Page 62 - Florida and the US Caribbean Isles
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RUSTOPTWIST 30’-130’+ (9-40m+) Int. This spur and groove reef RUSS’ ROCK, rising from 65’ (20m) at the inshore mooring, has a
descends to the St. Croix wall. Atop the reef there is a wonderful high- much undercut coral mound, with sea rod plumes, barrel sponges, and
light - seahorses! These funny fish tend to like hanging out in the colourful sponges on top. Below Russ’ Rock are reef patches extending
gorgonians and soft corals here. The edge of the wall is rich in moun- into the deep.
tainous star corals and colorful sponges. GENTLE WINDS 25’-70’ (8- BARRACUDA BANK, at the outer mooring, is noted for numerous
21m) Beg. This is an excellent spot for experienced snorkelers, or it is curious barracuda that follow divers around. Some pelagic species are
a great second dive. Gentle Winds is a spur and groove reef with brain, seen by divers, including hammerheads.
star and lobed corals of all forms. Divers see a diversity of fishes and a JASON’S ANCHORS/TWIN ANCHORS 40’ - 60’ (12-18m) Int. Two
few resident hawksbill turtles. A big coral mound near the mooring is easily visited big anchors out of over two dozen cargo and passenger
affectionately called Gingerbread House by local divers. ship anchors that are embedded in this reef. Mountainous star cor-
SALT RIVER CANYON WEST WALL 25’-130’+ (9-40m+) Int. - Adv. al pinnacles rise up from sandy grooves, where there are occasional
400 yards west of the East Wall’s outer mooring is the West Wall, also nurse sharks. Gorgonians are prominent.
within the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Pre- LITTLE COZUMEL 35’-75’ (11-22m) Int. A mini wall at the moor-
serve. Black tree corals and orange sponges are at 100’+ (30m+). West ing gives this canyon its name, because it is similar to Cozumel’s great
Wall dive sites include: wall drift dives. This wall is full of colorful sponges and loaded with
COLUMBUS’ BLUFF 30’-100’ (9-30m) Int. Columbus landed adja- fish. A box canyon with 25’ high sides is the best part of this dive site.
cent to this spot during his second voyage to the West Indies in 1493. It offers lots of nooks and crannies for invertebrates
This spot includes a fabulous accumulation of reef deposits at the edge LOVE SHACK/GREEN SHACK 40’ - 65’ (12-20m) Beg. This spot is
of the great wall. Coral pinnacles, orange, green, purple, brown and a named for the beach shack on shore. A spur and groove reef drops to
rainbow of colorful sponges and corals create a giant pinnacle maze. the sandy bottom, which goes seaward to a long reef and then a small
GROUPER GROTTO 25’-130’+ (8-40m+) Int. - Adv. Named for wall drop off.
the big groupers that rest in the overhangs, and canyons of huge coral WAPA GARDEN 40’-55’ (12-17m) Beg. Named for Water And Power
heads and pinnacles. Eagle rays cruise by the wall, which begins at a Authority, which is located on shore. Pinnacles of mountainous star
depth of 60’ (18m). corals form overhangs for large groupers and nurse sharks.
SALT RIVER CANYON EAST WALL 30’-130’+ (9-40m+) Int. - Adv.
Just offshore from where Christopher Columbus landed during his
1493 voyage, this area is within the new Salt River Bay National His-
torical Park and Ecological Preserve. East Wall dive sites include:
