Situated approximately 1 mile west of Koko Marina and roughly 1/2 mile off shore AFR (Angler Fish Reef) is one of those dives that is shallow yet has an advanced dive feeling. This dive is definitely a boat dive and takes about 10 minutes to get there.
The layout of AFR is simple. A coral encrusted lava rock plateau runs parallel with the shore line for about 70 yards until it blends in with the sandy bottom. The top of the plateau is 40 feet with the very bottom at a 47 foot depth. Most people swim alongside the plateau in a easterly direction until it starts to gradually disappears then most hop on the "table" or plateau for a return portion of the dive. (Heading west from the mooring line is ok however the plateau is very short in length.)
AFR is sometimes subjected to occasional strong currents so using the mooring line is very good idea. Actually there is usually a current in some sort of strength out there.
Marine life that makes this reef their home is abundant. The name Angler Fish Reef comes from the fact that frog fish are found here NOT angler fish. Weird huh? It takes a very good eye to find these cool fish. They sit or wedge themselves on rock or coral ledges waiting for a good meal to accept their invitation. Frog fish use a small "angler" located on their forehead that they use to draw potential prey in then strike at amazing speeds. It is said they strike the fastest at a claimed speed of 1/1000 of a second. So don't blink your eyes !
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Boat Dive
Vis 70-100 feet
Temp 75-81 F
Max depth 50
Average depth 40
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As you swim along the ledge of the 5 foot high plateau you will notice tons of reef fish that make this area their home. Butterfly fish, squirrel fish and various kinds of trigger fish are popular here. Often divers can find various kinds of eels , big and small. This is a great dive for taking pictures so take your time. Looking around, the occasional eagle ray will cruise by you like your not even there. Try not to approach it right away, let the eagle ray swim past you for the better view. Too many divers often swim after these rays and chase it away. So hang back and let it swim by you .Better for your pictures.
As you come towards the end of the plateau turn around and do a 180 degree turn and swim up on the "table" for the return. I usually find octopuses and other cool creatures here. As the mooring line comes into view start thinking about your accent. Use the mooring line to help in the accent. Sometimes the current might have picked up during your dive. Once back to the boat , grab the ladder THEN
take those fins off.
All in all , AFR is a cool dive. With plenty of fish this little dive is one
that many like to return to.
