Referring to the southern part of North Opal Reef, SNO is home to Marvin, the local giant Maori Wrasse that eagerly greets divers, hoping for scraps of food. Have you ever been nuzzled by a metre-and-a-half long fish? Here’s your chance. Be sure to pose for the camera if our photographer is in the water with you, this is a shot you’ll want to take home!
Marvin’s not the only fish to get your attention at SNO. Multi-coloured parrotfish scrape busily at the coral, undisturbed by divers getting up close to snap their picture.
The 12-metre deep coral incline that makes up this reef dive is swarming with fish of all sizes. Schools of razor fish bop vertically near the sandy bottom, moving in unison like synchronised swimmers as trumpet fish swim solo in their funny diagonal manner.
SNO is another site conveniently protected by the reef, providing divers with those sought after conditions: calm and clear. This is a site that deserves close appreciation. Be sure to take your time as you scope out the deeper portion of the dive before levelling off around 8 metres for the swim back to the boat.
