The Gutter - Sydney & New South Wales

Perpendicular Wall on Christmas Island is exactly what it sounds like – a sheer drop, plummeting from about five metres down into the darkness. We love drift diving this one, just letting the current push us gently along. Below that initial shelf, the wall itself is stunning, particularly the vibrant pinks and purples of the Alveopora corals, dotted with tiny Pink Squirrelfish sheltering in crevices. Keep an eye out for the Cocos Angelfish here, they’re a favourite. Our favourite time to visit is during the whale shark season, roughly November to April. Even without the big animals, though, the sheer scale of the wall is humbling. You’ll feel a sense of immense depth here, often seeing large pelagics like silvertip sharks cruising by in the blue. This dive is perfect for anyone who loves dramatic topography and the thrill of a deep blue encounter, and it’s surprisingly accessible given the ease of the drift. Just be mindful of your depth – it’s easy to get mesmerised and go a little deeper than planned.

Location

Sydney & New South Wales, Australia, Australasia

Coordinates

-34.593000, 150.898800

Type

wall

Marine Protected Area: Bushrangers Bay