West Escarceo, Puerto Galera: Reefs and Drift Dives

West Escarceo is located just a 15-minute boat ride from Casalay, positioned directly before the Hole in the Wall dive site. The dive profile starts shallow, with the reef beginning at approximately 5 meters, before gradually sloping down to a maximum recorded depth of 30 meters. This makes for a versatile start to the dive, allowing a comfortable descent and initial exploration of the vibrant shallow sections.

The initial observation upon descent is the sheer abundance of fish life swarming above the reef. This gently sloping section is adorned with a rich variety of hard and soft corals, punctuated by feather stars and Christmas tree tubeworms. You'll often find butterflyfish, parrotfish, and damselfish navigating the coral structures, creating a vivid tapestry of motion and color in the upper reaches of the site.

Moving deeper, the reef transitions into an area characterized by large coral boulders, eventually leveling out into a sandy zone at about 25 meters. Here, the landscape shifts, offering different habitats for species like blue spotted stingrays and various scorpionfish. Look closely among the coral heads and sandy patches for well-camouflaged inhabitants that are masters of their environment.

West Escarceo is particularly renowned for its current conditions, which can vary significantly depending on the moon and tides. What might begin as a calm exploration can quickly transform into a drift, with the water pushing you northward towards sites like Hole in the Wall or even Canyons. This variability is a defining characteristic, shaping each dive into a unique experience.

During periods of strong current, especially on an incoming tide, the site becomes an exhilarating drift dive. This provides an opportunity to cover a significant distance with minimal effort, observing larger pelagic species as you move. Jacks, baby barracudas, big mouth mackerels, juvenile tunas, and trevallies are often seen cruising the reef edge during these conditions, taking advantage of the nutrient-rich flow.

Beyond the schooling fish, the reef reveals a more intricate macro life. Keep an eye out for less obvious residents such as octopus, puffer fish, and groupers sheltering within the coral formations. Pipefish and sergeant majors are also common sightings, illustrating the biological diversity that thrives across the different zones of West Escarceo.

The site's dynamic nature and rich marine ecosystem make it a favored spot for underwater photographers, who can capture both wide-angle shots of schooling fish and detailed close-ups of the reef's inhabitants. The conditions and marine life offer continuous opportunities for observation and interaction, regardless of whether the current is gentle or running strong.