EDEN ROCK

This is one of twin popular sites that lie in close proximity to each other (the other being Devil's Grotto) and is easily accessible from the Eden Rock Diving Center. Directly offshore and an easy swim or snorkel away. Located on the south side of Hog Sty Bay (George Town harbor), it is also not far from town. The coral heads are located in fairly shallow water, making the site highly popular and frequently crowded with divers and snorkelers alike. Since the attraction of the site is its amazing labyrinth of tunnels, they appear in the drawings in a cut-away view to show them in all their intricacy. Although Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto are separated only by a sand gully, we recommend diving each site separately in order to see as much as possible, yet the two dives can be done one after the other since they are relatively shallow.

EDEN ROCK

Enter the water near the Eden Rock Dive Shop where your equipment can be readied and you can simply walk into the water. You can conserve air by snorkeling out to the dive site since it's only a 140m (150yards) swim from shore to the buoys that mark the site, protecting divers below from speedboats and water-skiers. These buoys are visible from the shore and are clearly apparent in the aerial photograph. The sea floor is sandy and covered with small coral outcrops, rocks and sea-fans until you reach the large coral heads. The rocks become more and more frequent until they form a mini-wall. Past this the sea floor is sandy, but level and cleaner.

As you approach the sand gully (A), turn right (north) to Eden Rock. Light penetrates some of the caves from above while others are completely dark, so we recommend bringing along a flashlight.

The best camera prey here is Glassy Sweepers who love the darkness of the tunnels. This is an excellent site to photograph these and other nocturnal fish and a night dive by flashlight is highly recommended. This is a favorite tarpon haunt in the springtime, although there are always few around throughout the year. Take your time in the grottos and don't try to cover everything in a few minutes. Don't forget to explore the outside of the coral heads also. If you become confused and lose your sense of direction in the caves, remember that as a rule, they run lengthwise from the shore. Don't try to swim up and out – just follow the cave to its end and you'll be able to find your bearings.