At Nukove a narrow channel has been cut through the elkhorn coral so divers can pass the reef without stepping on it. That channel is the whole entry: it is narrow, shallow and unusable in swell. Behind it lies one of the most intact slopes on the north coast.
Nukove is an advanced shore dive on the north-west coast: an entry through a narrow channel in the elkhorn coral, a reef top at four to six metres and a steep slope to thirty-eight metres.
Straight behind the channel a reef top at four to six metres with fan coral and sponges, dropping steeply to thirty-eight metres. Large vase sponges and black coral on the slope, tarpon and jacks along the edge. Turtles regularly above the top.
In flat water; the channel is narrow and grinds in swell. Early in the morning, while the wind is still low.
The channel is narrow: with a large tank and a camera, manoeuvring gets tight. In swell you scrape past coral, which damages the reef and you as well. Small car park, no shade, no water, no toilet.
Decisions on diveability, technique and health belong with STINAPA, a dive school or a doctor. This page only describes the conditions.
The channel was cut years ago to prevent entry damage: without it, divers stepped over the elkhorn. It is one of the few places on the island where the reef was visibly altered to spare the reef.
No commercial interest in this site. Report a correction.