Coral Scrapes and Cuts – Divers Alert Network

Cuts and scrapes are the most common injuries incurred by divers and snorkelers. DAN receives about one inquiry a week related to someone who has come into contact with coral. A burning sensation, pain and itching are common and may also be accompanied by a rash. These injuries can have a latent evolution and take weeks or months to heal, confusing both patients and clinicians.

Mechanisms of Injury

Soft living tissues cover the surface of corals. In the case of stony corals, the rigid (abrasive) structure underneath makes the coral’s soft tissue easy to tear and get into the scrape or cut. Foreign material can prolong the wound-healing process since the different antigens and substances cause an acute inflammatory process and infection. Cuts and scrapes from sharp-edged coral and barnacles tend to fester and may take weeks or even months to heal. Granulomas can form if debris from the original wound remains in the tissue. The body attempts to remove it, resulting in an itchy rash or papule (small, raised, tender bump) that lasts for some time before the body eliminates it.

While most “raspberries” generally heal quickly, skin abrasions from a marine environment can sometimes be more challenging to treat than those we get from outdoor activities such as baseball or bicycling. Whether it is a coral, a rock or a wreck, they all share a common factor: They are covered by living marine organisms, which makes coral cuts and scrapes unique.

Manifestations

The extent of the reaction depends on the presence and amount of toxins, the size and location of the abrasion and the pre-existing sensitivity of the injured person. The most common manifestations are a burning sensation, pain and itching. A rash may accompany the injury if the coral is a hydroid, such as fire coral.

Most animals of class Hydrozoa become hydroids as a life stage. They are predominantly colonial, and while most of them are marine creatures, you can find a few species in freshwater environments.

Fire corals are cnidarians, so they contain nematocysts. Touching them with a simple rub can cause mechanical activation and envenomation. The manifestation is usually blistering, which typically appears a few hours after contact. They typically resolve in a few days, but it is quite common for these injuries to relapse within a week or two after what seemed to be healing progress. This delayed reaction is typical of these types of envenomations.

Prevention

When underwater, try to avoid contact with coral or any other living creature. Whenever possible, wear a wetsuit or dive skin to protect yourself if you are accidentally pushed into coral by another diver or a current. Ocean divers should consider a marine animal first aid kit for their travels. Ready supplies will speed up the time to properly administer first aid for injuries. Additionally, for divers who want to learn more about the various marine life injuries, there are courses in marine life identification, first aid courses and a variety of books and publications available.

First Aid

• Scrub the cut vigorously with soap and water, and then flush the wound with large amounts of water.
• Flush the wound with a half-strength solution of hydrogen peroxide in water. Rinse again with water.
• Apply a thin layer of antiseptic ointment, and cover the wound with a dry, sterile and non-adherent dressing. If you have no ointment or dressing, you can leave the wound open.
• Clean and re-dress the wound twice a day.
• If the wound develops a crust, use wet-to-dry dressing changes. Put a dry sterile gauze pad over the wound and soak it with saline or a diluted antiseptic solution (such as 1% to 5% povidone-iodine in disinfected water). Allow it to dry then rip the bandage off the wound. The dead and dying tissue should adhere to the gauze and lift free. The tissue underneath should be pink and may bleed slightly but should be healing. Change the dressings once or twice a day. Use wet-to-dry dressings for a few days or until they become non-adherent. Then resume the regular wound dressing described above.
• Look for any signs of infection: extreme redness, red streaks on the extremity, pain, fever, pus or swollen lymph glands. If you have any, consult a qualified health professional about starting an antibiotic. A possible Vibrio bacteria infection can cause illness and even death in someone with an impaired immune system (e.g., from AIDS, diabetes or chronic liver disease).
• Watch for coral poisoning, which can occur if abrasions or cuts are extensive or from a particularly toxic species. Symptoms include a wound that heals poorly or continues to drain pus, swelling around the cut, swollen lymph glands, fever, chills and fatigue. If you have these symptoms, see a physician.

Complications

The most frequent complications from non-stinging coral scrapes are inflammation (which leads to poor healing) and less commonly a secondary infection. Proper wound cleaning is crucial. If fire coral is the culprit, then a diluted acetic acid solution, such as household white vinegar, is a reasonable topical decontaminant and should be used as a soak to reduce the pain. Immersion in hot water can reduce the symptoms. Hot water is ideal, but you can use instant hot packs, cold packs or ice packs. Provide symptomatic treatment for the inflammatory response. Steroid creams are rarely helpful, and they can prolong a skin infection. If the inflammation is severe, you may administer systemic steroids in a moderate, tapering dose under the supervision of a trained medical provider. Oral antihistamines can sometimes help reduce the itching or burning sensation. 

