Susan's Reef

Susan's Reef is Kimbe Bay's signature image: a saddle of reef strung with scarlet whip corals that lean into the current like grass in wind, anthias blazing around them. The ridge connects a small pinnacle to the main reef, and the classic dive works the saddle slowly, shooting the whips against blue water while fusiliers pour overhead. Anemones with resident clownfish dot the crest, and longnose hawkfish hide in the fans for those who look closely. Nothing here is deep or difficult; the site's reputation rests entirely on density of life and the discipline of visiting boats in protecting it.

اللحظة التي جئت من أجلها: Red whip-coral thickets; anthias clouds over the ridge; classic wide-angle scenes at moderate depth.

التضاريس: A coral ridge joining a pinnacle to the main reef, famous for dense red whip-coral growth

التيار: A little flow switches the whip corals on; guides pick the window.

نقطة الدخول: Day-boat run from the Kimbe resorts or liveaboard stop; moored or live-boat entries.

المخاطر: Occasional current over the saddle; otherwise benign.

الحفاظ على البيئة البحرية: Whip corals snap at a touch and take years to regrow: compose photographs with fins well clear of the ridge.