Seaweed on the reefs

Wild Dog Cove is the place for snorkelling in the cold water reefs. The waters are protected by an external circle of reefs creating the ideal conditions for the underwater gardens. 

The beach west of the cove is testimony to the bountiful nature of these underwater gardens, in winter, the wild seas tears the seaweed from its hold on the rockface, throwing it onto the beach. The seaweed over time decays, making it a perfect place for worms to feed in the sand. Fisherfolk love these worms for fishing off the reefs.

In the deeper waters where the ocean meets the first layer of the reef system, kelp forests may be found. These become evident clinging to the rocks and draping across the rocky platforms at low tide.

Closer to shore are the reefs that might be totally exposed in a low tide as occurs on the eastern part of the cover known as Crazy Kate.

For those for whom the water is too cold, but who like to explore the shoreline, there are hours of fun to be had.

After a wild night, the seas throw up some of the treasures to be found underwater. There are delicate seaweeds with vibrant colours and textures not normally seen by the casual observer. And then there are sea creatures such as the three sponges above: the Fan Sponges and the last one evocatively known as Dead Man's Fingers.