Possible Complications of an Old Problematic Wound

It is not uncommon for divers to contact DAN concerned about a minor skin abrasion on their hands, knees or elbows that happened months ago and has not healed despite proper care. These chronic wounds often have a red and bumpy appearance, occasionally develop a crust and are usually painless. If common antibiotic ointments do not help, divers wonder if the cause may be a marine-specific pathogen.

Divers with an open wound, even a small cut or scrape, are at risk for skin infections. When an old problematic wound fits the descriptions above, it might have become infected with an opportunistic pathogen known as Mycobacterium marinum. Despite the name there are no marine-specific pathogens that affect humans. Some infections are more common in aquatic environments. M. marinum is responsible for a condition commonly known as fish tank granuloma, or aquarium granuloma.

The red and bumpy nodules, no larger than a centimeter, are granulomas — inflammatory immune cells trying to wall off the pathogen. Granulomas are usually isolated but can sometimes appear in small clusters. They are not necessarily painful. There may or may not be discharge from the wound.

Characteristics of

M. marinum That Affect Healing

• The pathogen is opportunistic. It causes infection only in the right conditions (environmental and patient-related), so it is often not considered as a potential culprit.
• It likes cooler temperatures, which is why these wounds tend to flourish in areas with lower body temperatures such as hands, knuckles, elbows and knees.
• Only specific antibiotics work, so the typical antibiotic treatments are usually unsuccessful.
• The life cycle is slow, which means treatments last a long time. Sometimes patients will abandon what could have been a successful treatment or doctors may look for other potential explanations for the symptoms.
• It requires specific culture media that a doctor would not ask for unless they suspected this pathogen. Standard culture results are often negative, which delays the diagnosis.

Allow your doctor to examine the wound and follow their standard procedures. The doctor will probably ask you how it happened or when it started. Tell them about the superficial abrasion in a marine environment. You may want to ask specifically if M. marinum could be the cause. Your doctor does not need dive-specific medical knowledge for this type of issue.

Fitness to Dive

Always take care of wounds and clean them thoroughly no matter the severity. The skin is our most effective and efficient means of immunological defense. A compromised wound can get seriously infected.

As a rule, treat wounds properly and let them heal before diving. This is particularly important before traveling to a remote location or one with limited local medical care capabilities. A skin lesion with the potential for infection might warrant a more conservative decision to stay ashore if you have such a trip planned.

Chronic skin lesions require specific consultation with your physician team before diving. Your doctor may prescribe treatment or a protective covering to prevent skin breakdown.

How To Treat Reef Cuts

Regardless of your experience, reef related injuries are not a matter of if…but when!

Reef cuts and infections are a big deal…They require immediate attention to avoid countless health problems.

Your surf trip will eventually become a nightmare if your reef cuts lead to infections that can adversely affect your overall health.

The coral reefs throughout Indonesia contain unusual nasty bacteria and toxins.
Foreign debris and coral spores embed themselves in the skin and tissue, acting as a source of infection, increasing pain, inflammation and prevent your wound from healing.

It’s a fact that reef cuts are one of the most difficult types of wounds to heal. Even the smallest, harmless-appearing reef cut or rash has a high chance of developing into a serious infection if not treated properly. We see it time and time again, surfers that are not properly prepared with reef cuts left ill-treated or in some instances untreated. Leading to an infection that not only puts a damper on your surf trip but can threaten your life.

Considering your most common injury is going to be a reef cut or laceration, you have to be prepared for treating, cleaning, and bandaging basic wounds with the right kind of first aid kit when surfing reefs.

What You’re Going To Need…

An irrigation syringe is a lightweight and easy tool to carry for the first step in disinfecting any wound.  You should use an irrigation syringe, and not your bare hands when irrigating any reef cut to prevent the spread of bacteria and infections. 

Tap water in Indonesia is not clean and the ocean water at this temperature harbours a lot of bacteria so use bottled water to first irrigate your wound. Bottled water is conveniently available in stores all around Indonesia. 

Used to clean around the wound. Carefully cover your finger with soap wipes to ensure that you don’t touch the surface of the wound. 

