Barracuda City lives up to its name. This is where you see one of Havelock’s best underwater sights: massive schools of chevron barracuda forming swirling formations around the reef.
Located northeast of Havelock Island, this thrilling offshore dive site features a long coral belt with a perfect blend of soft and hard corals. The sloping reef transitions to a dramatic wall, attracting diverse marine life including sea turtles, groupers, and an abundance of tropical reef fish.
The boat ride to Barracuda City takes about 25-35 minutes, heading northeast from the main jetty. As you descend along the sloping reef, the first coral formations come into view—and then you spot them.
Hundreds, sometimes thousands of chevron barracudas, their silver bodies catching the light as they move in perfect synchronization. They spiral around the reef in constant motion, shifting from tight tornados to wide, flowing rivers of fish.
The coral belt has soft corals, gorgonians, and anemones hosting clownfish families. Bengal snappers congregate in massive schools, parting around you as you swim through. Sea turtles show up regularly. Both Hawksbill and Green turtles are resident here.
As you navigate along the wall, giant trevallies patrol the edges, occasionally breaking into the barracuda schools in hunting patterns. The water around you is constantly alive with movement. It is a lot to take in, and all of it is good.
Barracuda City is the site I take divers to when I want to blow their minds. The barracuda school here is reliable—they’re residents, not visitors. But it is not just the numbers that make it special, it is the behavior. When the school forms a tornado around a pinnacle, you can position yourself in the center and have 500+ fish spiraling around you. For photographers, it’s one of the best underwater shots you’ll ever get. Just remember: slow movements, no flash, and let the fish come to you.
Dominated by massive barracuda schools, but the diversity goes far beyond the main attraction
The stars of Barracuda City! Massive schools form a living wall of silver. Non-aggressive and accustomed to divers—allow close approach for dramatic photo opportunities.
Regular visitors gliding through the barracuda schools. Both species commonly sighted.
Patrol the outer reef edges and deeper sections. Sightings especially common early morning.
While the fish steal the show, Barracuda City features healthy coral coverage typical of Havelock's thriving reef ecosystems.
Experience the famous barracuda spectacle at Barracuda City. One of Havelock’s most photogenic dives awaits!