Babylon

This is one of the best sites on the island. I have done it many times and have never been disappointed. It is a bit of a swim, but really quite easy as the conditions are very tame in the summer. There are two different entry points from shore (one in a large clearing and the other in a narrow strip between the overgrowth). The narrow strip is actually directly in front of the Babylon mooring pin but is a little more challenging as the shore is rockier here than the other entry point. There are three mooring pins here with Babylon being the large one with the black ring. If you enter at the large clearing you will swim east towards Babylon. The toughest part of the entry is navigating past the rocks, but once past it, it is a leisurely kick out. The wall here is as vertical as anywhere on the island and the coral growth, which includes black coral, is fantastic. The wall starts at about 50 feet and drops sharply. Babylon proper is the highlight as it forms a canyon offset from the main wall allowing plenty of room for a swim through with fantastic coral growth on both sides. There is a good chance you will see eagle rays, large barracudas, lobsters, and turtles. I have made the dive at least ten times, but have yet to see the hammerhead. Be careful on the rocks coming in as they can be slippery (plenty of sea urchins around to greet you if you fall). Do yourself a favor and make this dive. Do not be intimidated by the distance; just take it easy and enjoy the swim out. Keep in mind this is a summer dive as the winds are out of the S/SE in summer and reverse in winter.