Overview
Anchor Line takes its name from an old anchor chain that once marked safe mooring for boats. Today, this shallow paradise boasts the highest coral density in Neil Island's waters, with optimal light penetration creating a photographer's dream and a perfect site for all skill levels.
Coral Capital
Density Record
Anchor Line has the highest coral coverage:
- Coverage: 95% live coral
- Diversity: 50+ hard coral species
- Health: Minimal bleaching
- Growth Rate: Fastest in region
- Colors: Full spectrum display
Coral Varieties
Dominant Species
- Acropora: 15+ species of staghorn and table
- Porites: Massive brain formations
- Montipora: Scrolling and encrusting
- Pocillopora: Cauliflower clusters
- Favia: Moon and star corals
Shallow Paradise
Perfect Conditions
- Depth: 2-6 meters only
- Light: Optimal penetration
- Temperature: Warm and stable
- Nutrients: Perfect balance
- Protection: Sheltered location
Photography Heaven
Why Photographers Love It
Natural Lighting
- Sunlight reaches bottom
- Golden hour effects
- Natural color spectrum
- No artificial light needed
- Perfect for beginners
Subjects Galore
- Coral close-ups
- Fish portraits
- Wide reef scenes
- Macro critters
- Behavior shots
Photography Tips
- Best Time: 10 AM - 2 PM for light
- Equipment: Wide and macro both work
- Settings: Natural light friendly
- Composition: Use coral formations
- Patience: Let fish come to you
Dugong Hotspot
Frequent Sightings
Anchor Line is prime Dugong territory:
- Sighting Rate: 40% of dives
- Best Months: November-February
- Time: Early morning
- Behavior: Feeding and resting
- Group Size: Usually 1-2 individuals
Dugong Watching Ethics
- Maintain 5m minimum distance
- No flash photography
- Stay quiet and calm
- Never chase or touch
- Report sightings for research
Marine Life Density
Fish Populations
Schooling Species
- Fusiliers: Blue and yellow clouds
- Yellow Snappers: 500+ schools
- Glassfish: Shimmering curtains
- Anthias: Pink fairy basslets
- Chromis: Blue-green damsels
Predators & Hunters
- Trevally: Bluefin and Giant
- Groupers: Coral and Peacock
- Lionfish: Dawn and dusk hunters
- Trumpetfish: Ambush specialists
- Cornetfish: Stealth hunters
Reef Residents
- Damsels: 10+ species defending territory
- Butterflyfish: Pairs everywhere
- Angelfish: Juveniles to adults
- Parrotfish: Constant grazers
- Wrasses: Cleaners and hunters
Special Discoveries
Rare Finds
- Cone Shells: Beautiful but venomous
- Mantis Shrimp: Colorful warriors
- Seahorses: Pygmy species
- Ghost Pipefish: Ornate varieties
- Frogfish: Multiple phases
Perfect for Everyone
Discover Scuba Diving
- Shallow and safe
- Immediate rewards
- Easy conditions
- High success rate
- Confidence building
Snorkeling Excellence
- Access from shore
- Shallow corals (2-3m)
- Calm conditions
- Clear visibility
- Family-friendly
Training Paradise
- Pool-like conditions
- Reference points clear
- Minimal current
- Extended bottom time
- Skills practice area
Ecological Importance
Nursery Function
- Juvenile fish sanctuary
- Coral recruitment site
- Spawning grounds
- Feeding station
- Protection zone
Research Value
- Coral growth studies
- Fish behavior observation
- Photographic documentation
- Climate change monitoring
- Species inventory
Tidal Influences
Best Conditions
- High Tide: Maximum depth, best access
- Rising Tide: Incoming clear water
- Slack Water: Perfect for macro
- Low Tide: Snorkeling only
Seasonal Calendar
- Nov-Jan: Peak Dugong season
- Feb-Apr: Coral spawning
- May-Jul: Fish breeding
- Aug-Oct: Juvenile explosion
Conservation Success Story
Anchor Line demonstrates effective protection:
- No anchor damage (mooring buoys)
- Visitor education program
- Research monitoring
- Community involvement
- Sustainable tourism
Practical Tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Practice buoyancy before visiting
- Bring camera (even phone in housing)
- Go slow, observe carefully
- Multiple dives recommended