To sterilise tweezers, scissors, the area around the wound and assisting adhesive bandages to make better contact with the skin. You can also use bottled isopropyl alcohol if available.

When you are treating wounds yourself you need all the help you can get and high precision tweezers with an elbow are the top of the line when it comes to easily and effectively removing foreign debris from your wounds. DON’T get stuck with plastic tweezers or cheap tweezers that you can’t get an accurate pinch from, you’ll cause yourself more pain and become extremely frustrated.  Moreover, plastic or cheap tweezers aren’t always made from the best materials and using these in treating your reef cuts might only do more harm than good. 

Quality pair of stainless steel scissors to cut and shape adhesive tapes and bandages. Don’t forget to clean your scissors with alcohol before using them. A pair of high-quality scissors can be very useful when dressing cuts, which is why it’s best if you always include them in your first aid kit. 

A razor enables you to shave the hair around the wound and keep the area clean assisting adhesive bandages to make better contact with the skin.

Used to clean the wound thoroughly one last time to ensure any coral dust/spores are removed decreasing the likelihood of infection and delays in the healing process.

Mimics your body’s internal pH and is used in the final step when irrigating the wound to provide the cleanest environment possible.

An effective formula that contains three active antibiotic ingredients to stop the growth of bacteria, prevent infection and reduce pain and inflammation. WARNING; commonly used topical antiseptics (lime, hydrogen peroxide, iodine and alcohol) actually damage the tissue and irritates the wound delaying the healing process.

This revolutionary cellulose-based material accelerates the blood clotting process and is a must-have item in every surfing first aid kit. When the gauze comes in contact with blood it quickly transforms into a stiff gel, which fills wound voids, seals capillary ends and activates the clotting system saving you days or weeks of recovery time.

Wide area adhesive dressing that is especially suitable for use on frequently mobile and highly contoured parts of the body where most reef cuts occur. It provides a bacterial barrier that is permeable to air and water vapour with an excellent long term skin/wound friendly adhesion. It can be applied directly over the top of the wound with or without gauze and minimises any disturbances of blood circulation to speed up the healing process of reef cuts. Adhesive stretch dressings are some what the swiass army knife of wound dressings when it comes to reef cuts.

How To Treat a Reef Cut…

You’re first step for any kind of cut, reef or otherwise, is to irrigate, loosening and removing any foriegn debris from the wound. Since the tap water in Indonesia is not clean use bottled water to first irrigate your wound flushing out as much foreign debris as you can. Save the saline solution for last unless you have a large supply of it.

Using an irrigation syringe irrigate the wound further for an extended period of time washing out as much bacteria as you can. Then clean around the wound with soap wipes.

Coral contains a range of very nasty and unusual bacteria and toxins. Tiny coral cysts enter the wound and get embedded in tissue to not only cause wound healing delay, but pain and recurrent swelling for a long time. So naturally the first major rule is thorough, extended cleaning. The longer the better! Don’t do what we have seen a million times: “Oh, that’ll do mate.” No it probably won’t. Do it again, thoroughly.

Use tweezers (first sterilise the tweezers with alcohol wipes) to remove any foreign debris from the wound that still appear after washing. It is important to get any remains of the reef or coral dust out of the wound as mentioned above. 

Take your time doing this as thoroughly as possible, removing any dead skin with sterile equipment along the way. It is a major step to speeding up the healing process. 

We can’t stress this enough, do it right the first time, because once the swelling and infection sets in, it becomes increasingly difficult to remove foreign objects.

Use the razor to shave any hair around the wound in preparation for covering the wound. This greatly enhances how well any adhesive bandages stick to the skin, keeping the wound cleaner for longer and speeding up the healing process.

Fill the irrigation syringe with saline solution or simply use saline solution straight from the bottle and rinse the wound while lightly cleaning with a wound cleaning sponge.

Clean, dry and degrease the area around the wound with alcohol wipes. This not only rids of bacteria but dries the skin for applying an adhesive stretch dressing.

Treat the wound with a triple antibiotic ointment ensuring any remaining bacteria from the cleaning or debriding process doesn’t take root in your injury, preventing infection and assisting in relieving pain and inflammation.   

While commonly used antiseptics such as lime, hydrogen peroxide, iodine or rubbing alcohol into the wound does work to kill bacteria it also damages the tissue, irritates the wound and delays the healing process.

