The Canyon

This site takes its name from a long, narrow and very beautiful canyon which runs north to sourth from the shallow reef just offshore to depths of around 50m (164ft) on the reef slope further out. Access to the site is through a shallow 3m (10ft) lagoon lying a few steps from the shoreline. Noe the prominent threetrunk-line pinnacle just outside the lagoon entrance - a good landmark for locating the exit point.

The entrance to the canyon is marked by a large coral mound lying some 10m (33ft) out from the reef face, in around 12m (40ft) of water. A man-sized opeining in this coral hummock gives onto the top chamber of the canyon, a fishbowl-like enclosure filled with glassfish.

From here the canyon drops through various twists and turns to a depth of 50m (164ft); open water is visible along most of its length through the narrow opening in the ceiling, but there is no opening large enough to exit through until 30m (100ft) depth.

Outside the canyon, the reef has good coral cover but within the canyon itself, there is little if any coral growth.

Amoung the large range of reef fish here, some notable residents include the pufferfish, unicorns, snapper, grouper, basslets and rabbitfish. Jacks can often be seen along the reef, and beautiful, jewel-like schools of glassfish inhabit the canyon.

Note that only divers with considerable deep diving experience should consider swimming through the canyon to exit at depth. There is plenty for less experienced divers to see without risking a long, hazardous penetration. Even very experienced divers are strongly discouraged from proceeding beyond the 30m (100ft) exit.

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Last Updated: May 29th, 2011