Michael McFadyen's Scuba Diving - Darts Point
On the north-western side of Longnose Point there is a nice beach that is protected from all but southerly winds. I am not sure of the name of this beach. When I spent a weekend on the liveaboard Ocean Trek, we had lunch on the Sunday off this beach. Before lunch, we went for a dive on the point to the west of the beach. This is Darts Point.
The dive started by climbing aboard Ocean Trek's tender, Priscilla, and being taken around the point to a spot west of the beach. Here we entered the water and did a "drift" dive back to the mother vessel. The reef in closer to the shore is about 10 metres and there is a small wall dropping to about 12 metres. Darts Point itself continues under the water in a series of small ridges, running roughly north/south. Following the reef from where you enter the water to the south sees the reef get deeper to about 20 metres. The reef all along here consists of a sandy bottom with small boulders. The boulders have sponges, sea squirts and small gorgonias growing on them. There are the usual fishlife here, including some small rays, giant cuttlefish and various species of leatherjackets.
Once you hit the 20 metres, turn to the south-east and you will ascend to about 13 metres. It is now time to cross over the ridges. These are only a metre or so high and there are two or three of them. You are now heading to the north or north-east and eventually you will be on the sand again. Follow the sand edge (about 8 metres deep) to the north or north-east until near the boat and then cross the sand to do your safety stop under the boat.
Another very good dive, very easy but still interesting.
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