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Alaina’s Sandy Bottom

Alaina’s Sandy Bottom. Don’t let the name fool you, this isn't just a patch of sand. We’re talking about a channel, yes, but one carved through a seriously impressive reef. You drop onto a buoy at around 7 or 8 metres, and then the real show begins. The channel itself eventually opens up to a wide sandy expanse, but it’s the walls you want to explore. There are swim-throughs here, not just little holes, but proper passages where you can glide through the reef. Our favourite bits are the massive fan corals that grow out from the overhangs, they’re just enormous, the kind that make you feel tiny. Keep your eyes peeled for the smaller stuff in the sand, particularly the darters and rusty gobies, they’re always busy. We’ve seen Caribbean reef squid here too, often in pairs, putting on their colour show. If you're lucky, and we mean really lucky, you might spot an Atlantic flashlightfish in one of the deeper, darker crevices. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration. Take your time, really poke around the coral formations, because there’s always something hiding. This is a perfect afternoon dive when the sun is a bit lower, bringing out the colours.