Simons Reef

Simons Reef is a deep offshore coral-reef dive with dramatic topography of coral bommies, pinnacles and overhangs rising from sand. Marine life is abundant and a main attraction, with frequent sightings of green sea turtles, schools of trevallies, snappers and tuna, occasional barracuda or reef shark, and small critters such as pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, crabs and shrimps that attract underwater photographers. The dive typically descends from about 18 m at the reef top down to sand around 30–40 m and is accessed by boat with an open-water descent onto the reef. Visibility is generally good and water temperatures average around 28°C, but conditions can include moderate to strong currents and surge so many profiles end in a drift along the reef or a safety stop in open water. Because of the depths and potential currents the site is recommended for advanced or experienced divers; Nitrox is commonly used to extend bottom time and dive computers, depth gauges and attention to no-decompression limits and safety stops are essential.