reef

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Tydeman Reef

Tydeman Reef. Now, this is a spot we always make time for when we’re up in the northern stretches of the Great Barrier Reef. Forget the crowds; Tydeman feels like you’ve found a secret, even though it’s right there. What strikes you first is the sheer density of the coral; great plates of stony coral everywhere, interspersed with bright explosions of organ pipe coral. It's a proper coral maze. Drifting over the reef crest, we often see schools of Blackstriped Cardinalfish congregating under ledges, their scales catching the light. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; the Blackspot pygmy wrasse is a favourite of ours, zipping between the coral branches. If you're lucky, a Pickhandle barracuda might cruise by, a sleek silver torpedo. This is a place where you can just settle in and watch the reef breathe. We find the mornings here are often the calmest, with the best light penetration, really bringing out the corals' colours. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate a healthy, thriving reef and don’t mind a bit of exploring at their own pace.