Rocky Bay, South Africa (by Melt du Plooy)

One of South Africa's best kept secrets, this group of reefs lies between two and four kilometers offshore and at a depth of twenty to forty meters it is for advanced divers only. The best spots are:

» Landers

· Average Depth = 21 Meters · Maximum Depth = 32 Meters Big pinnacle, large boulders, crevices and huge gullies with small sand patches in between the reefs, caves and overhangs

» Butchers

· Average Depth = 18 Meters · Maximum Depth = 25 Meters Boulders, rocks with big crevices and gullies are characteristic of this reef north of Landers. The reef has a wall like formation that is approximately 6 meters high. Tropical fish like Trumpetfish, Geometric Moray Eel, Natal sea catfish, speckled shrimpfish, Batfish and False stonefish are just some of the species found here. There is a resident Loggerhead turtle that sleeps in one of the many caves and overhangs. This reef is also known as the Juvenile Nursery. Many species of hard and soft coral.

» Cowry

· Average Depth = 19 Meters · Maximum Depth = 25 Meters Big boulders scattered around with sand patches in between and ledges with overhangs and small holes in the reef where Triggerfish hide. There are quite a number of different species of Cowry shells on this reef sitting next to or on the big sea sponges. Coral life consists of soft coral like Dead-man's finger, various colors of Polyp coral swinging in the surge, Black coral trees as well as Green Fern coral with clouds of Goldies swimming around it. Also be on the look out for Nudibranchs; various colors and sizes. Hard coral consists of Smooth horned coral and Leather coral.

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» Outside Landers

· Average Depth = 20 Meters · Maximum Depth = 28 Meters A wall of reef that run from North to South. On the ledge you can find Pinnacles that form an enclosure for marine life. The boulders create nice swim through's and gullies. Most of the common tropical fish species seen here although this is one of the deeper dives and there tend to be thermo clines here and there. Batfish, Fusiliers, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Nudibranchs and Rock Lobsters are a common sight amongst the many coral species.

» Umzamai wall

· Average Depth = 23 Meters · Maximum Depth = 39 Meters Huge boulders, with big crevices, scattered rocks and gullies to swim through. On the inshore side there is a wall almost 20 meters high with ledges and a cave on the northern side. Large black coral trees, Polyp coral, White and Pink Thistle coral, Green Fern coral and lots more to be seen on this untouched reef. The fish in this area are inquisitive and not used to divers. Big Moorish Idols, Snappers, Triggerfish, Model Tobies, Boxy's, Tiger Angelfish and lot's more.

» Chard reef

· Average Depth = 23 Meters · Maximum Depth = 38 Meters Rock formations forming a wall, with small ledges and gullies with sand patches surrounding the rocky reef. White Kingfish roam this area and is keen on inspecting new visitors. Devil Fire fish together with Red Fanged Trigger fish, Moorish Idols and Snappers, Nudibranchs of different sizes, types and colours, Polyp coral, Dead-man's finger coral, Sea urchins and Whip coral in different colours are a few of the species encountered. Crayfish are found in the holes in the reef and Rays seem to be keeping an eye on everything on this reef.

For all the information you would need on African scuba diving safaris contact, Dive South Africa. These guys are very informative and enthusiastic about there diving

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