Use Hemostatic Gauze to control any remaining bleeding and active the blood clotting system. With scissors cut and shape the hemostatic gauze to shape to match the wound and apply directly to the wound with pressure.

Hemostatic gauze is commonly used by armed forces and hospitals to address gunshot wounds. When the Hemostatic Gauze contacts with the wound it quickly transforms into a stiff gel, filling the wound, sealing capillary ends and activating the blood clotting system saving you days or weeks of recovery time.

Prepare an adhesive stretch dressing by cutting it to the length you need, then cutting it to the desired shape and apply it directly over the top of the wound and/or hemostatic gauze when the area around your wound is completely dry. 

Hot tip: round the corners of the dressing with scissors so there are no corners that may start to peel back off the skin.

Raise the limb. Swelling, even if you can’t see it, can delay healing, especially in areas of poor circulation. Keep your arm or leg up to the level of your heart or higher in the first few hours.

This is indicated by red spreading edges around the wound which can lead to fever, severe illness and even death. If you see this, you need urgent medical help. Do not delay even if you are in a remote place — you will need antibiotics or change to a different antibiotic if you are on one already. Get some medical advice even if it’s on the phone to work out which antibiotic is best and assess your condition if you’re getting ill and febrile.

Seek urgent medical attention if…

1. The wound is large or deep.
2. The edges of the wound do not stay together.
3. It is not possible to clean the wound properly or remove all debris. 
4. Symptoms of infection occur (fever, increasing pain or redness, or discharge from the wound).
5. If blood is spurting from the wound or if applying pressure to the wound does not stop the bleeding!

Reef cuts can be challenging to treat, which is why you should exert effort to avoid such wounds whenever possible. This is especially important if you’re fond of spending time at the beach and in the surf.

If you like to explore reefs when you’re not surfing investing in and wearing some water aerobic shoes is one way of avoiding reef cuts out of the surf in the future. Wearing a dive suit and maintaining a respectful distance from the reefs can also help whenever possible.

The Surfers First Aid Kit is perfect for treating reef cuts. Tried and tested by surfers to meet the needs of surfing, not only in Indonesia but around the world!

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“Not having a good First Aid Kit on hand places you at serious risk”.

Other Items You’ll Need…

Butterfly Stitches

Also known as Steri-Strips or butterfly bandages, are narrow adhesive bandages that are used instead of traditional stitches (sutures) to close small, shallow cuts.

Splinter Probe

Sea urchin spines have a tendency to wander into the worst parts of the body, regardless of how well you protect yourself. Your best bet is to use a splinter probe to efficiently remove the spine as soon as possible.

Sports Tape

Not your typical rigid strapping tape but a pliable sports tape with stretch to fit the curves and corners of your body securely where a lot of reef cuts occur.

Cotton Bud Swabs

Versatile tool that has many uses in your first aid kit.

The Surfers first aid kit…

Surf Indonesia has thoughtfully packaged these items and more into a conveniently purpose-built first aid kit for surf travel.

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Top 10 coral reefs in the world

Any diver will agree that the value of coral reefs is difficult to overestimate. This fantastically diverse and at the same time so vulnerable ecosystem protects coastal areas from storms and high waves, filters water, absorbs carbon dioxide, creates conditions for the life of countless underwater inhabitants, not to mention its significance for coastal farms. Fact: corals help the planet survive .

“Coral Triangle” , a paradise for divers, is located between Philippines , Bali , Indonesia , East Timor and Solomon Islands ami . Some statistics: occupying only 1.6% of the total area of ​​the World Ocean, this place is the world center of underwater biodiversity , the most extensive area of ​​mangroves , home for 76% – 605 species! – of all known corals on planet , including 15 endemics, over 3,000 species of fish and 6 out of 7 species of sea turtles. In short, no place in the world will impress you more with paints and variety of underwater inhabitants. The epicenter of the “coral triangle” is located at Chendrawasih Peninsula in Indonesian Papua , which is home to 95% of the representatives of this region and 72% of the world’s biodiversity. The Raja Ampat Archipelago is home to 533 species of marine creatures, and surprisingly, up to 20 new species are discovered each year by scientists. What more could a diver’s soul ask for?

