reef

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Palace Reef

Palace Reef gets a bit of a bad rap sometimes, being right off a hotel, but we’re here to tell you it’s surprisingly good for a casual shore dive. Drop in from the beach or the hotel pier and you’re instantly in a different world. The current here is usually mild, making it a dream for new divers or anyone wanting a relaxed hour underwater. We love drifting along the reef crest, watching the sunlight play on the Star and Rose corals. You’ll spot groups of French and Bluestriped Grunts tucked into the overhangs, and we’ve often seen American Eels peeking out from rocky crevices. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; the Harlequin Brittle Stars are always a treat, and we’ve had some fantastic encounters with Cherub Pygmy Angelfish flitting between the coral heads. It’s not a deep dive, topping out around 18 metres, but the visibility is consistently good, often pushing 25 metres. Best to hit it in the morning before any potential boat traffic picks up.