Kauaʻi · United States · Drift · Reef
Brennekes Ledge
Currents can rip off the point at the east end
Brennekes Ledge sits at the east end of the south-side dive sites, close to a point that compresses the current. The ledge drops off at around 18 m (60 ft) and turns into an overhang about 5 m (15 ft) further down, with the dive running to 30 m (100 ft). The currents here can rip, so it is mostly dived as a drift.
Where it is and how deep
21.8706° N, 159.4523° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Brennekes Ledge is the easternmost of the south-side boat sites, close to the point. Starting at around 18 m (60 ft) the ledge drops off and turns into an overhang about 5 m (15 ft) further down, and the dive continues to 30 m (100 ft). The overhang gives a lot of animals a place to hide and hunt.
The point shapes the dive: it compresses the current, so the site can go from flat calm to a ripping torrent within minutes, and it is mostly done as a drift. Grey reef sharks, black coral, knifejaws and giant tuna have all been seen here, and humpback whales have been seen too. It is rated for intermediate and advanced divers, and should be requested only once a diver feels comfortable in the water.
Marine life and season
- Reef sharks
- Whales
- Tuna
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good |
Season follows Kauaʻi: May to September brings the calmest seas and warmest water, though south-shore visibility tends to run a little better in winter.
Know before you go
- Currents near the point can go from flat calm to a ripping torrent; the site is mostly dived as a drift.
- The reef runs to 30 m (100 ft), so depth and air need watching while moving with the current.
Dive videos
Brenneke's Ledge · Jason Bechard on YouTube
Sources
- Dive Sites - Fathom Five Divers (Kauai) — Fathom Five Divers
- Scubago dive site: Brennekes Ledge — Scubago
Photo credits
- A green wave breaks against dark lava boulders on the Poipu coast under a grey sky by Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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