Caribbean : Florida , Bahamas , Bermuda , Northeast Coast USA and Caribbean Sea itself 9 0004 is only 8% of the area of all the world’s coral reefs . There are two barrier reefs – Belize , 220 km long, and another one located at the Colombian island of Providencia . Here you will find 65 species of corals and over 700 species of fish. Variety – but not quality! – corals are considered not as large as in the western Indian Ocean, where 16% of the world’s coral reefs are located. However, approximately 30% of Indian Ocean reefs have been significantly affected by coral bleaching 1998 and 2016.

One way or another, beautiful and bright coral reefs can be seen in different parts of our planet . Isn’t it time to make a list of the most beautiful reefs and visit them all?

1. Fiji: Grand Central Station, Chimney, Rainbow Reef

Welcome to “soft coral capital of the world” ! Don’t lose the admiration regulator when you take your first couple of breaths underwater. Nothing you’ve seen before compares to colorful splendor 10,020 km² of coral reefs. Any dive at Fiji will be amazing, but there are a couple of dive sites that have no competition. Grand Central Station wall and Pinnacles cliffs habitat 400 species of coral , exotic sponges and a wide range of marine life including dolphins, turtles, whales and a variety of pelagic animals: schools of barracudas, tuna, trevally, snappers, schools of sharks , including “hammers”, manta rays, marble rays, etc.

Ranbow Reef is a vast area at Tavenui , the main dive sites here are Rainbow’s End and Rainbow Passage . The name of the reef is fully consistent with reality: you will see a bright kaleidoscope of soft and hard corals – 230 species – and an incredible variety of underwater life – 1,200 species. Pay attention to beautiful nudibranchs, triggerfish and clownfish, and then look around: it is quite possible that a flock of barracuda looms behind you, or a whitetip shark along with its leopard “cousin”. Real a feast for the eyes of divers and one of the best dive sites in the world! The most comfortable period for diving on Fiji is from April to October , but from July to December here you will find visibility up to 50 m !

2. Indonesia: Raja Ampat (Cape Cree), Komodo (Wakatobi)

Located in the epicenter of the “coral triangle” , Raja Ampat 9000 4 is home to 75% of all known corals – 537 species – and 1074 fish species. Just believe: nowhere in the world you will see so many different corals and underwater inhabitants in one place! Due to its location and conservation efforts, Raja Ampat reefs are in excellent condition .

Cape Cree is a legendary site where 374 species of underwater creatures were once discovered in a single tank dive – can you imagine that? On this The long underwater wall has more than 540 species of soft and hard corals , and more than 1,000 species of fish, including tuna, giant trevally, groupers, whitetip sharks and chevron barracudas, not to mention hundreds of nudibranchs and scorpionfish. Biodiversity impressive !

Wakatobi Marine National Park , also known as Tukangbesi archipelago, offers amazing diving on one of the most beautiful reefs on the planet . Here you can see 25 coral reef groups , including barrier reefs , atolls and fringing reefs . More than 950 species of underwater creatures live here, including pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, manta rays, dolphins, whale and hammerhead sharks, dugongs, whales and many others.

3. Egypt: Zabargad, St. John’s

And why was the Red Sea not called the Colored Sea? Dives in the south The Red Sea is impressive sheer walls covered with thick carpet of colorful soft and hard corals tunnels and eaves, a fantastic amount of reef life and excellent visibility .

Underwater slopes of the Zabargad Island (“topaz” in Arabic), covered with various corals , reach a depth of 30 m, and then abruptly disappear into the blue. Pufferfish, schools of sweetlips, octopuses, turtles, spotted rays and crocodile fish live here. This place is also interesting for two wrecks: the Soviet transport ship Khanka lies at a depth of 24 m, and the German safari yacht Neptuna can be viewed at 15 m. In addition, green turtles and Hawksbill turtles have chosen the sandy beaches of the island: in August they lay their eggs here.

The extensive St. John’s reef system lies close to the border with Sudan and is known for the excellent condition of its corals, impressive caves and shoals of pelagic fish that live there. The variety of dive sites at St. John’s will be appreciated by those who like the vibrant marine life and lack of crowds of divers around. Dives in these places are available all year round , but most comfortable period would be the months May to September .

4. Philippines: Tubbataha Reef, Apo Reef

the best diving region in Philippines and one of the top 5 dive sites for diving in the world. The location in “coral triangle” is known to guarantee excellent underwater life. Dive into it unique place is only possible as part of a dive safari in a short period from March to beginning of June , when the sea is quite calm . But if you succeed, it will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable trips of your life.

