Surprise Reef

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Unknown

Tags:

Reef

About This Dive Spot

Surprise Reef is a seamount featuring pristine coral that escaped past dredging impacts. Divers can find large anemone beds and a variety of reef fish on this seldom-visited reef. Notable marine life includes dusky anemone fish and juvenile Napoleon wrasses.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Restricted access

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Access, coral, life, crowds, and facilities.

Access

Accessible by boat only.

Coral

Coral is described as pristine, with several large anemone beds.

Aquatic Life

Numerous reef fish are present, including dusky anemone fish and juvenile Napoleon wrasses.

Crowd / Popularity

This reef is described as seldom visited.

Dive Spot Log Averages

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits

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Dive Conditions Planner

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Spots Near Surprise Reef

📍 0.9 km

Gab Gab 2

⚓

Gab Gab 2 lies just north of a nearby site and is marked by a floating buoy roughly 100 yards offshore. Divers begin by descending on a mooring line, then swim north on a 30-degree heading. The site is known for colorful coral and a large concentration of fish, attributed to feeder buckets. Expect abundant reef fish along with sightings of large jacks, nurse sharks, butterflyfish, turtles, anemones, and octopus.

📍 1.0 km

Gab Gab 1

🏖️

This shore dive sits off a beach area and is commonly used as a training location, making it suitable for a wide range of experience levels. It features a reef environment with coral growth and abundant fish life. Access to the shore entry is controlled through a Navy Base, while divers without military access may be able to reach the outer reef by boat.

📍 1.3 km

Kitsugawa Maru (Wreck)

⚓

A Japanese freighter sunk in July 1944, the wreck lies upright on the bottom of a harbor. The bow gun remains intact, with the deck around 115 ft and the masts rising to roughly 50 ft from the surface. Marine growth and schooling fish gather around the mast structure, making it a popular wreck dive for both structure and life.

📍 1.5 km

SMS Cormoran (Wreck)

⚓

SMS Cormoran is a World War I wreck lying on its starboard side in about 130 ft/40 m of water, positioned next to the WWII wreck Tokai Maru. It is notable for allowing divers to visit wrecks from both World Wars on a single dive. The site is described as strong for macro life, with tunicates and colonies of whip, hard, and soft corals. Moray eels, octopuses, and rays are commonly seen here.

📍 1.7 km

Finger Reef

Not Set

Finger Reef is a harbor reef dive in Apra Harbor with a sloping coral profile. The site features coral slopes with many anemones and large numbers of reef fish. Green sea turtles are commonly encountered here, and needlefish are often seen near the surface, sometimes following divers and snorkelers along the top of the reef.

📍 1.8 km

Scuba Beach

🏖️

Scuba Beach is a sheltered sloping reef with extensive coral growth and sand flats, commonly used for diver training. Access is possible either by boat or from shore via a stairway along an artificial shoreline. Depths run from very shallow water to beyond 30 m, with reef habitat supporting a variety of common reef fish and frequent turtle sightings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Surprise Reef?

Entry at Surprise Reef is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving Surprise Reef?

Optimal conditions at Surprise Reef depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at Surprise Reef?

Depth and visibility information for Surprise Reef can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at Surprise Reef?

When diving Surprise Reef, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.