Muirfield reef
Why dive here
With 108+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, manta rays and mobula rays (devil rays) - Muirfield reef offers some of Christmas Island's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-29°C, warmest March, April, May.
Palaster Reef is an interesting dive, one that we’ve always enjoyed on Barbuda’s calmer days. It’s not a deep spot, mostly a gentle slope of hard coral formations, but that makes it ideal for really taking your time. We love drifting along the sand channels here, especially in the late afternoon. That’s when you often spot the little post horn squid, almost translucent, hovering just above the sand, or sometimes a red grouper eyeing you from under a coral ledge. What makes Palaster shine isn’t the big pelagics – you’re not likely to see a sperm whale here, despite what some older records might suggest – it's the sheer density of smaller, fascinating critters. Keep your eyes peeled for cardinal cones moving slowly across the substrate, or the tiny, intricate shells like the modest triphora clinging to coral. We’ve spent entire dives just in a 20-meter stretch, finding new things with every pass. It’s a photographer’s dream if macro is your game, and fantastic for newer divers who want to build their confidence without strong currents.
Reviews for Muirfield reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Muirfield reef
Muirfield reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Muirfield reef, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
27.22°C
81°F
Current Speed
13.15 cm/s
Direction: W (261.3°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.189 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
34.03 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
Book a dive trip in Christmas Island
Guided dives, courses & snorkel tours - instant booking
Where to Stay near Muirfield reef
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
