Page 343 - Micronesia

ANT ATOLL DIVE SITES
ANT ATOLL has steep outer reef walls that drop off into very deep
conditions, especially on the west side. Currents can be swift anywhere
outside the lagoon and in Dauenai (Pass), but particularly on the east
wall. Visibility can reach 50 meters (164 feet). You’ll need a boat to get
to all of the dive sites. Diving at And is possible from May through
October, but the best conditions are usually September-October.
Bird Island - This drift begins on the outer reef corner north of Ol-
ouna (nicknamed “Bird Island” for its huge seabird rookery) and goes
south. Sharks, tuna, barracuda, turtles, and other large pelagic species
may be seen.
West Wall - This drift runs either way along the western outer reef wall
and features lots of hard and soft coral variety, caves, tunnels, holes,
reef fish, and sharks. Best at 18-40 meters. Advanced.
Turtle Canyons - This spot features shallow coral grottoes, lots of reef
fish, and a strong likelihood of sea turtle sightings.
Triggerfish Cove - This is a spot on the outer reef wall south of Sa-
karawi (Island) known for triggerfish.
Orange Wall / West Dauenai - This drift begins outside and to the
west of Dauenai (passage) and then follows the west wall of the pas-
sage north into the lagoon. The spot gets its nickname from the large
orange elephant ear sponges that are prevalent along the wall, but this
is a great place to see And’s gray reef sharks, a lot of beautiful hard and
soft corals, and macro-life.
Dauenai Pass (East) - This drift begins outside and to the east of Dau-
enai (passage) and then follows the eastern passage wall north into the
lagoon, featuring huge groupers, wrasse, turtles, rays, congregations
of gray reef sharks, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, large schools
of barracuda, jacks, and occasionally billfish or dolphins around the
mouth.
Itol Rock - This is a spot on the outer eastern reef wall between Pasa
(island) and Nikahlap (island), which is sometimes considered part of
the next drift-dive on this list. Soft coral, rays, and lots of pelagics are
to be seen here. Currents can be intense.
Nikahlap Wall - This is a drift-dive starting at “Itol Rock” and running
south along the contour of the reef wall. See Itol Rock for features.
Currents can be very strong. Best at 18-40 meters. Advanced.
Pasa North - This is a drift-dive running in either direction along the
outer reef wall north of Pasa (island) and featuring the usual And At-
oll gamut of large pelagics, turtles, and sharks as well as blossoming
coral on the wall. There are often strong currents here. Best at 18-40
meters. Advanced.