Location

This bank, south-west of Goodenough Island, is the tip of a peak rising from a depth of 300 metres to 5 metres below the surface; here it forms a practically oval plateau, about a hundred metres long and 30 wide. The walls descend steeply all around the bank, disappearing into the blue. Although you can dive very deep here, you should not go beyond 25-30 metres as this is where most of the creatures living on this reef can be observed.

Dive

The MTS Discoverer is anchored on the tip of the bank at a depth of 5 metres. From here descend along the walls, going all around the bank without difficulty. Visibility is usually quite good and can reach 30-40 metres.

The reef is teeming with life but it is best to follow the flow of the current (never too strong) to encounter the greatest concentration of fish. There is an incredible variety in number and species with every dive. Around the reef shoals of Fusilierfish and Red Lutjanidae swim in the current seeking food while Labridae and Surgeonfish dart through the corals. The walls are adorned with splendid formations of Tubastrea and Alcyonarians of varying colours and size. Careful observation of the coral Polyps reveals skillfully camouflaged shrimps, crabs and gobies and it is a lot difficult to make out delicate nudibranchs along the wall. Peeking out of the rock crevices are curious moray and, in the corals, anemones, invariably hosting small clownfish, wave their tentacles. You may even see the Rhinopias, perhaps lying close to a splendid crinoid but you must look very closely because this fish is a true master of disguise.

Cecilia’s Reef is the ideal place for a night dive as it is not far from Galaiwa Bay, on the island of Goodenough, where the ship is moored for the night. In the dark you can meet the crabs and shrimps that usually hide in the fissures in the walls and the fish that come out only at night in search of prey, when they feel less vulnerable. You will see fish sleeping in the shelter of madrepore formations and Tubastrea and alcyonarians with the polyps expanded showing off their splendid colours.