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Barren Splendid Arch was named by a group of divers in days gone by, who came up with the idea of calling it Barren to try to deter others going there and disrupting this incredible dive site. Or was it more of a sarcastic tactic? Either way Barren Arch is a great diving spot with loads to see and explore.
The three main areas here are the Arch, Bay and Cave. When diving here it is possible to see a bit of each on a single dive.
A lot of divers opt for entering from an anchorage point adjacent, to the Arch then snorkelling over. There is a reef that separates this arch from the main bay that rises to around two meters.
Once you pass this point drop down where it is possible to see Blue Moki, Pink Mao Mao and Blue Mao Mao not forgetting the pairs of Lord Howe coral-fish. If you keep the wall on your left go around the headland that the arch passes through bringing you back into the bay.
Scattered with huge boulders, expansive shingle and Sea Lettuce it is normal to see Comb fish at their cleaning stations. Myriad Wrasse dashing around the Crayfish hiding under the kelp heads and boulders makes for some good photography.
Then there is a small cave penetrating the island thirty to forty odd meters. This cave is only nine meters deep at the entrance and you can surface anywhere along the entirety. Other sights to see include the yellow banded Perch, the quiet but shy beautifully painted Moki as well as teams of Bigeye sheltering under the overhangs.
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