Phuket - Loyalty Islands

Sebastian Reef is one of those Bonaire sites that often gets overlooked for its flashy neighbours, but we think that’s a mistake. While it shares a name with the nearby restaurant, the dive itself is surprisingly tranquil, especially if you hit it early. The reef starts as a gentle slope, maybe 5-6 metres deep, before giving way to a proper wall that drops to about 16 metres. We love how that deeper section is absolutely covered in massive boulder brain corals and blushing star corals, like giant floral arrangements. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles cruising the wall, and we’ve often spotted chain morays peeking out from crevices. You’ll see plenty of angelfish and hogfish here, too. For something a bit different, try hugging the sand flats near the shallows on your way back; we’ve found some tiny pearl blennies and yellowline gobies there. The visibility usually sits around 20 metres, offering clear views of the vibrant hard and soft coral tapestry. It’s a comfortable dive for anyone, really, offering a relaxed pace to soak in the beauty of a healthy Caribbean reef.

Location
Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-20.836600, 165.384400
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Povilla Forest Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Loyalty Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Loyalty Islands occur in February, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 24.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 28.2°C
  • March: 28.1°C
  • April: 27.6°C
  • May: 26.3°C
  • June: 25.4°C
  • July: 24.7°C
  • August: 24.2°C
  • September: 24.5°C
  • October: 25.2°C
  • November: 26.4°C
  • December: 27.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Loyalty Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Phuket

Marine Life in Loyalty Islands

Home to 129 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 11 sea cucumbers, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 clams & mussels, 4 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Phuket

Based on average water temperature of 26.3°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at dive sites around Phuket?
The typical diving depths at dive sites around Phuket are relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of 20 meters. This makes it a great spot for divers looking for vibrant reef exploration without extreme depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving in Phuket?
When diving in Phuket, you can expect to encounter diverse marine life such as kingfish, jacks, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, and nurse sharks, alongside fascinating critters like orangutan crabs and porcelain crabs. The underwater landscape is equally impressive, featuring walls of gorgonians, pretty tunnels, and vibrant corals including black coral, bubble coral, and huge clumps of acropora.
Are Phuket's dive sites suitable for beginner divers, or are they more for experienced divers?
Dive sites in Phuket are rated as intermediate difficulty, suggesting they are more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. While the maximum depth is a manageable 20 meters, the intermediate rating implies conditions or features that might challenge novice divers.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Phuket for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to go scuba diving in Phuket for optimal conditions. For more general information on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Phuket?
The provided data does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required to dive in Phuket. Given its intermediate difficulty rating, a minimum Open Water certification is typically expected, but it's always best to check with local dive operators.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at Phuket's dive sites?
At Phuket's dive sites, you can expect excellent underwater conditions with an average visibility of 20 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life and coral formations. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions, so divers should always consult their dive guide for real-time updates.