Layang Layang Diving Sites

Gorgonian Forest

Drop in here and sink into an amazing array of the colourful fans which give this site its name. Normally there is a fair amount of current here which cause the fans of yellow, red and orange to sway gently, from where they begin at 15 metres or so right down to over 40. The fact that the current runs parallel to the wall creates fabulous horizontal visibility commonly in excess of 50 metres.

Countless marine reef fishes dart around among the fans and the bushes of black coral and whip corals, so there is plenty to study on the slope to your right.

However to focus solely on the seascape would be to miss the likely presence of barracudas and, especially around April and May, scalloped hammerhead sharks. Sometimes these bizarre looking sharks appear alone and other times in great schools with a mix of the young and mature. As you gaze admiringly at them, they may venture in towards the reef or slowly slink off into the blue. This dive might also reward you with a sighting of a silvertip or two and even an unforgettable encounter with a whale shark.

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Gorgonian Forest Reef Basics: Slope
Depth: 10 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 50m
Currents: Moderate
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 26 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: February to October
Distance: A few minutes from the Layang Layang Resort pier
Access: Resort stay with Layang Layang Island Resort

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