reef

Log This Dive

Panama

Panama, just west of Avatiu harbour, is one of our favourite little spots on Rarotonga’s fringing reef. It’s got a bit of a local legend feel, named for the graveyard on shore – don't worry, the vibe underwater is far from spooky. We love dropping onto the hard coral formations here, particularly the large Porites bommies and the bright, stinging fire corals that seem to glow. It’s an easy dive, topping out at 17 metres, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled in the sandy patches between the coral; we’ve had some fantastic encounters with Darkglove Hermit Crabs scuttling about and the occasional shy Bristletoothed Surgeonfish. There's a decent chance of seeing False-eyed Pufferfish eyeing you suspiciously, or the distinctive Blackbelly Triplefin darting in and out of the crevices. We often find ourselves drifting slowly here, just enjoying the quiet, punctuated by the occasional Parrotfish crunching on coral. If you appreciate the smaller, more intricate life on a reef, rather than chasing big pelagics, Panama is definitely worth your time.