swirl through the water, a shimmering, silver curtain. Look closely among the corals for cheeky chameleon clinids and the subtle beauty of a Margarita blenny peeking out. You’ll often spot vibrant Pacific red snappers and Cortez chubs darting in and out of the reef. Don Juan is a gentle introduction to Coiba's buzzing reefs, perfect for a relaxed dive where you can truly soak it all in.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
20.926700, -156.696200
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-15m

Marine Protected Area: Honolua-Mokuleia Bay Marine Life Conservation District

Best Time to Dive in Hawaii

The warmest water temperatures in Hawaii occur in September, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 25.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.2°C
  • February: 25.7°C
  • March: 25.6°C
  • April: 26.0°C
  • May: 26.8°C
  • June: 27.6°C
  • July: 27.9°C
  • August: 28.5°C
  • September: 29.0°C
  • October: 28.6°C
  • November: 27.9°C
  • December: 27.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Hawaii

Nearest Dive Centres to Black Rock - Hawaii

Marine Life in Hawaii

Home to 23 recorded species including 17 reef fish, 3 other, 2 sharks & rays, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Black Rock - Hawaii

Based on average water temperature of 27.2°C, currents 9 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth for scuba diving at Black Rock in Hawaii?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at Black Rock is approximately 35 feet (11 meters). This makes it a relatively shallow and accessible dive, perfect for enjoying the abundant marine life. The site is known for its comfortable depths, allowing for longer bottom times.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Black Rock, Hawaii?
Divers visiting Black Rock can expect an incredible encounter with green sea turtles, as you are guaranteed to see at least 5-10 on a single dive. There are about 10 resident green sea turtles here, along with many others that frequent the area. Additionally, the site boasts beautiful coral growth on the rocks, adding to the vibrant underwater scenery and supporting diverse marine life.
How difficult is the Black Rock dive site in Hawaii for scuba divers, especially regarding experience levels?
The Black Rock dive site in Hawaii is rated as intermediate in difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience beyond entry-level certification to comfortably enjoy the site. Its relatively shallow maximum depth of 11 meters makes it manageable for those with a bit of diving under their belt.
What is the best time of day or year to scuba dive at Black Rock, Hawaii for optimal conditions and marine life?
The provided data does not specify the best time of day or year for optimal conditions and marine life at Black Rock. However, the site is renowned for its consistent population of green sea turtles, with divers guaranteed to see at least 5-10 on any given dive. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Black Rock, Hawaii?
The provided information does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required for Black Rock. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should ideally possess at least an Open Water Diver certification with some experience, or an Advanced Open Water certification for maximum comfort and enjoyment. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements before planning your dive.
What are the typical current and water conditions like for scuba diving at Black Rock, Hawaii?
The average visibility for scuba diving at Black Rock is excellent, typically around 19 meters (62 feet). The provided data does not specify typical current or water temperature conditions for this site. However, being right off the beach of the Black Rock Sheraton Resort, it often offers relatively calm conditions, making it a pleasant dive.