This dive site, known as The Gulley, earns its name from a distinctive cut in the reef that gracefully separates it into two unique sections before plunging into a dramatic vertical wall. Divers commence their underwater journey by navigating through this intriguing gully, eventually dropping onto the main wall at a depth of approximately 26 meters (85 feet). The top of this majestic wall begins shallower, around 15 meters (50 feet), adorned with a vibrant and dense coral reef featuring numerous active cleaning stations. There is no specific historical narrative for this site, but its striking geological formation offers a memorable dive experience.
The vertical expanse of The Gulley's wall is a canvas of diverse marine life, characterized by colorful undercuts providing shelter for an abundance of sponges, delicate black corals, and mesmerizing long-tentacled anemones. The thriving coral reef at the shallower top of the wall supports a rich ecosystem of various reef fish and smaller crustaceans, which are often observed around the cleaning stations. With a bit of luck, divers may also encounter the elusive redbanded lobster, typically found at a depth of around 23 meters (75 feet), adding a unique macro highlight to the dive.
While specific seasonal recommendations are not provided for this site, the Turks and Caicos Islands generally boast excellent diving conditions year-round, with the peak season from December to May often offering the calmest waters and potential for more pelagic sightings. For freedivers, the varied depths and distinct wall make The Gulley an appealing location to practice breath-hold diving, particularly along the vibrant reef top and shallower sections of the wall. Scuba divers are advised to maintain excellent buoyancy control to fully appreciate the intricate details of the wall's topography and its rich, small-scale marine inhabitants.
