Tribe Gate: Ancient Coral Ruins
& Giant Tridacna Clams

Tribe Gate (also known as Oval Reef) is a submerged seamount just 5 minutes from Havelock’s jetty-the closest boat dive site with exceptional marine life. This oval-shaped reef hosts all 5 clownfish species found in Andaman waters and the highest concentration of giant Tridacna clams anywhere in the region.

Then there are the “Pavona Coral Ruins,” bleached coral structures from the 2010 bleaching event that have become a macro photographer’s playground. Moray eels, nudibranchs, and octopuses have all moved in.

Just 5 minutes from the jetty, you descend into an oval-shaped reef rising from white sand. The circular seamount makes navigation simple. Follow the reef perimeter and you end up back at the mooring.

The coral shelves step down from 3m to 15m. First, you notice the giant clams-Tridacna with iridescent blue-green mantles that snap shut when your shadow passes. Then the anemone gardens, where all 5 clownfish species defend their territories.

Deeper exploration reveals the “Coral Ruins”-skeletal Pavona structures that died in 2010 but now host incredible life: moray eels peek from crevices, nudibranchs crawl across surfaces, two-spot snappers cloud above like an overcast sky. It is a strange kind of beautiful, and a macro photographer’s dream.

Safety stops at 5 meters are good too. Sergeant major damsels and fusilier schools surround you, with Havelock Island visible above.