STEPS
11°25.049N 122°01.100E
DEPTH: 40 meters
WATER TEMPERATURE: 33°C
AIR TEMPERATURE: 32.5°C
General Description:
Steps is one of those dive sites that when it got discovered there was only one name that could possibly describe it. Steps is a unique living rock and hard coral site that is typical of the large scale coral growth in the area. This dive site is for the more experienced diver due to the depth of the "things -to-see". We did find a large number of hard coral throughout the dive and were surprised to see many pelagics (barracuda, grouper, jack) in the area beyond 10 meters. The site is off the mid-point of Mararison Island on the west side. The windward side of the island does get a little rougher seas during the day but is tolerable. It is best to align the boat off the shoreline (perpendicular to the two palm trees on the beach) in about 5 meters of water. It is better to anchor in this area due to the winds. It is not difficult to find a sandy bottom area for the anchor. The reef starts at a depth of 5 meters and gradually goes off into the blue abyss. The coral formation that we call "STEPS" lies at 30 meters. The reef is composed of hard and soft corals with many pelagic fish and coral fish. The hard coral is very healthy and shows signs of continued growth. The soft coral houses many different kinds of native marine life. The surrounding areas fall off to 40 (+) meters. The area is good for all types of underwater photography. The reef has everything from big fish to small marine life.
The reef is accessible by boat only. It is a 10 minute ride from the end of Bay Bay Boulevard. It is necessary to lay anchor in the area. The current is not strong but the waves are normally breaking due to the winds from the north. We estimate visibility at 20 meters (October 2005). The site is great for those divers looking for depth and a blue water ascent.
