Sentinels Map Partial species list

This is an unusual pinnacle dive. More than a dozen pinnacles of varying heights rise from the slope. Because they are scattered at various depths, visiting all of them is not possible during a single dive. Some pinnacles are stubby, others tall and needle-like. One looks like a Rastafarian because of a tangled octopus sponge growing on its top. Several host large anemones along with their associated fishes. Because of the combination of pinnacles and slope, this is one of the few sites in Gorontalo where divers have a bottom to observe. The slope is very gentle from the reef crest (at two to five meters) to about 15 meters. The mix of coral, sponges, and sand make this a relaxing shallow dive.

This site is about 300 meters long.

Depth: 2 - 35 meters

Highlights: multiple pinnacles, mixed coral garden, large angelfishes, Gilded triggerfish, various anemonefishes, shrimpgobies and their shrimp

Conditions: Because of the sandy bottom, visibility varies greatly depending on wave action, anywhere from ten to 30 meters. In poorer visibility divers may miss major pinnacles without a dive master familiar with the site. However, enjoying the shallow coral garden is not affected, except after days of heavy surf. In fact, the site is more mysterious in moderate visibility. Seeing pinnacle after pinnacle emerge then disappear from view, like sentinels stationed along a misty hillside, makes you wonder: against what danger lurking in the deep are they guarding . . ?

Virtual Dive

Descending past the rubble of a landslide, divers encounter the first massive pinnacle rising from the depths. After a swim around this sentinel of the deep, divers move to the next seven pillars, including one with a huge bushy black coral on top. Be on the look out for lionfish (especially Pterois volitans) prowling the pinnacle for careless fusiliers. Between pinnacles, scan the steep slope for the beautiful Gilded triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus). Usually found only at depth, here both males and females ascend to quite shallow waters. After the Rastafarian sentinel, the upper slope becomes very gentle. Because of the more open, sandy bottom, numerous large colonies of branching Acropora grow. Notice the striking Bicolor angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) not found in dense coral environments.

After passing a profusion of human-size guards and a deep double point, divers notice a large pinnacle rising from a steep sand and coral bowl. This sentinel is probably too deep for your current dive plan. The final three pillars are clustered in the twelve-meter depth range behind an arm that projects in front of this trio. Typically, divers turn around at this point to explore the gentle slope at shallower depths. The mixed coral garden here officially ranks in the top five most biodiverse reefs in Indonesia. The sand patches are full of shrimpgobies, including the spectacular Sailfin shrimpgoby (Amblyeleotris randalli). Watch the goby's companion shrimp excavate sand and pebbles from the hole they share. One of the cutest sand gobies here is the almost transparent, green-eyed Signalfin goby (Coryphopterus signipinnis). It sits on the sand and flicks its dark spotted first dorsal fin up and down. Although common at this dive site, it is missing in most fish identification books.

Sentinels Map Partial species list

Virtual Dive

Dive in Gorontalo