Crazy coral

Best months: Jan–Apr

Protected Area

Couronne Conchou - Anse Salmon

Why dive here

With 331+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and manta rays - Crazy coral offers some of Cousteau Reserve's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

Best timeJan–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Manta Rays · 331+ species recorded

Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Crazy Coral is one of our picks for a leisurely afternoon dive in Cousteau Reserve. It’s got a maximum depth of around 19 metres, making it perfect for a long, relaxed bottom time, just drifting and observing. What we love about this spot is the unusual topography, almost like a miniature underwater mountain range. We’ve found some really interesting valleys here, carved out of the coral massif. The big draw is a huge patch of staghorn coral, a vibrant, sprawling thicket. It’s a busy neighbourhood, constantly alive with yellowtail damselfish zipping in and out of the branches. Look closer and you'll often spot flamingo tongue snails grazing, their spotted mantles a striking contrast against the coral. We’ve had great luck finding juvenile barracuda lurking in the deeper channels, too. Visibility averages around 13 metres, good enough to take in the full scale of the coral formations. It’s a very calm site, so excellent for newer divers wanting to get comfortable, or photographers who appreciate having time to compose shots without fighting a current.