Starting this dive at 40' and swimming among coral and sponges, we suddenly come upon a split in the reef. Diving carefully through the 20' x 5' opening, we have a breathtaking view of an underwater window which opens out on a sandy sea bottom (65'). The window or mouth of the cave is framed with sponges and corals of brilliant colors. Schools of snappers pass by as we swim out the window. Pushing up from the floor is a sponge formation shaped like a Throne,
giving this site its name.

CORAL GARDENS - Depth 30'-40' / 30'-65'

We call this dive site "The Classroom". It is here where our instructors like to take their Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water certification students. We go down the anchor line to a circle of sand. Once everyone is comfortable with this brand new world, we explore the reef around the "Classroom". It is amazing how many critters we see!

For certified divers, the divemaster will lead you to the edge of the reef. There you can drop down to 65' and follow the irregular reef edge where there is a variety of coral formations.

This reef is excellent for those on their 2nd or 3rd dive and also for more experienced divers. On the top you will see more fish life than at any other spot. Schools of yellow goatfish, yellowtail snapper and grunts are so plentiful, the bottom looks smeared with butter. Dropping down over the sloping edge, you'll follow your divemaster to numerous small shallow caves. Quite often he will find what he is searching for - sharks!  Nurse sharks often sleep in these shallow caves.
 

This drift dive has something special at either end. Depending on the gentle current we may begin our dive swimming through a formation in the coral that gives it its name - a lovely coral arch. Proceeding along the edge, the diver is likely to see queen angel fish, high hats and spotted drums. The highlight near the end of the dive is a small Cessna airplane. Hundreds of blackbar soldierfish and often a well camouflaged scorpionfish now make it their home.
Ask your dive guide about the history of this plane.

Another drift dive and another favourite. Swimming along this reef the diver can go in and out of overhangs forming tunnels. Looking up towards the surface I have always been reminded of flocks of birds flying above the bare branches in winter, only these are schools of blue chromis, swimming past deepwater sea fans. Keep your eyes open for spotted eagle-rays who inhabit this area.

Our senior divemaster has claimed this reef and takes only experienced certified divers with him. The reef here is unique. It is best to describe it as isolated little hills or mountains placed on the 90 ft. sandy bottom. We spend the entire bottom time swimming around and over the little mountains. Here we have seen hugh green morays, turtles, baracuda, ocean trigger fish as well
as shallower water tropical fish.