reef

Log This Dive

Brumel shallow

Brumel Shallow, a quick 20-minute boat ride from Marina Flamingo, often gets overlooked for its flashier neighbours in the Catalina Islands. But we think that's a mistake, especially on a windy day when the deeper sites are a no-go. This spot is a genuine sanctuary, keeping the water calm and the diving relaxed. The maximum depth barely scrapes 16 metres, making it perfect for newer divers or anyone who fancies a long, easy bottom time. We love drifting over the low-lying coral formations, keeping our eyes peeled for the smaller, more charismatic residents. You’ll spot a ton of blennies here – the Panamanian worm blenny is a particular favourite of ours, along with the cheeky barnacle blenny peeking from its shell. Look closely for hourglass clingfish clinging to sponges and the oddly beautiful calico lizardfish camouflaged on the sand. Visibility hovers around 5 metres on average, which isn't huge, but it forces you to slow down and really appreciate the details in this intimate reef. It’s less about grand vistas and more about the quiet thrill of discovery. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best chance of settled conditions.