and is known for the wreck, partially demolished in 1996, of the Cypriot merchant ship Lara (a cargo boat of 4,752 tonnes), which sank here in December 1981. Diving here usually begins on the southern side, which is sheltered from the waves and wind and where there are some fixed moorings not far from the reef. The reef on the southern side in the shallows is cut with sandy splits, then descends steeply to the sandy seabed at
a depth of 45 meters where we can admire some shy Garden eels (Gorgasia sillneri). Going westwards (dive A), you will see some gorgonians and a splendid red anemone at a depth of 28 meters. This is followed by a plateau that connects to Woodhouse Reef by a saddle. The southwest corner of Jackson Reef, where numerous fire corals (Millepora dichotoma) can be seen, is subject to currents which can be extremely violent. If conditions are right (especially
when the tide is ebbing), it is possible to make a drift dive on the eastern part of the reef (dive B). Here, about 15 meters down, is a sandy ledge that sinks into the blue to the north.
It is quite easy to spot turtles
and large pelagic fish in this zone: Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), Grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), are especially common at this point from July to September, as well as regular sightings of them on the northern side of the reef, out in the blue from the wreck of the Lara at a depth between 10 to 30 meters.
and is known for the wreck, partially demolished in 1996, of the Cypriot merchant ship Lara (a cargo boat of 4,752 tonnes), which sank here in December 1981. Diving here usually begins on the southern side, which is sheltered from the waves and wind and where there are some fixed moorings not far from the reef. The reef on the southern side in the shallows is cut with sandy splits, then descends steeply to the sandy seabed at
a depth of 45 meters where we can admire some shy Garden eels (Gorgasia sillneri). Going westwards (dive A), you will see some gorgonians and a splendid red anemone at a depth of 28 meters. This is followed by a plateau that connects to Woodhouse Reef by a saddle. The southwest corner of Jackson Reef, where numerous fire corals (Millepora dichotoma) can be seen, is subject to currents which can be extremely violent. If conditions are right (especially
when the tide is ebbing), it is possible to make a drift dive on the eastern part of the reef (dive B). Here, about 15 meters down, is a sandy ledge that sinks into the blue to the north.
It is quite easy to spot turtles
and large pelagic fish in this zone: Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), Grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), are especially common at this point from July to September, as well as regular sightings of them on the northern side of the reef, out in the blue from the wreck of the Lara at a depth between 10 to 30 meters.
