The dive plan requires a very rapid descent to 25 metres on the North West corner of the reef (strong current flowing left to right on the dive plan), then drift as long as air allows. The caves are in fact very deep overhangs which unfortunately are some distance apart and the second one is some distance into the dive and at 18 to 30 metres. Therefore careful air management is important because ascent from deeper than normal takes place at the end of the dive and safety stops are essential. Viz out in the blue is poor but around 25m on the wall.
The dive was unremarkable other than for the beauty of the corral and plant life.
Pretty coral growing in small clumps
or large blocks out on the edge of the wall.
As usual, fish use the coral for protection
or hide
in the caves
In the caves themselves, the roofs are covered with soft
hanging life
of numerous
and beautiful colours.
The strong current ensures a constant supply of food and hence most life thrives.
The omnipresent Sea Cucumber
Life will grow on most things, here a fishing line is colonized by Scavenger Sponges
Sponges will also grow on Coral
Coral Plates are very large – I could not fit this one into a single photo
More Black Coral
Staghorn Coral (here slightly bleached)
A Magnificent Sea Anemone (a well deserved name) with a beautiful blue skirt lifted by the current. It will sting if you touch it (so don’t).
This was an interesting dive, difficult viz at the start and much of it at depth. I came up with good air but had to buddy breath someone else who was low.
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