reef

Log This Dive

Aquarium

Aquarium, over in the Loyalty Islands, is one of those sites that just works, no matter your experience level. We love starting shallower, weaving through the coral bommies at about six metres, where the light really plays with the schools of Johnston Island Damsels. It feels like swimming through a living kaleidoscope. Deeper, around 15-19 metres, the reef really opens up, with overhangs and small caves that hide some proper macro life. Look for those tiny Orange-spotted Blennies peeking out, or if you're lucky, a Spitlure Frogfish camouflaged on the coral. This site is fantastic for photographers or anyone who just wants a relaxed, colourful dive. It’s pretty sheltered, so even if there’s a bit of chop elsewhere, Aquarium often stays calm. We’d always suggest doing it as your first dive of the day, when the fish are most active. You’ll typically spot a few resident Saddleback Butterflyfish flitting around the honeycomb corals, and the healthy anemones are usually busy with clownfish families. Keep an eye out into the blue, too; we’ve seen Bull Sharks cruise past, though they’re not an everyday occurrence.