Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 06/2016 | Page 94

ISLANDS AND LIVEABOARDS There are a great variety of dive sites, from sheer sea-fan covered walls to rambling coral covered slopes, from the many sea caves in which you can surface to see the stalactites, to large bommies festooned with corals which attract huge shoals of herbivorous reef fish. No matter what the terrain, the reef life is prolific and dazzling. Even on a shore dive in Flying Fish Cove you can count a hundred species in a single dive. There are two full service dive operators who know all the best spots for the prevailing conditions. The water is warm, there is very little current, and as there is no urban run-off or human induced pollution, the visibility is exceptional. Though a year-round destination, one of the best times to visit is around November and December, at the end of the spectacular annual red crab JARKARTA 40 Ocean-going whale sharks come close to the reef CHRISTMAS ISLAND migration. The abundance of crab larvae in the water attracts whale sharks to the island. Seeing one of these magnificent creatures up close is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.