Thanks to the ripping tidal currents, the area is home to some spectacular soft coral gardens.
It is virtually impossible to determine the species of soft corals without samples and microscopic observations.
There are fields of Seawhips, both on the granite bolder substrate and also on the rubble sandy bottom.
SAND BANKS
These banks host many uncommon species. The sand banks support a wide range of seldom wirnessed animals: Baby Cuttlefish, Sand Anemones, Giant Pipefish, Stonefish, Soft Corals, Seastars...
SEAGRASS BEDS
Fields of sea grass live on the sandy bottom of the ocean securing the sand against the tidal flow and providing a habitat for squids.
These squids hatch clusters of eggs, File fishes, Cuttle fish, Tunicate, Bristle worms, Gobies, small Eels...
It often feels like an underwater treasure hunt, not very glamourous but so rewarding because of the species that can not be found on the coral reef ecosystem. It also provides food for the green turtle during the nesting season.
FRINGING REEFS
After the low water tide mark, a fringing reef surounds the island.
The north east coast is the most pristine, with a healthy cover of hard coral.
The bank on the north west side of the island is also covered with hard coral, thriving at 3 to 6 meter depth.
The composition of species changes often due to the murky water at this time of the year and due to the lack of sunlight.
THE OPEN SEA
While hard to survey, marine species land on our beaches especially after a few days of strong wind. Usually seldom seen, Jelly fish, Purple Sea Snails create bubble rafts to float. .