2 Mile Reef top sites - Caves & Overhangs
Ave: 10m, Max: 16m
"Caves and Overhangs" offers incredible coral formations consisting mostly of plate and staghorn hard corals, which together with the rocky substrate form numerous small caves and swim-throughs. The fish life is abundant, and almost anything can be seen which makes this site a very dynamic and colourful dive.
Anton's
Ave: 13m, Max: 16m
"Anton's" substantially larger profile makes it popular with divers. Nutrients are carried and pushed onto the reef by a predominantly north-south current, where large schools of fish hang. Slingers, Christies and Humpback Snappers enjoy the feast and are always found in large schools. Don't miss the Slender Baardman on the northern sand patch. Larger marine animals like turtles and many ray species are also found feeding around this dive site.
Big Stringer & Small Stringer
Ave: 11m, Max: 13m
It consists of two close rocky outcrops, surrounded by sand. Large game fish frequent this area, which doubles as a nursery for juvenile fish. You are likely to come across large and small critters such as Frogfish, Anemonefish, Ghost Pipefish, many rays, moray eels and all three types of sea turtles. Look closely for Paperfish and juvenile Emperor Angelfish. Manta Rays often pass by.
Bikini
Ave: 18m, Max: 22m
Bikini is a macro photographer's playground. Try spotting the Ghost and Scribbled Pipefish, Garden Eels, or juvenile Boxfish. This delicate reef is an important cleaning station, packed with Durban Dancers, Banded Boxer Shrimps, and other cleaner shrimps. This attracts many adult and juvenile moray eels. Don't miss one of the bigger visitors such as sharks, turtles, and even Manta Rays.
5 Mile Reef top sites:
Hotspot
Ave: 25m, Max: 32m
This ledge provides a great patrol area for big game fish in search of prey. Various crustaceans can be found along the bottom. See what is using the Black Tree coral as shelter. Lionfish, Sharks, Potato bass, and various Rays (e.g. Eagle rays, Manta rays) may accompany you on your dive.
Pothole
Ave: 9m, Max: 14m
The 4m diameter pothole contains a variety of interesting marine life. Carefully enter to explore the 3m ledge, and low overhangs surrounding you. You may spot the Bar-tail moray and crustaceans. While waiting your turn, look round the outside edge of the pothole, keeping your eyes open for Sharks, and Rays.
Ribbon
Ave: 16m, Max: 19m
It consists of two small reef systems similar to Stringer, and attributes its name to the uncommon Ribbon eel found here. A special feature is the red coloured Magnificent Anemone. Lionfish and large Scorpionfish are sighted regularly. Large predator fish such as Barracuda, Kingfish and a variety of Sharks make an appearance.
Gotham
Ave: 40m, Max: 42m
Aptly named after Gotham City (Batman's Turf), due to the schooling Batfish which often hang above the reef. Visitors to this reef require a Deep Speciality certification. Lots can be seen on Gotham, making a great dive for those who enjoy deeper waters!
7 Mile Reef top sites - Northern Wall to Mushroom Rocks
Ave: 16m, Max: 22m
With the number of fish species, spectacular drop offs and coral formations, 7 Mile is not to be missed, and should be listed as one of the world's top dive sites. What makes this reef so popular is its variety, including Blacktip Reef Sharks, schools of pelagic fish, huge moray eels and plenty of turtles. Even Black Marlin have been known to visit this beautiful reef. The ride out is often interspersed with sightings of Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins, Whalesharks and Humpback Whales, depending on the season.
