The waters around Metita Resort are absolutely teeming with life. The anticipation of what awaits only adds to the excitement before every dive. It’s always good to know what you should be keeping an eye out for though. So let’s take a look at what you might come across while exploring the waters around Metita Island.

Reef Life

The coral reefs around Metita and Morotai are hives of activity. You are very likely to see clownfish darting among their protective anemones. Parrotfish are also very common and can be seen busily scraping algae off the corals. Butterflyfish and angelfish swimming in pairs are often seen around the reefs as well. These reefs act as nurseries for smaller fish, so don’t be surprised to see baby damselfish or wrasses weaving in and out of the coral branches.

Larger Reef Predators

Dive a little deeper, and you’ll find the larger residents of the reef, such as grouper lurking near crevices. Barracuda are often spotted patrolling the outer edges of the reef in silvery schools, and Moray eels peek out from rock crevices with their sharp-toothed grins. These species add an element of excitement, reminding divers of the reef’s delicate balance of predator and prey.

Graceful Rays

A number of species of rays are a common sight around Metita Resort. Watch out for eagle rays, with their spotted patterns. Stingrays are often nestled on the sandy seabed, blending perfectly with their surroundings. One of the highlights for many divers are the manta rays that pass through. These gentle giants of the ocean make appearances during seasonal migrations.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are one of the most beloved marine animals you’ll encounter. This region sees hawksbill turtles munching on sponges along the reef and green turtles gracefully swimming by. These ancient creatures are always fantastic to watch, whether they’re feeding or cruising lazily in the current.

Schools of Pelagic Fish

In the open waters near the resort you can expect larger schools of fish, such as trevally and jacks. These giant schools make the most incredible shimmering patterns as they move in synchronization. Tuna are also fun to see as they dart through the water with incredible speed and agility. These pelagic species often gather in deeper waters, making them a thrilling sight for advanced divers.

Sharks

Sharks might sound intimidating, but the species around Metita Resort are typically harmless to humans. Divers might spot blacktip or whitetip reef sharks cruising the edges of the reefs. Nurse sharks are often seen resting peacefully on sandy patches. These graceful creatures are nothing to worry about and are a great reminder of the ocean’s raw beauty and power.

Seasonal Visitors

The waters around Metita Resort are also visited by migratory species. Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to encounter whale sharks. These are the gentle giants of the sea, filtering plankton with their wide mouths. Dolphins often pass through as well with their playful and curious attitude. These seasonal guests add an unforgettable touch to any diving experience.

Nudibranchs and Macro Life

For macro enthusiasts, the reefs hold a wealth of tiny wonders. Keep your eyes peeled carefully for nudibranchs of every colour and pattern. Some interesting shrimps and crabs, like the elusive boxer crab or cleaner shrimp can be found if you know where to look. And seahorses camouflaged among the seagrasses are great to photograph. These small but fascinating creatures prove that there’s always something new to discover.

There are around 40 dive sites around Metita Resort and more are being discovered all the time. With so many places to explore, you are bound to see all kinds of underwater life. Whether you photograph them or just keep a snapshot of them in your memory, you definitely won’t be disappointed by the variety.

Are you ready to start ticking species off your must-see list? Leave us a comment or question in the box below to find out more about our amazing resort.