Paradise Reef

Current: N/W in the morning, N/E at midday
Visibility: J, F, M, A: 25–35 m; M, J, J, A: 20–30 m; S, O, N, D: 40–50 m
Temperatures: J, F, M: 24–24°C; A, M, J: 26–28°C; J, A, S: 28-32°C; O, N, D: 28-25°C
Depth: 100 m

Overview

This is one of the northernmost reefs in the St. John`s area and is known for its diversity. A cave system with great light shows, bizarre blocks and beautiful lagoons. A highlight of every safari.

Description

Paradise Reef is connected to Cave Reef in the north by several blocks and has an extension of about 250m by 80m. Around the southern area a drop-off edge falls well over 50m.
To the west, coming from the north, a very nice mountain coral garden extends southward into an abstract erg landscape. These coral towers with a height of 3 to 12m are abstract formations with sometimes threatening appearing gradients.
You can find bumphead parrotfish in the east and eagle rays and reef sharks in the west.

In the south lies one of the entrances to a small cave system. It is recognizable by a cluster of anemones. The cave consists of two large rooms and is partially open in the upper part, which allows the sunlight to penetrate well. In the cave you can find a large number of different snails.

The two lagoons are a real paradise. On the sandy surface gobies and pipefish cavort. Towards the east there is a coral that has grown from the top to the bottom and stops only 30cm above the ground. Behind it begins a colorful coral garden.

Hotspots

Coral: The large coral, which has grown like a waterfall from top to bottom and stops only 30 centimeters from the bottom, is an absolute highlight in the lagoon.
Cave: When we are in both caves, we will know why this reef is called "Paradise".

Dive Plans

1.Blocks and caves 2.Lagoon and coral garden 3.Night dive

Blocks and caves

You dive towards the west and then the blocks appear in a threatening angle. You see a network of different colored corals with a height of 3 to 12m, which attract many bumphead parrotfish. On the main reef lives a cluster of anemones. Behind it, towards the north, is the entrance to the cave, consisting of two large rooms and smaller side channels covered with yellow fan corals.

Lagoon and coral garden

As you stand to the south, the lagoons are right in front of you: a sandy area with pipefish and gobies, embedded in coral with massive overhangs. Towards the east, the coral stands like a wedge, growing from top to bottom. Then the coral garden begins. With its hollows and notches it stretches from 5-25m into the depth. Various schools of fish and sharks are constant visitors here.

Night dive

Usually no captain is willing to stay here overnight. However, if it should happen, night diving here is definitely worth it. Then off under the boat to the coral garden and in the lagoons at a depth of 16 to 5m just enjoy the night life. Great colors and shapes! Here, however, the weather and the current change very quickly, you should pay attention.