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JIM'S
CRACK |
| Location |
This
site is located 55.4KM East of Dili. Jim's Crack
named both after the split in a shallow concave wall and the
diver who first thoroughly explored the site. The crack can be
navigated by divers, but it is a tight swim and you risk
damaging the underwater fauna. It is in fact best view from
above snorkeling. The site is found
about 4km west of the
Manatuto River, around an hour's drive from Dili, and has a
vibrant community of sponges and soft coral with a wide
selection of
nudibranchs often seen. Given its
closeness to Manututo River, the site is regularly covered in
sediment during the wet season, but it has been dived with
reasonable 10 -15m visibility year-round. The "dusty"
environment means that visibility at this site has never been
spectacular, however, if
you look close you will find lots
to keep you
interested. |
| Entry |
It
has the choice of an easy beach entry at all tides and natural
"steps" cut through the western end of the wall that can be
used at high tides. |
| UW
profile
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The
wall has a depth of 10 -15m is suitable for
beginners. Off
the wall, there is a 45 degree slope with many over hangs and
small caves. The slope has lots to see for more advanced
divers. The site has been dived to 35 meters, but does go
deeper
on the point. Generally, the slope is dived on the
way out to the depth that each diver feels comfortable. At the
turn around point, you come up
the slope to the wall and
work your way back to the entry. In case of low air, the top
of the wall forms an even shelf that makes for a relatively
quick emergency exit for its entire
length. |
| Points of interest |
Look
seaward immediately upon entry as many divers have been
"buzzed" by a curious and large mackerel who usually comes
around to see
what all the noise is about. Those with
spare air at the entry point on the western end of the wall
can drift further west on a gentle current and examine a
shallow under hang at 4-5m which makes a nice
decompression
stop. Lionfish and bright small tropical fish are found there.
The site has the usual cast of characters such as sharks,
rays, turtles, barracuda with manta rays seen leaping in the
bay and a giant Napoleon Wrasse sited of the
point. Also seen:
Lion fish (various), nudibranchs (various), large coral fans. |
| Topside |
A
nice spot for picnics with several shade trees close to the
entry point. |
| GPS reference |
S08
29.263 E125 58.511 |
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