Park includes two coral atolls : North and South , as well as Jesse Beasley Reef . This diver’s paradise is habitat more than 30 varieties of corals and 600 species of other representatives of the underwater fauna. You will be amazed by the number of colorful reef fish, turtles, manta rays, countless schools of barracudas and trevally, as well as encounters with thresher, hammerhead and whale sharks.

The 34 km Apo Reef is the famous Marine Park, a place widely known for the diversity of its underwater world . The two coral reefs of are separated by a 30 m deep channel, and it is this place that attracts both reef sharks, manta rays and schools of barracudas, as well as an incredible amount of macro photography. From March to May the most calm seas and impressive visibility are waiting for you here.

5. Australia: Great Barrier Reef

You can’t just talk about the best reefs in the world and not mention the unique GBR , right? The Great Barrier Reef , the longest reef system in the world – 2,300 km – which is visible even from space , firmly occupies the top position in the list of must-see places for many divers to visit. Much of it suffered from bleaching, but dive sites such as Cod Hole , Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef remain some of the most beautiful dive sites on the planet.

Each section of the reef will delight you with something different. GBR – home to 400 species of soft and hard corals which in turn harbor over 1,500 species of fish, including red snappers, imperial angels, snappers, clownfish, coral trout, rockfish and many others. Macro photography enthusiasts will appreciate the number of pipefish, tiny seahorses, nudibranchs, sea snails and a myriad of clams hiding in coral reefs . There is no shortage of sharks on BBR . How do you like 125 species?? Dugongs can often be found here, as well as 30 species of dolphins and whales – according to conservative estimates, about 35% of the total number of cetacean species.

Diving at Big Barrier is possible all year round , but the period from late August to early December will be the most comfortable . In addition, from June to November you can meet minke whales and humpback whales here. And don’t miss Annual mass coral spawning on inland reefs : occurs in October , week after full moon . On outer reefs this miracle can be observed in November-December . But to be honest – a whole year is not enough to really explore the magnificent Great Barrier Reef !

6. Belize: Barrier reef; Bonaire

Second largest coral system in the world , the largest reef system in the Caribbean and the longest double barrier reef in the world, all of which are Belize Barrier Reef . It occupies about 300 km² of seven sea reserves , there are 450 small sand islands and Three Atolls : TURNEFFE reefs, LightHouse and Glovers . To date, scientists have identified 100 species of corals and 500 varieties of underwater inhabitants here, but since 90% of the reef has not yet been explored , the potential for discoveries is simply enormous. Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it?

Soft and hard corals , branching gorgonians and an interesting underwater landscape attract thousands of bright fish, reef and hammerhead sharks, spotted rays, eels, trevally, triggerfish, parrot fish, large groupers, manta rays, turtles, sea horses kov and many other sea creatures. And being in Belize , you can’t miss visiting Big Blue Hole : its diameter is 300 m, depth – 124 m. This place is recognized by as one of the most incredible on the planet !

Belize with its impressive variety of dive sites and excellent conditions will suit any diver. The dry season here is from November to April , but the actual dive season on Belize lasts all year round .

Located in another part of the Caribbean Bonaire National Marine Park is known for its amazing coral reefs protected from currents. The site is recognized by as one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean , and often Bonaire is awarded the titles “Best Underwater Photography” , “Best Dive” by Scuba Diving Magazine ing from the shore in the Caribbean” and “Best Macro Diving Site” . The island has about 60 dive sites where you can meet colorful parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, groupers, sea turtles, rays, dolphins and many other underwater creatures. Acropora , Gorgonian and staghorn corals will impress with their excellent condition and abundance of bright reef fish. You can dive here all year round , but the dry season – from April to November – will be the optimal time .

7. Mexico: Cozumel, Palancar Reef

Palancar Reef , the jewel of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and the main attraction of the Cozumel National Park is an ideal destination for both divers and snorkelers. The site gained fame thanks to Jacques-Yves Cousteau and is today one of the most popular and colorful dive sites on the planet. The 5.6 km long reef is actually “complex” of several coral formations where sea turtles, nurse sharks, moray eels, countless schools of barracudas and a kaleidoscope of brightly colored fish can be seen all year round .

