Chekechea

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Mangrove

Why dive here

With 165+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, sea turtles, sperm whales and whale sharks - Chekechea offers some of Mafia Island's richest reef diving. Water sits around 29°C.

Marine lifeHumpback Whales, Sea Turtles, Sperm Whales and Whale Sharks · 165+ species recorded

Water29°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterReef dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Golden Dream, tucked into a larger system with Breath Taker, feels like finding the sweet spot on a well-loved armchair. We often start here, right at the point of the main reef where the current usually plays nice. The depth maxes out around 22 meters, which means plenty of bottom time to really soak it in. What makes it special? Those coral heads. They’re a series of pinnacles, some starting as shallow as three meters, dropping down. We love exploring the swim-throughs and undercuts that wind through them. The corals here are a mix, from sprawling staghorns to intricate brain roots and delicate feather corals. You’ll see schools of yellowstriped cardinalfish darting in and out, and dusky wrasse picking around the edges. Keep an eye out for a brown-banded pipefish nestled amongst the branching corals, they’re tricky to spot but worth the effort. Visibility averages 17 meters, which is decent. It’s a site that suits divers who enjoy a relaxed pace, those who like to poke around the details rather than chase pelagics.