Washing Machine

A dramatic drift dive defined by extremely strong swirling tidal currents that tumble divers through a narrow underwater channel and eject them onto a coral reef garden. After the "washing machine" swirl the reef opens into patches of hard and soft corals, boulders, crevices and ledges; green sea turtles and nurse sharks are frequently seen resting on the bottom, with a variety of tropical reef fish and invertebrates present. Boat-access only and tide-dependent, divers typically make a negative entry off the stern into the channel. The current can carry and spin divers from roughly 40 ft up to about 15 ft before ejecting them onto the reef. Visibility is generally very good, often 70–100 ft or more, and water temperatures are typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F. Strong surge and rapid depth changes make excellent buoyancy control and drift experience essential; dive with a guide or buddy, use a surface marker buoy, and plan an exit at a calm sandbar or reef break.