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Log This Dive

Stagg Patches

Stagg Patches, and it’s a site we consistently enjoy. The name isn’t particularly imaginative, but it tells you exactly what to expect: a series of scattered coral outcrops, dominated by various species of staghorn coral. We find it’s not about grand walls or dramatic drop-offs here, but rather a slow drift across a bustling, intricate landscape. You’ll see plenty of grey sweetlips congregating under ledges, their striped bodies almost camouflaged against the shadows. We’ve often spotted Indian scad schooling tightly in the blue, shimmering like a liquid sculpture. Keep an eye out for the masked boobies and black noddies above water too, they’re usually a good indicator of baitfish activity below. Our favourite aspect has to be the sheer density of the staghorn itself – it creates these incredible, branching cities that hide countless smaller reef fish. It’s a fantastic site for macro enthusiasts who enjoy spotting the little things, like a well-hidden threespot flounder or the delicate flutter of a longnose butterflyfish. The currents here can be mild to moderate, making it a comfortable drift for most experienced divers, and we’d suggest going in the morning before any wind picks up.