JD's Dive Log

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.

This is a good site for a night dive. The reef is a little worn as are most on the west side, but with the night some the critters (octopus and lobster) come out. Easy entry and no current. The lights from the restaurant and nearby Georgetown give a nice touch at night.

I am not sure what the previous reviewer was talking about (cruise ships on the north side???). It sounds like they were talking about the west side in the Georgetown area. The shore diving sites I am reviewing are McCurly's Wall, Babylon, and Julie's Wall. You can dive all three moving east to west from the same entry point (McCurly's mooring). The wall here is spectacular and the reef is in great shape. The entry can be a bit of a scramble and it is a good little swim out to the mooring balls. However, during the summer months the conditions are quite tame. This is one of the best sites on the island and you can do it at your own leisure. The wall starts at 45 feet! If you have the opportunity to take the drive to this part of the island, don't miss it. Some publications list these sites as east end dives and others list them was north wall sites. Either way, take the drive and you will not be disappointed you did.