Jinn Caves Map Partial species list

This dive site is a section of truly unique wall, which is split entirely down the middle. This site makes a lasting impression on even the most experienced of divers. Some call it “dramatic;” others say “hair-raising.” Patient divers can spend an entire dive probing its many secrets. The ocean-facing portion of the wall for this site measures less than 150 meters. A strange sunken cavern at the 18-meter depth range marks the beginning of this site. Next is a point riddled with holes, followed by a pair of narrow channels cut into the wall. One is filled with white fans. A ledge leads behind a point, under an overhang decorated with hanging rope sponge, then down the wall face to the split. The wall on the other side of the split turns sharply twice and features huge depressions and fish-sized tunnels.

The split backs 33 meters into the rock ending in a tiny cove. A cascading slope with huge drops at depths of ten, 17, and 20 meters form the back and bottom of the split. The back of this split and its steep bottom are covered with mud mixed with sand. At the split, the reef crest rises from the typical three-meter depth to the surface. The channel leading back to the cove is only five meters wide at its narrowest point. In fact, the narrowest part is where the two inner-facing walls form complementary overhangs. The cove marks the end of a drainage serving the mountains. In this arid section of Gorontalo, rain rarely produces runoff. The erosive force of water over time not only carved the split in the soft limestone rock but also created numerous caverns and caverns-in-the-making. At the mouth of the split, two deep points block access to the cavern eroded back into the eastern wall.

Marine life inside the split is different from that living on the ocean-facing, coral-rich wall. Look for three species of batfish, a Reticulated puffer (Arothron reticularis) lounging in the mud, and lionfish prowling dark shallow overhangs. Snowflake morays (Echidna nebulosa) are very common here. If you decide to walk in the shallows, be careful not to step on a scorpionfish or a sea horse.

The site is about 150 meters long and 33 meters deep.

Depth: 0 - 40 meters

Highlights: Snowflake morays, lionfish, seahorse, fascinating terrain, including shallow caverns, prominent overhangs, cracks, holes, tunnels, and ledges

Conditions: Because of the sand and mud bottom, visibility varies widely. A heavy rain can cause 20-meter clarity one day to plummet to five meters, but this adds to the mystery of the site.

Special Note: Jinn are the often-malevolent spirits created from fire mentioned in the Qur'an. Strong superstitions surround this area of coastline as a result of the number of deaths from currents. The largest Jinn cave is filled with bats and requires a stiff hike up the mountain.

Virtual Dive

Passing the vibrant reef crest, divers descend along the coral wall, studded with giant sponges. At fifteen meters, a wide ledge carved into the surface of the wall comes into view, its edges dotted with anemones sparkling in the sunlight. Following the ledge downward, the dive master signals our descent and sinks into the darkness below. Leaving the wall behind, divers now lack any visual reference as the dive gauge heads toward the 30-meter mark. Suddenly, a wall appears. Black coral trees and sea fans grow massive in the quiet gloom. Far below 40 meters and clearly visibly is the wall’s bottom edge, which ends in a sloping muck bottom. Flick on a dive torch, and Jinn Caves come alive with color.

Jinn Caves Map Partial species list

Virtual Dive

Dive in Gorontalo