Swain Reefs from Staghorns to Waves – the Diversity 0 20 Km of Life Challenges All Divers on the GBR 0 10 Miles Not for Navigation 152O30'e Reef

Swain Reefs From staghorns to waves – the diversity 0 20 km of life challenges all divers on the GBR 0 10 miles not for navigation 152o30'E Reef

21-274

Elusive Reef Distant Cay 21-281

21-289

21-295

21-256

6 o East Cay 21 30'S 21-468

21-477 21-558

Bacchi Cay Twin Cay 21-560

Frigate Cay

Detour Reef Half-Tide Reef

Blu Lion Reef

Emperor Reef

Beacon Reef ge Pike Reef assa us P rad 22oS Gannet Cay Ca Wade Reef

Horseshoe Reef Chesterman Reef Sanctuary Reef Abrahams Hook Reef Reef

Sandshoe Reef

Hackie Reef Sweetlip Reef

Hixson Cay South Hixson Cay 152o30'E

66 Swain Reefs Dive Sites

Olive sea snakes are common in some Swain Reef areas

The southern extension of the wilder- way towards allowing regeneration of ness and adventure diving areas of the fish stocks. Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are called the As much of the area is unexplored, Swain Reefs, or Swains to the locals. They each dive boat takes divers to their fa- are only serviced by charter boats with voured spots, usually associated with roving permits. The complex is 100km a good anchorage in the prevailing to 250km (62 miles to 155 miles) from weather. There are many anchorage the coast and has over 270 reefs, more sites so even if there are a few boats out, than 25 with cays. The reefs range in it is unlikely you will see them, as the size from a few hundred metres across area is so large. Depending on which to over 20km (12 miles) in length. Most harbour you started from and how long average around 4km (2.5 miles), provid- you have, you will probably cover either ing thousands of exciting, exploratory the northern or southern section. Either and adventure dive sites. The reefs are way, you will get excellent uncrowded rich with life and the cays are important diving and snorkeling. Usually there is as protected sea bird rookeries and rest- no set itinerary – your trip will be de- ing areas. There’s an automatic weather termined by weather and the whim of station on one of the cays. the group. Today, parts of the Swain Reefs are used for preservation areas, national Swain Reefs Dive Sites park, commercial trawling (some west- ern areas only), fishing, recreational use and research. In many areas fishing has depleted numerous fish species such as trout, cod and sweetlip. The most re- SNORKELING GOOD NOVICE INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED cent marine park zoning will go a small 6 EAST CAY •• 67