Among the popular spots is the Santa Rosa reef with its impressive coral canopies , huge sponges and many groupers living there; shallow Palancar Gardens with magnificent caverns; Columbia reef – sheer wall, going to depth and covered with giant coral formations . You are waiting for meetings with Hawksbill tortoises that pinch lips, endemic toad fish that amaze with their colors, huge Atlantic goliath groupers and beautiful moray eels. Diving for Palancar reef available all year round ; in December water temperature is usually about 24 ºC , and in August it is 30 ºC . Some people compare diving on the Palancar with flying – this is exactly the feeling that the visibility of more than 40 m gives the . Impressive, isn’t it?

8. Papua New Guinea

It is already known that “coral triangle” is excellent diving by definition, and0003 Papua New Guinea is no exception. This dive destination will offer you pristine coral reefs, clear waters, rich underwater life and exotic culture. Scientists have identified more than 350 species of corals and 860 species of fish living in areas of 45,000 km . By the way, thanks to its large area and remote location , on many dive sites your group will be the only one, and no one will interfere enjoy beauty .

The main APG spots are located at islands of the Bismarck Sea , at Milne Bay and at coral reefs at some distance from the mainland . Countless coral atolls , steep walls, barrier reefs , World War II wrecks, as well as numerous representatives of the macro world make Papua New Guinea an extremely attractive region for underwater photographers . We bet you’ve never seen so many different kinds of frogfish, needlefish, seahorses, exotic nudibranchs, crabs, shrimp and a host of other microscopic creatures. Fans of larger fish PNG will offer reef sharks, turtles, sea snakes, dolphins, flocks of barracudas and even pilot whales. Reefs in excellent condition ranked among the most beautiful reefs in the world due to the abundance of bright soft corals and sponges.

In PNG 12 months in the year are waiting for you, and the optimal periods for diving here will be the months from mid-April to mid-June , and also from mid-September to mid-December .

9. Solomon Islands

Located 1,667 km southeast of Papua New Guinea , Solomon Islands are untouched paradise . 992 islands, which firmly occupy their place in the ten most biologically diverse countries in the world, are considered one of the main eco-secrets of the Pacific Ocean .

Solomon Islands is home to 494 species of soft and hard coral , excellent pop diving opportunities, many wrecks, caverns and an impressive number of tiny underwater creatures. The country is located in the eastern part of the “coral triangle” , which in itself guarantees the richest marine life, from endemic nudibranchs to cuttlefish, schools of barracudas and trevally. Sheer walls, caves and underwater cliffs are adorned with vibrant coral gardens , and diving here is exactly what will please explorers eager for new discoveries and underwater photographers . Dives in Solomon Islands are available all year round but the most comfortable will be dry season from June to August .

10. Thailand: Richelieu Rock

Richelieu Rock owes its discovery to Jacques-Yves Cousteau , who, in turn, was helped by local fishermen. This rock, rising 50m from the surface of the water, is one of Thailand’s brightest and richest spots and will definitely require several dives to explore.

This horseshoe-shaped site features a large central rock surrounded by smaller rocks. They are all covered sea fans , anemones, bright sponges and purple soft corals ; maybe that’s why Cousteau named this place in in honor of the red robe of Cardinal Richelieu ?

The main problem for the underwater photographers on this site is that it is very difficult to plan which lens to use. Rich underwater life is represented by chevron barracudas, manta rays, large groupers, giant trevally, whitetip and leopard sharks. Attentive divers will notice a huge variety of nudibranchs, frogfish, seahorses and porcelain crabs, but of course the main “stars” here are whale sharks attracted by plankton. They are not often seen here, but the chances increase from February to April . In general, diving here is available from end of October to end of May , and the best months are February and May .

In general, planet has quite a few places with stunningly beautiful coral reefs , however, unfortunately, not all of them are in good condition: the most obvious examples are fading Great Barrier Reef and Maldives . Since 2014, this tropical archipelago has suffered several times from the El Niño Current , which caused 60 to 90% of the corals to fade in different places . But nature has the ability to recover . Esl and do not interfere with her . And the more effort we put in to conserve coral reefs , the better world we will leave for future generations.

04.03.2020

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The most beautiful coral reefs in Egypt

The Red Sea is one of the best places on the planet for diving. Each coral reef here is famous for its picturesque views and unusual colorful inhabitants, sunken ships and underwater caves. Thinking about a vacation in Egypt is all the more pleasant because since August you can fly a direct flight to one of the resorts. From 9August flies from Moscow to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh five flights a week. Read the details in the note “What has changed in Egypt while you were not there.”

