Log This Dive

Daphne

Daphne, a small islet north of Santa Cruz, might not have the dramatic hammerhead schools of Darwin or Wolf, but it offers a different kind of magic, one we truly appreciate. This site is a drift dive along a wall that drops into the deep, often with a decent current pushing you along. We've seen puffers so plump they look like they swallowed a beach ball, and the longnose hawkfish perched on black coral branches are always a delight, their little red eyes following you. Look for the incredibly shy Pacific mutton hamlets darting into the crevices. The corals here, particularly the stony corals, are more robust than some other sites, forming intricate structures that hide undulated morays and the occasional rainbow scorpionfish. Our favorite part, though, is often the pelagic action just off the wall – we've often spotted Oriental bonito flashing by, almost too fast to properly identify. For divers who enjoy a relaxed drift and appreciate the smaller, shyer residents of the reef, Daphne is a solid choice. Come in the morning for the best light; the afternoon sun can sometimes make the water a bit milky.