Overview
Junction represents the pinnacle of advanced diving in Neil Island. This deep reef system, shaped like a junction of underwater highways, challenges and rewards experienced divers with spectacular marine encounters and pristine deep-water corals.
Deep Reef Architecture
Depth Zones
- First Plateau: 24-26m - Initial coral gardens
- Main Wall: 26-30m - Vertical drop with fans
- Deep Plateau: 30-33m - Large pelagic zone
- The Abyss: 33m+ - Blue water drop-off
Advanced Diving Only
Prerequisites
- Minimum Certification: Advanced Open Water
- Recommended: Deep Specialty
- Experience: 50+ logged dives
- Nitrox: Highly recommended
Current Challenges
- Strength: 1-3 knots common
- Direction: Variable with tides
- Downwellings: Occasional
- Upwellings: Bring big fish
Spectacular Marine Life
Pelagic Encounters
Sharks & Rays
- Grey Reef Sharks: Regular patrols
- Whitetip Reef Sharks: Resting in caves
- Eagle Rays: Squadrons of 5-10
- Marble Rays: Giants up to 2m width
- Mobula Rays: Seasonal visitors
Large Fish
- Napoleon Wrasse: 2m specimens
- Giant Trevally: Hunting packs
- Dogtooth Tuna: High-speed passes
- Barracuda: Tornado formations
- Rainbow Runners: Fast-moving schools
Deep Coral Gardens
Fan Coral Paradise
Junction hosts the region's best fan corals:
- Giant Sea Fans: Up to 3m across
- Gorgonian Forests: Multiple species
- Black Coral: Rare deep specimens
- Wire Coral: Spiraling formations
Deep Reef Species
- Plate corals in terraces
- Whip corals in current
- Barrel sponges (massive)
- Elephant ear sponges
The Circular Reef
Unique Formation
The reef forms a natural circle:
- Diameter: Approximately 100m
- Center: Sandy bowl at 28m
- Walls: Nearly vertical drops
- Overhangs: Multiple caves and ledges
Seasonal Spectacles
Migration Calendar
- Dec-Feb: Hammerhead sharks (rare)
- Mar-May: Manta ray season
- Jun-Aug: Whale shark possibilities
- Sep-Nov: Tuna and mackerel runs
Technical Diving
Dive Planning Essentials
- Bottom Time: 15-20 minutes max
- Deco Stops: Often required
- Air Management: Critical
- Buddy System: Mandatory
- SMB Deployment: Essential skill
Equipment Recommendations
- Dive computer (mandatory)
- Reef hook for current
- Powerful torch
- Signaling devices
- Nitrox capability
Photography Challenges
Deep Photography
- Limited natural light
- Strong currents affect stability
- Shorter bottom times
- Big animal encounters
Best Shots
- Silhouettes against surface
- Fan corals with divers
- Pelagic fish schools
- Shark encounters
Marine Behavior
Cleaning Stations
Deep cleaning stations attract:
- Large groupers
- Grey reef sharks
- Napoleon wrasse
- Manta rays (seasonal)
Hunting Grounds
Early morning brings:
- Trevally attacks
- Tuna strikes
- Shark activity
- Barracuda hunts
Safety Protocols
Mandatory Procedures
- Dive briefing attendance
- Current assessment
- Depth/time limits
- Deco planning
- Emergency procedures
Emergency Considerations
- Nearest chamber: Port Blair
- Oxygen on boat
- Emergency action plan
- Communication devices
Environmental Notes
Junction remains pristine due to:
- Limited diver access
- Strong currents (natural protection)
- Depth (reduced impact)
- Active conservation
