NYULLI REEF
*****
Average depth: Top of the reef at 20m down to 30m+
Average visibility: 15-40m
The coral formations are spectacular. Nyulli reef falls outside the marine parks.
Conditions: The best time to dive this reef is on the turn
of the tide when the current should be much less noticeable. For experienced
divers only as there is often a strong current present. If you are experienced
and wish to dive Nyulli please advise us at the time of booking, and we will
confirm back to you as conditions are sometimes not suitable, and for us safety
comes first.
The reef, which runs in a north easterly direction, rises
to a depth of 20m and drops sharply to depths approaching 50m. The coral
formations
on the steeply inclined wall are spectacular, and gorgonian fan corals and
coral whips adorn the deeper sections of the wall. Nyulli reef offers a large
selection
of big pelagic fish and giant groupers (Epinephelus lanceolatus) which often
exceed 2m in length, frequent the walls.
Gigantic shoals of five-lined snappers ( Lutjanus bengalensis)
& the more common bluelined snapper (Lutjanus kasmira) appear everywhere
and seem to almost envelope divers, whilst the less common black spotted sweetlips
( Plectorhinchus gaterinus) are also seen, Moray eels and lion fish inhabit
the coral growths against the spectacular background of the drop. Barracuda
often school together to form compact reflecting walls of silver, and big Napoleon
wrasse are frequently sighted. Reef sharks are also common visitors to the deeper
sections of the reef, and large zebra sharks ( Stegostoma fasciatum) have been
seen here.
SECRET POINT
****
Average depth: Top of the reef at 10m down to 20m+
Average visibility: 15-40m. Secret point is a newly discovered dive site and
falls outside the marine parks.
Conditions: The best time to dive this reef, same as Nyulli
and again for experienced divers only is on the turn of the tide when the current
should be much less noticeable. A good second dive to follow Nyulli. Interesting
coral formations and the chance to again see many pelagic fish including giant
groupers.
CORAL GARDENS ( PINK REEF)
****
**** snorkelling possible & very good at low tide
Average depth: 10-17m
Average visibility: 10-30m
This reef, diveable by all, is generally clear and calm and
is one of the dive-sites we can dive during the rainy season making diving with
us a year round possibility. There is a wonderful flower garden of pink &
lavender soft corals. A pretty reef - hundreds of rain-bow coloured anthias,
goldies, angelfish and butterfly fish paint a kaleidoscope of contrasting colours
against the backdrop of the breathtaking lavender, blue, pink and purple coral
formations. Great for underwater photographers. White tipped sharks are common
visitors. Brightly coloured ribbon ells are often seen rising out of the sand
beside the reef. Turtles and dolphins are often visitors to this and also the
other dive-sites. Giant sweetlips hover above the corals, often accompanied
by four-striped yellow snappers.
CAPTAIN HASSAN'S REEF
****
Average depth: 10-16m
Average visibility: 10-30m
An extension to Coral Gardens ( Pink Reef ) the coral formations are often
inhabited by exquisitely contrasting orange fairy damselfish. This reef is
very scenic
and is ideal for a relaxed and very easy dive - comparable to a Sunday afternoon
ramble.
DOLPHIN POINT
****
Average depth: 10-12m
Average visibility: 10-30m
Playful dolphins often put in an appearance here, and many lucky divers have
spent exhilarating moments at Dolphin Point. This is a fringing reef on the
Eastern side of the uninhabited Mpunguti Island, where bigeyes and squirrelfish
abound at the higher side of the reef. A good opportunity to see many loinfish.
Here you may see many rays.
CHOP SUEY REEF
***
Average depth: 8-12m
Average visibility: 10-30m
A great site for novice divers and also as a drift-dive. Lion fish & stone
fish are often seen. Also a possibility as a good night dive site.
KISITE POINT
****
Average depth : 12m-14m
Average visibility: 10-20m
A large number of extremely tame fish of every imaginable tropical variety
as well as good coral formations. A superb reef. There are large holes around
the
eastern point under the coral cliff where lobster and giant rock Big surgeonfish
and unicorns are almost always present, and some very big snappers & cod
hide. Over the last couple of years most divers have been joined by hawksbill
turtles and sometimes bottlenose dolphins. Look out for these playful friends
- a highlight of every diver's life.
OUTER KISITE
****
Average depth: 10-14m
Average visibility: 10-30m
Again the marine life here, in the centre of the marine park is tame and abundant.
Towards one end of the reef the coral formations are large and quite spectacular.
Usually many turtles, some extremely large are present. White tipped and sand
sharks are seen resting amongst the larger corals, and extremely large moray
eels inhabit some of the isolated coral outcrops. There are some beautiful hard
corals particularly large plate corals. This is an ideal, prolonged drift dive.
INNER KISITE
****
Average depth: 6-10m
Average visibility: 10-30m
A well deserved 4 star rating even although serious divers may scoff at the
depth. The huge, tame and very approachable parrot fish are there for a great
photo opportunity. There are also many leopard morays - often as many as three
morays can be found together. We use this site as our main snorkelling site
and also for our first open water dive for our novice divers and fun-divers.
It's long and varied and very, very interesting.
MAKAKOKWE REEF
****
Average depth: 8-12m
Average visibility: 10-30m
A dive you can only do with us if you stay
overnight. We set off early so that you can enjoy the almost guaranteed dolphins
playing in the early morning.
We
have increased Anton's ratings by 1 star. Originally a reef attacked by star
of thorns starfish & indiscriminate dynamiting which was controlled and
stopped a number of years ago, it is now a wonderful example of rejuvenating
young corals. There are often many unicorn fish and schools
of yellow snappers.
SORRY NO MORE HERE - YOU WILL JUST HAVE TO COME AND
DIVE FOR YOURSELVES !
This is a comprehensive list of the dive sites
in and around the Wasini and Kisite area.
