The Cove

The Cove is a semi-sheltered, semicircular reef on the south shore of Molokai between two rocky islets, featuring healthy coral gardens with antler coral, limu and large black coral trees along deeper ledges; its natural reef formations and abundant fish life are the main attractions. Access is by boat only; divers enter and descend into calm water among reef ledges, following a gentle slope to about 50 feet that drops off to around 85 feet. Visibility commonly ranges from 50 to 100 feet and surface temperature is about 76–82°F, so a 3-mm or 5-mm wetsuit is usually sufficient. Pailolo Channel currents generally do not penetrate the cove, so drift is light and waves are minimal. Standard open-water precautions apply, and divers should be prepared to descend and ascend from a moving boat due to the lack of permanent moorings.