Quick Facts:
| Location: |
Central: South of Jackfish Alley, Northeast of Anemone City |
| Depth: |
Max: 90m (300ft) |
| Access: |
Shore, Boat |
| Level: |
INTERMEDIATE-DIVEMASTER |
This is a deep dive. The name of the site comes form the fact that it is directly under the cliff of the Observatory. In the not too distant past, one could actually spot sharks at the surface from this point. This has somewhat changed now with the advent of the diving masses. Not without good reason, though. This site has been described as 'Heaven', and 'Underwater Paradise' by many veteran divers.
The location is literally a vertical wall that extends down up to 90 meters. Only at its base does it slope outwards slightly.The site stretches from the foot of the observatory cliff in the north, across the mouth of a shallow inlet, to the beginning of Anemone City in the southwest. The reef face in the north is contoured with many fissures, inlets, and crevices.
The fact that the wall is vertical means that it is difficult for smaller fish to make this site a permanent home, although they do converge here when the currents bring with it nutrients. It is however, still inhabited by many larger species such as groupers, Napoleons, barracuda, giant tunas and many species of shark. There are also some schools of snappers and triggerfish to be seen. This is a good place to see many see turtles which seem to come out of nowhere and allow you to play with them until they get bored of you. Coral growth here is good and extends upwards in very interesting formations. The variety is quite extensive in both the soft and hard species.
As in this whole area, the currents are extremely strong and if you are not with an experienced guide, it is very easy to get into trouble. Certainly not for the beginner. Visibility is quite good and averages at 20 meters close to the surface.
