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Log This Dive

Southern Arch

Southern Arch is one of those places you feel before you even splash. The rock itself juts dramatically, a truly massive archway carved by the sea, dwarfing the dive boats. We love diving it on the incoming tide, when the current really starts to pick up; that's when the drummer schools gather, moving like a silver river through the archway itself. You can duck into the calmer pockets, tucked close to the wall, and just watch them flow past. We usually start deep, around 20 metres, where the light takes on that beautiful blue filter. The walls are encrusted with these incredible grey massive sponges and all sorts of colourful invertebrates. Keep your eyes peeled for the smaller stuff too; we've found Spitlure Frogfish hiding amongst the growth and countless nudibranchs. The highlight, for us, is definitely drifting through the arch itself, feeling the push of the water, surrounded by schools of bluefish and parrotfish. It’s a exhilarating experience for competent divers who appreciate a bit of a ride.