Schildpad
OVERVIEW:
This site is often referred to as being between the mountains. In the middle of the
Giftun Marine Park a channel divides the Big and Small Giftun Islands. Here we find an
extension of the north tip of Small Giftun encircled by pinnacles.
DIVE PLAN:
A shallow channel leads in a westerly direction from the mooring to the pinnacles that
are the main attractions here. Northwest of the channel there is a mainly flat sandy
bottom that is scattered with random coral blocks. If you continue to head north, you
will reach a beautiful erg perforated by cavities and overhangs. Closer to the mooring,
on the south side of the main reef the corals are not in such a good condition. A
stonefish encounter makes the safety stop here worthwhile. Another option is to drift
all the way to the neighbouring Banana Reef but this requires good air consumption
and navigation skills.
WHAT TO SEE:
The pinnacles are full of soft corals and the sandy bottom is inhabited by numerous
gobies living in symbiosis with shrimps. Crocodilefish lure under table corals together
with moses sole. Eagle rays are quite common here, as are feather tailed rays. Turtles
are known to feed in the soft corals spread over the sea floor so keep an eye out for
them in the blue. |
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