Sataya Gota Kebir

Current: N/W in the morning, N/E at midday, N/E in the afternoon
Visibility: J, F, M, A: 25–30 m; M, J, J, A: 30–50 m; S, O, N, D: 40–50 m
Temperatures: J, F, M: 24–25°C; A, M, J: 26–28°C; J, A, S: 28-31°C; O, N, D: 30-25°C
Depth: 25 m

Overview

Sataya Gota Kebir is considered the "Garden of Eden in the afternoon" and offers a perfect opportunity to experience the creatures of the night. Whether inexperienced or "Cousteau's little brother" - here everyone finds his adventure. Explore the plateau and dive into the undiscovered lagoon!

Description

Sataya Gota Kebir - "Kebir" means "big" - is located west of the main Sataya reef. The water depth in the area that is dived is from 5 to 25m. The reef is about 140m long and has a width of about 80m. The mooring is well protected, usually right by a plateau with a depth of 5 to 15m. Since the current, except in autumn, actually always comes from the north, it is an ideal day and night mooring place - perfect for exploring the plateau in the dark.
To the south, the plateau is at 5-11m, dropping to 15-18m on the outer sides. At night it is teeming with life. There is almost a guarantee of Spanish dancers, this is what this place is known for. You can also find many kinds of shrimps, rabbits fish, parrot fish in cocoon, flute fish, lion fish, gorgon heads and many more.

In the west you will find some bigger blocks at 22m. Except in the northwestern area there are actually small and big blocks everywhere. You will find among others flatworms, moray eels, small groups of hunting fish as well as slugs.

In the north there is a lagoon with a beautiful coral garden, swarm fish and an anemone colony.

Hotspots

Spanish dancers: At night we can almost certainly ask the Spanish dancers to enter the dance floor. Of course, this requires some patience and a good sense of intuition.
Lagoon: The beautiful lagoon with its coral garden and the colony of sea anemones shines in the most beautiful colors during the day.

Dive Plans

1.The Lagoon and the west 2.High Plateau at night

The Lagoon and the west

Dive from the Zodiac to 10m, off through the gap and into the lagoon. At the end of the lagoon, head west to the "maze". Here you should keep an eye on your no-decompression time. There are small and big blocks with anemone colonies to admire. Then back to the reef and head south with the current. Watch your air, the stretch is not to be underestimated. But everyone should reach the "inverted onion". From there it's another 100m or so to the boat.

High Plateau at night

At night it is best to dive from the stern to the high plateau. Here you should explore the outer edge in about 15 meters depth. But please watch out for a possible current in the outer area! At the western end of the plateau is a sandy road, there you can find hunting cone snails (note our briefing on "poisonous and dangerous") and sea feathers. There is also a snail graveyard. Continue to the boat and the two blocks. There you will find Spanish dancers.