Joshua Rock

 

A colourful and vibrant reef runs the length of the reserve at 2-3m, making an excellent long shallow dive or the perfect finish to a deep one.

 

·  Location: Via the Coral Beach Nature Reserve which runs from the Ambassador Hotel to the Underwater Observatory.
There is a small admission fee which entitles use of beach facilities.
Alternatively, enter for free from Coral Beach opposite Manta Dive Club.

·  Parking for private vehicles: On-site parking lot

·  Disabled access: Yes, however minimal assistance may be necessary in order to reach the water

·  Entry point: Entry to the water is possible from either of the two jetties inside the nature reserve, or from the Coral Beach at the reserve's northern boundary.

 

 

·  About the dive: Visibility is usually fantastic, thanks to the constant gentle southerly currents.
The seafloor is sandy in parts and coral-carpeted in others, sloping down gradually from 6m to 30m, with large coral structures to be seen at all depths.
A colourful and vibrant reef runs the length of the reserve at 2-3m, making an excellent long shallow dive or the perfect finish to a deep one.

·  Dive Plan: The most comfortable entry points are the jetties inside the nature reserve as these allow for easy access and prevent divers from damaging the reef.
From the jetties, the seafloor deepens to 7-8m, and at this depth the spectacular Moses Rock and Joshua Rock can be found.
The return trip offers lovely spots for safety stops and ultimately the reserve's lovely home reef leads back to the easily recognizable jetty.

·  Marine life: Joshua Rock is a group of three large coral formations, offering a swim-through between masses of hard and soft corals reaching from 7m to the surface.
Thousands of orange Fairy Basslets (Anthias) congregate around the soft corals at it's peak, while Coral Groupers, Parrotfish, myriad species of Wrasse and busy cleaner fish frequent it's base.

·  Safety Warning: Whilst on the surface, the red-and-white markers which denote the boat-free zone may also not be crossed.
The buoy line which protects the reef may also not be traversed.

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