Gordon’s Drop - 5 Mile Reef

★★★★★ (71)

Gordon’s Drop is a flat reef characterized by rocky outcrops interlaced with sandy areas. The section of reef is on the seaward side of 5 Mile Reef. Depths range from approximately 24-26m.

The outcrops offers the exciting prospect of sighting rare nudibranchs, lobster, octopus and much more.

Dive Activity

Potential Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
13 Sightings
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3
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O
2
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D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
9 Sightings
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2
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3
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1
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0
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
6 Sightings
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2
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1
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1
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2
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0
iStock-ShaneGross

Loggerhead Turtle
4 Sightings
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4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
2 Sightings
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1
Tobias Friedrich

Bottlenose Dolphin
1 Sightings
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1
Alamy-National Geographic Creative

Leatherback Turtle
1 Sightings
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1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
1 Sightings
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0
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1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
1 Sightings
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0
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O
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D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
11 Sightings
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2
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1
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1
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5
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
10 Sightings
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2
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1
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3
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0
O
2
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
9 Sightings
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1
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0
M
1
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0
J
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A
3
S
0
O
0
N
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D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
9 Sightings
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2
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1
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3
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O
1
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1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
9 Sightings
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2
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1
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0
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3
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0
O
1
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D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
9 Sightings
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2
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1
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0
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3
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O
1
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2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
9 Sightings
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1
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1
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1
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M
1
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2
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O
1
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2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
9 Sightings
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1
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1
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1
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2
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2
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2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
8 Sightings
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1
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2
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1
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2
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2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
8 Sightings
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2
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1
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3
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O
1
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1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
8 Sightings
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1
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2
M
1
A
0
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0
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2
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1
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1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
7 Sightings
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2
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1
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3
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O
1
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0
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
7 Sightings
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2
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1
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0
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O
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2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
6 Sightings
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1
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1
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1
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A
1
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O
1
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1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
6 Sightings
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2
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1
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0
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0
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2
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0
O
1
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
5 Sightings
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1
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1
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0
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0
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0
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2
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0
O
1
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0
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
4 Sightings
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1
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0
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0
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0
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0
J
1
A
0
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0
O
0
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
4 Sightings
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1
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1
A
0
M
0
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0
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0
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D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
4 Sightings
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2
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0
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0
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0
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A
1
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0
O
1
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock-bearacreative

Emperor
4 Sightings
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1
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1
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
3 Sightings
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1
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0
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O
2
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
3 Sightings
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1
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D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Cuttlefish
3 Sightings
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1
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1
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
3 Sightings
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0
O
1
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D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 22

Shutterstock-andrzej_67

Cod
3 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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A
2
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0
O
1
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0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 26

iStock-Martin Voeller

Angel Shark
2 Sightings
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1
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0
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1
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0
M
0
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0
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j

Sand Eel
2 Sightings
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1
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1
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
2 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
0
M
0
J
0
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A
2
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0
O
0
N
0
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Shutterstock_DiveIvanov

Squid
2 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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2
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0
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0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
2 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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D
2
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin

Blacktip Reef Shark
1 Sightings
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0
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0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
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0
A
0
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0
O
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D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 50

istock-atese

Frogfish
1 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
1 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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1
AdobeStock_cherylvb

Garibaldi Damselfish
1 Sightings
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0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
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0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
1 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
D
1
Alamy-Water Frame

Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)
1 Sightings
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0
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0
M
0
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0
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D
1

Dive Centers Catering This Dive Site

SeaXplore Dive Center

SeaXplore Dive Centre, 3974 Sodwana Bay, South Africa

Dive Sites Nearby

Mares

Protea Banks (★4.0)

This is an advanced dive site with 30m depth and more. The point of entry is at Shelley Beach with a boat ride of approximately 6km.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Landers (★4.3)

Landers has multiple dive locations that each form a dive of its own. You can dive Landers reef numerous times and each dive will be different from the one before. This site is best described as an underwater playground; unlimited crevices, holes, and gullies each filled with marine treasures.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Canyons (★4.3)

Canyons is an advanced dive site with a maximum depth reaching 34m and average depth around 27m. One of the main and most spectacular features of Canyons is a large mushroom rock with a big green coral tree that seems like it was delicately placed there decorated with sea goldies.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Butchers (★4.4)

Butchers is a unique reef structure made up of large boulders. This mountain like landscape is full of gullies and crevices to explore. Maximum depth is 27m with the reef top at about 19m.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Cowrie (★4.2)

Cowrie forms part of the southern reefs of Aliwal Shoal with a maximum depth of 27 meters and the top of the reef at 20 meters. The distance from the southern to northern pinnacles is around 120m. This reef is perfect for macro photography.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Castle (★4.2)

This site is named Castle because of its pinnacles and castle like structures with swim throughs, gullies, and overhangs to explore. Maximum depth is 25m and the top of the reef is 12m deep.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Msea Hammer (★4.7)

