There is a coral reef immediately in front of Windy Beach Resort, extending from the low water mark to about 50 to 70 metres offshore. For the first 20 metres or so the coral is shallow and has been heavily weathered and smoothened probably mainly by the heavy surf from storms during the monsoon season, when the wind is on-shore. This part of the reef is not so interesting, although one can often observe some interesting varieties of fish, mostly small, and also pick up some nice shells.

The outer part of the reef is more interesting. It is interspersed with deep ravines where there are usually concentrations of fish. The most common varieties usually to be seen are jacks, snappers, parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish and damselfish. Other varieties to keep a look out for are seahorses and pipefish, scorpionfish, batfish and butterflyfish - and many more. As one proceeds out to the outer edge of the reef, the coral becomes fresher and is very beautiful in places, with a variety of species and colours. There are some areas of blue coral to be seen. It is very interesting to dive down, either into the ravines or along the outer edge of the reef and hook yourself on to a coral head (find a smooth one if you are not wearing a glove) and wait until the fish, which will have moved away when you dived down, start moving back in again. The longer you can stay down, the better it is. It usually takes about a minute before the fish start moving back in. The occasional lobster can be seen - look out for the tentacles poking out from crevices in the coral, usually fairly low down. At the bottom, along the outer edge of the reef, there are caves going underneath the coral in places. Often, if you peer into these caves you are rewarded with a glimpse of a large sweetlips, with black and yellow stripes, or a grouper.

Beyond the reef, the bottom is sandy, though there are coral outcrops from place to place. It is in these that moray eels are most commonly found, usually extending out from holes near the bottom. Do not get too close, as they can give a nasty bite. The reef extends further offshore opposite the headland and the coral is more interesting in this area, with many spectacular coral heads. Fish are generally plentiful and there are many varieties. The occasional turtle has been spotted here. This beach is in fact used by turtles to lay eggs. If you are lucky, you may encounter a group of bumphead parrotfish , massive fish, often more than a metre in length and a dull green in colour. They feed mainly on living coral. They are difficult to see at short range, unless you are able to stay down for a lengthy time until they come back in. Sharks are uncommon, although the occasional small (50cm) reef shark has been spotted. They are usually harmless - but do not provoke!

We do not try to claim that the reef here is in the same class as at the Gilli islands (diving day trips to which we recommend and arrange for our quests*), but it is still well worth a visit. Having said that, read what two of our guests, who are keen divers, wrote about the Coral Garden. Otherwise, here, you can swim and dive in clear waters, rich in fish, without lots of other people around you. In fact, you will often have the place to yourself. As you can see in the beach photograpghs (taken at midday) you really can get away from everyone and just relax.

	Recommended by Rough Guides 2007/8
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