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Fanous East

Fanous East, often called Dolphin House, definitely earns its ‘standout’ status from us, but maybe not for the reasons you’d first think. Yes, the Spinner dolphins are often around – especially early morning – and seeing them cruise by underwater, or even hearing their clicks and whistles, is pretty magical. But even without the dolphins, this horseshoe-shaped reef has plenty going for it. We love the hard coral formations along the eastern wall; big brain corals and plate corals create these cool overhangs and swim-throughs, perfect for poking around with a torch. Keep an eye out for the small stuff here: we’ve spotted Crested Sabretooth Blennies darting in and out of crevices, and the beautiful Blue Spotted Wrasses are always a treat. The light plays really nicely through the shallower areas in the middle, creating a great backdrop for the schools of Blue Green Chromis that hover over the reef. We’d suggest hitting this site as early as possible. Not just for the dolphins, but because the dive boats start arriving in numbers, and it can get a bit busy later in the day. The current here is usually mild, making it a relaxed dive, and the visibility is consistently good. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers looking for interesting light and macro opportunities, or anyone wanting a colourful, easy dive with a good chance of a special encounter.