Boka Onima
What makes this dive so special is the coral. From what we
have seen so far, this is the most beautiful coral reef
around the island. The coral formations are found between 60
and roughly 100 feet. The drop off is very gradual and has a
spur and groove type lay-out. The spurs have the coral and
it is mainly sandy with some soft corals in the grooves. The
corals are absolutely amazing, 10-15-some 20 feet across,
and not just one or two, no!, gardens full of them. Just
stunning! Because of their depth the coral heads tend to
grow flatter making them cover large areas of the bottom. It
is just wonderful to float from one fabulous coral garden
onto the next. As we go, each garden seems to be even more
monumental than the last one.
Aside from all that big coral, there are plenty of fish
around. We often see Queen Triggers on this dive, different
kinds of Grouper, High Hats and Mutton Hamlets. Many of the
corals have large spaces underneath making perfect resting
places for Nurse Sharks. Also many large Spiny Lobsters find
nice homes in this reef.
Between the shore line (not counting the boka) and the coral
reef at 60feet is quite a ways out there. A very gradual
slope covered with macro algae. We call it the big void.
Really not much there. However, if you look closer you will
find many interesting things like shrimp, crab and small
fish hiding in small holes and around rocks. Back inside the
boka it is fun to look for juveniles and the Longhorn- and
Seaweed Blennies.
It is possible to do a giant stride of about 15 feet high
near the end of boka. Fun to do and saves quite a bit of
surface swimming. Don’t worry about your camera as we will
bring a rope to lower it down. Wading in at the beach is
also an option. We exit at the rocky beach inside the boka.
