Also known as Alice in Wonderland, this is a fantastic site located at the far west end of the island. Drive through the town of Westpunt, staying on the coastal road, until the road turns to dirt. Take an immediate left into the parking lot that services the beach and Ocean Encounters West, a full service dive shop also renting diveyaks (inflatable two person kayaks that will hold all your dive gear). From the parking lot it’s only two hundred feet to the beach, down a steep flight of stairs. Amenities on the beach are limited to tables and some parasols, however the proximate Kura Hulanda Lodge has an onsite restaurant.

The area is sheltered from the wind and usually calm. Enter at the beach and swim off to the right, towards the rocks. It’s a short swim to the drop off, but beware of boat traffic, particularly on the weekends. You’ll notice significant coral damage in the shallow parts of the bay, devastated by storm swells caused by Hurricane Lenny in 1999. However, just six years later we can already see the coral beginning its slow healing process. Some of the formations that toppled over have managed to survive, and new coral growth is sprouting everywhere. It’s a process that will take decades, but for a coral reef that’s not very long at all.

The drop off starts in 30 feet of water and continues below 100 feet. Either direction is good, but current permitting head right. Plate Coral, Flower Coral, and Star Coral are abundant, with Parrotfish, Soldierfish, Damselfish, and Morays inhabiting the formations. Eagle Rays and Turtles are regular visitors here, as well as Tuna and Mackerel chasing bait fish.