The drift dives around Alphonse allow our divers to cover huge stretches of coral-covered and fish-filled reef. With drop-offs ranging from the 8 to 16 metre depth range even beginner divers are able to enjoy these spectacular dives. With the introduction of reef hooks to our gear, divers can now hook in and stop to watch as marine life passes by or stay put to get some still underwater imagery. This is especially useful on some of our more advanced sites such as Napoleon, a stunning deep raised reef where large schools of snapper and batfish effortlessly glide by and where a group a Hammerhead were recently spotted. Reef hooks have allowed us to stop and view Giant Sweetlips and massive Napoleon Wrasse here too.
In recent weeks our resident pod of spinner dolphins have been making an appearance during safety stops just off our many walls. Whilst some guests have heard their squeaky callings during the dive, others like Alistair West have been lucky enough to spend their surface interval snorkelling with these majestic and inquisitive cetaceans. Recent sighting have spotted many small juveniles amongst the pod showing how healthy and alive the waters around Alphonse really are.
Other natural wonders have also amazed divers when Ted Innes-Ker and Henry Reid were introduced to a new dive site where Yellowmargin Triggerfish nest. Over 100 nests can be found here and, on the right part of the lunar cycle divers can witness fish building or defending their nest. In the case of Ted and Henry, a mother was tending her recently laid eggs. The Alphonse Dive Team have recently identified when and how triggerfish camouflage and oxygenate their eggs in a maternal/ paternal dance and are now able to share this with our guests.
If you would like more details please contact Charlotte Chilcott or call the office on ++44 1980 847389.