And we tried to make you fall in love with the amazing underwater world of Egypt with this selection of its most attractive marine reefs.

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Tiran Island, Sharm El Sheikh

Clownfish, dolphins, turtles and large anemones have chosen the island. The most beautiful corals are bizarrely placed on the walls of the reef, and at the very bottom of the underwater explorers, the sunken ship Kormoran awaits.

Hotels: Ships to the island depart from Naama Bay, where many excellent hotels are located: Movenpick Sharm Naama Bay 5*, Tropitel Naama Bay 5*, Solymar Naama Bay 4*.
Diving Schools: Dolphin Diving Center and Camel Dive Club & Hotel are always welcome.

Shark Reef, Sharm el-Sheikh oud and platax. Covered with dense coral thickets, the reef rock goes down to 750 meters.

Hotels: Sharks Bay is famous for its beautiful beach and hospitable hotels: Hilton Sharm Sharks Bay 4*, Sultan Gardens Resort 5*.
Diving Schools: African Divers

Ras Oum El Sid, Sharm El Sheikh

9070 1 The reef wall hides many grottoes and caves that have become home to lionfish, groupers and glassfish. A little aside, you can meet large Napoleons and admire flocks of tropical horse mackerels and barracudas.

Hotels: Reef Oasis Beach Resort 5*.
Diving schools: Dolphin Diving Club, African Divers, Elite Diving

Gordon Reef, Sharm El Sheikh

Shallow sandy plateau gradually gives way to coral and ends with a cliff resembling an amphitheatre. You can admire a variety of representatives of the animal world: stingrays, red mullet, hammerhead sharks and parrot fish.

Hotels: Rixos Seagate Sharm Resort 5*, Baron Palms 5*.
Diving schools: Aqua Naqk, Gold Stars Diving

Ras Mohammed Nature Reserve, Sharm El Sheikh

Seamounts extending almost a kilometer deep are replete with hundreds of species of corals and fish. Descending into the underwater depths of the most popular nature reserve in Egypt, the diver will find vast picturesque plateaus and an anemone city, reminiscent of a flowering garden.

Hotels: It is forbidden to build hotels in the reserve itself, but all certified diving clubs in Egypt bring their clients to this fabulous place.
Diving Schools: Blue Lagoon Diving Center, Dolphin Divers Club, etc. 0002

The pearl of local diving is famous for its pristine coral coast and sheer walls that gently go into the depths 120 meters. Hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, tuna and huge schools of small fish will keep you company while diving.

Hotels: Radisson Blu Resort El Quseir 5*, Novotel Marsa Alam 5*.
Diving Schools: Wherever you stay, there are excellent dive centers waiting for you everywhere.

Dolphin Reef, Marsa Alam

Dolphin lovers should take a closer look at this reef, for a reason they are in its name! The horseshoe reef with amazingly clear water is also home to gray and whitetip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, parrotfish, crocodile fish and tuna.

Hotels: Sentido Oriental Dream Resort 5*, Dreams Beach Resort Marsa Alam 5*.
Diving Schools: Each resort hotel offers diving services for beginners and advanced divers.

Fanadir Reef, Hurghada

The longest reef in the vicinity of Hurghada is perfect for beginner divers due to its calm current. Here you can see cardinal fish, glassfish, tuna and pike. And if you are lucky, you will meet moray eels, lionfish and octopuses.

Hotels: Palm Beach Resort 4*, Sheraton Miramar 5*, Movenpick El Gouna 5*.
Diving schools: Panorama Divers, Dive Buddy

Giftun reefs, Hurghada

Moray eels, rays and cuttlefish can be found in numerous underwater caves off the coast of the Gifun Islands. Quite dangerous marine inhabitants also live here: barracudas, long-winged and whale sharks.

Hotels: Seagull Beach Resort 5*, Zahabia Village & Beach Resort 3*.
Diving schools: Crazy Dolphin Diving Center, RedSea-Divers

Abu Hasheesh Reef, Hurghada

Abu Hashish we advise you to explore from the north: going around the “indented” reef from its southern part, you you will find yourself in a picturesque lagoon with a depth of about 10 meters. And on the way you will meet stingrays, stingrays and moray eels.

Hotels: Cleopatra Luxury Resort Makadi Bay 5*, Stella Di Mare Resort & Spa Makadi 5*.
Diving schools: Sadko, Blu Paradise Diving Center

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