Snorkel· Cayos Holandeses· Other Caribbean
Holandes Outer Reef & Wreck Reef
9° 35.9′ N · 78° 45.4′ W · approximate
The barrier reef along the north side of the Holandes, the cays furthest from the mainland with the cleanest water, has a big ship wreck on the outer reef, reef caves, a reef cut full of fish and channels leading out to the open-sea edge.
Practical
Coordinate approximate: placed on the outer reef just north of Spirit of Argo's central Holandes waypoint (09°35.473'N 078°45.415'W), where they reported the 'big ship wreck on the outer reef'; locate the wreck visually. Snorkel by dinghy in calm conditions only: strong winds and waves kept Spirit of Argo off the outer reefs, the reef cut west of Miriadup/Wichubuala has a dinghy buoy but strong current, and SY Balvenie tried twice without success to find a dinghy passage to the reef tunnel further west. Nurse sharks sleep under coral shelves; spotted eagle rays are common (Cruising World). Guna Yala does not permit scuba diving: snorkel and free-dive only. No-take for visitors: buy fish and lobster from the Guna rather than spearing.
Best for
Experienced snorkellers on calm days
Season
Calm spells only; untenable when the trades or a Norther are up
Nearby
- Mola Vendors & Guna Crafts0.5 NM away
- West Holandes Anchorage (Miriadup–Wichubuala Cays)0.5 NM away
- Waisaladup Anchorage (West Holandes)1 NM away
- Hot Tub Anchorage (East Holandes)3.9 NM away
- Holandes Inner Reefs Snorkel (Nap Garden & BBQ Island bommies)4 NM away
- Christmas Winds (Reinforced Trades & Northers)4.1 NM away
- Guna Lobster, Crab & Shellfish Closures4.1 NM away
- Guna Yala Rules for Visiting Boats4.1 NM away