Maximum Depth 40 meters. Average Depth 22. Swim Throughs , Caves, Gullies and Crevices. Regular sightings of Scalloped hammerhead Sharks, Oceanic black tip sharks , large grouper and reef structure decorated with a great variety of colourful Nudibranch.
Mares

Eelskins (★4.1)

This dive site is an average depth of 13m and a maximum depth of 19m and is only accessible by boat. The entry into the water once at the dive site is a negative entry method.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

South Sands (★4.2)

South Sands consists of a large sand patch surrounded by reef structure. Maximum depth is 14m with an average depth of 11m. This is the perfect dive site to spot large groups of Rays or Guitar sharks.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Cathedral (★4.3)

Cathedral is one of the most popular and impressive dive sites to visit on Aliwal Shoal. Maximum depth is 27m with 18m on top of Cathedral. Both big and small aquatic beauties decorate this unique reef structure.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Chunnel (★4.4)

This is a dive site for everyone, it has three main features – a pinnacle that spirals rapidly up towards the surface, an overhang that provides a sheltered hiding place for many of the shoal’s shier residents, and the famous Chunnel Cave.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Raggies Cave (★4.3)

Raggies Cave is a large overhang with a swim-through and is renowned for the sand tiger sharks that congregate here during winter and spring. The maximum depth is 18m, with an average depth of 11m.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Pinnacles (★4.2)

Pinnacles forms a cluster of mountain like rock formations with many crevices, gullies, and ledges to explore. This dive site is a must for the list of sites to visit when diving Aliwal Shoal. Maximum depth is 18m with the shallowest pinnacles at 5m .
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

North Sands (★4.3)

North Sands is a large sand patch surrounded by rock formations. Enjoy stunning displays from various Rays, Sand Sharks, and Sand Tigers during the winter months from April to October.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Amphitheatre (★4.5)

Amphitheatre’s name says it all, divers can just observe the living color. Schools of marine life deliver the most brilliant show. Maximum depth is 27m with the top of amphitheatre at 18m.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Aliwal Shoal (★4.1)

Aliwal Shoal is a fossilized Sand Dune with interesting and unique mountain like reef structures that holds many swim throughs, gullies and crevices to explore. The reef is only accessible by boat, there is no shore entries. The surf launch is part of the adventure. Boats are 8.5m Rubber Ducks/Ribb
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

MV Produce, wreck (★4.2)

The Most recent of the ships to fall victom to the pinnacles of Aliwal Shoal is the MV Produce that sank on the 11th of August in 1974. The maximum depth 32m on the sand. This Norwegian bulk carrier had an original length of 168 meters and was carrying a full cargo of Molasses when it sunk.
Mares

Inside Edge - Aliwal Shoal (★4.5)

The inside edge of Aliwal Shoal rises from the sand forming a fantastic landscape of pinnacles, gullies, swim-throughs, and caverns. Some of the best diving in Africa is found on the Aliwal Shoal. It is home to a diverse array of marine life.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal (★4.3)

This dive site has a minimum diving qualification of Advanced Open Water diver as the maximum depth is 27m and is only accessible by boat. Due to its depth, it is not suitable for beginner divers.
ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh

Nebo Wreck, Aliwal Shoal (★4.3)

The SS Nebo wreck was a British steamboat which sank in 1884 and one of Aliwal Shoals many victims. It had departed from England and was en route to Durban, when it sank close to the coast it had 4500 tonnes of metal cargo that was planned for building a new railway.
Mares

Hopscotch (★4.0)

This is a divesite for advanced divers and is also only accessible via a boat ride. It is a dive site that is known for its sightings of Manta Rays.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Mellow Yellow, Sodwana Bay (★4.3)

This dive site is nice for beginner divers, it is also only accessible by boat. This site is at the southern end of Bikini and is named Mellow Yellow due to the large number of large shoals of yellow fish found in the area.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Compass Rocks Sodwana Bay (★4.3)

16m depth. This area comprises of loose standing rocks surrounded by sand. The rocks are between Stringer Reef and Anton’s Reef. The name was given to these rocks as this made a good place to do compass navigation dives.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Antons (★4.4)

Antons is one of the best dives in Sodwana. Anton’s Reef is so-named after one of the first dive operators in Sodwana Bay (1980’s) – Anton Buchel. On this reef you will find various gullies, a long swim-through, and boulders surrounded by sand patches. Numerous varieties of coral such as fleshy soft coral, table, and spiral coral, as well as colourful sponges cover the area. This dive site is only accessible via boat with an average depth of 12m and a maximum depth of 16m.
Mares

2 Mile Stringer (★4.2)

This site is like an oasis in the desert – 2 rocky outcroppings surrounded by sand. Game fish are regular visitors and is also known as a nursery area for juvenile fish. It is home to a variety of creatures . This dive site is only accessible by boat. The depth is between 10 and 13m and is situated beyond the backline. It is best dived in flat conditions, ensuring that the current is not too strong.