Dive site · access from Layang-Layang (Swallow Reef)

Gorgonian Forest

The most reliably productive site for big animals, and also the site with the strongest current on the atoll.

Depth
12–40m
Current
Strong
Minimum level
Advanced open water
Access
Boat
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The case for it

Why dive here

  • Dense stand of gorgonian sea fans along the drop-off
  • The site most often named for hammerhead sightings
  • Fish density builds when the current runs — jacks, tuna, fusiliers, grey reef sharks

Check before booking

What may rule it out

  • Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.

Access and timing

Plan this through Layang-Layang (Swallow Reef)

Best overall months: Mar, Apr, May. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.

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Wildlife

Seen around Layang-Layang (Swallow Reef)

rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed

These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Gorgonian Forest.

Reef manta ray
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchoccasional
Apriloccasional
Mayoccasional
Juneoccasional
Julyoccasional
Augustoccasional
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
Pelagic thresher shark
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchrare
Aprilrare
Mayrare
Junerare
Julyrare
Augustrare
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
Bigeye trevally
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchcommonly seen
Aprilcommonly seen
Maycommonly seen
Junecommonly seen
Julycommonly seen
Augustcommonly seen
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
Bumphead parrotfish
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchoccasional
Apriloccasional
Mayoccasional
Juneoccasional
Julyoccasional
Augustoccasional
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
Grey reef shark
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchcommonly seen
Aprilcommonly seen
Maycommonly seen
Junecommonly seen
Julycommonly seen
Augustcommonly seen
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
See the destination wildlife guide

Nearby alternatives

Compare another site

Dogtooth Lair15–40m · Moderate · Advanced open waterNavigator's Lane5–40m · Moderate · Advanced open waterD'Wall5–40m · Moderate · Advanced open waterThe Valley8–30m · Mild · Open water

Sources & last checked

Checked August 2026

Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.

View 1 source and checking notes

Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.