Coromandel Richards Rock

DESCRIPTION

Dive Site Review & photo by Tom Crisp

Richards Rock, at the Mercury Islands, is one of my all time favorite sites. Richards Rock just breaks the surface at high tide, the top of the pinnacle is about 5mx5m large. On one side of this awash rock there is a small plateau at 18m with some interesting country to be found. The edge of this plateau plummets to the sand surrounding the reef. The west side of the surface rock is the most interesting part of this site. You can be 5m away from the pinnacle and the depth sounder on the boat reads 71m! It is a sheer wall all the way down which cuts back in on itself.

As Richards Rock is situated in the middle of the ocean it attracts all kinds of pelagic life. The kingfish here are huge and are often mistaken for sharks. Almost all the reef is a vibrant maroon color with yellow sponges to contrast. Pink Maomao and demoiselles are in abundance with the odd spotted perch thrown in the mix.

Diving at Richards can be quite challenging due to swell and current. Good buoyancy is mandatory due to the potential to plummet into the abyss.

Plans were originally made to take the top off of Richards Rock by the military as it was deemed a hazard to ships. These plans were put on hold as protest was made to save the rock.

Richards Rock is a MUST for advanced divers if you are in the area. Personally I can’t wait to get to the bottom of it……..Anyone keen?