reef

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Barra Reef

Barra Reef, just a short boat ride from Tofo, feels like swimming through an enormous, warm fish tank. At a maximum depth of 12 metres, it’s a brilliant choice for newer divers or those who just want to soak up the sun and spend some serious bottom time. We love the sheer density of reef fish here. Clouds of Blue and Gold Fusiliers often obscure the reef entirely, parting just enough for a Half-circled Angelfish or a curious Limespot Butterflyfish to peek through. While Barra is famous for its manta ray and whale shark encounters – and yes, we've had some cracking ones here – what often gets overlooked are the resident guitar sharks and leopard sharks lounging on the sand patches. Our favourite time to dive Barra is early morning, before the thermoclines kick in and the visibility is at its best, usually around 15-20 metres. Be mindful of the surge though; it can be quite active, making it a bit of a workout for photographers trying to get that perfect shot of a cruising Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel. It’s a genuinely joyful dive, full of light and life.