Dive Site: The Dwarf Forest

About The Dwarf Forest

The Dwarf Forest is a distinctive dive site located off the remote island of Kosrae in Micronesia. This site is celebrated for its extraordinary living coral reefs that completely encircle the island, sloping steeply into the clear blue depths. Divers encounter both vertical drop-offs and undulating profiles showcasing cascading corals, contributing to a unique underwater topography. The reefs at The Dwarf Forest comprise hundreds of densely packed coral species, including both hard and soft varieties, some potentially thousands of years old. This rich coral ecosystem attracts an abundance of marine life, making it possible to observe numerous fish species on a single dive. The site's pristine condition and remote location offer an uncrowded diving experience. While specific seasonal marine life for The Dwarf Forest is not detailed, Kosrae's waters generally host turtles, various rays, and a delightful array of macro subjects like nudibranchs. The exceptional visibility, often averaging 30 to 60 meters, enhances the experience of exploring this vibrant ecosystem. Diving here typically involves boat access, with sites being a short ride from shore, allowing for comfortable and convenient exploration of its unique coral formations and resident marine inhabitants.

Dive site facts: The Dwarf Forest

Depth

3–18 m

Current

Variable, from mild to strong

Visibility

30–60 m

Water temperature

27–29°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Reef, wall, coral garden

Region / port

Kosrae, Micronesia

Coordinates

7.7853° N, 147.0426° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents around Kosrae's dive sites, including The Dwarf Forest, can vary from mild to strong, influencing the types of marine life observed. Dive guides often utilize a drift diving technique, towing a surface float and moving with the flow of water to optimize safety and viewing opportunities. The strength and direction of currents are a key factor in attracting abundant marine life to the reefs. Visibility is consistently excellent due to these currents, often ranging from 30 to 60 meters, as they constantly flush the area with clear oceanic water. Divers should be prepared for varying current conditions, which necessitate good buoyancy control and careful monitoring of air consumption and bottom time, especially during drift dives. Entry and exit are typically by boat, aligning with the prevailing currents.

Marine life & sighting chances

Pacific barracuda

common

Nudibranchs

occasional

Turtles

occasional

Rays

occasional

Clownfish

common

Lionfish

occasional

Giant Pacific grouper

occasional

Blacktip reef shark

occasional

Grey reef shark

occasional

Dogtooth tuna

occasional

Fusiliers

common

Batfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at The Dwarf Forest typically begins with a boat entry, followed by a descent onto the sloping reefs. The site features both vertical drop-offs and undulating profiles covered in extensive cascading coral formations. Divers will explore these healthy hard and soft coral gardens, which are home to numerous reef fish. The dive may proceed as a drift, guided by the prevailing currents, allowing observation of diverse marine life that thrives in the nutrient-rich waters. Depths can vary, with much of the exploration occurring within recreational limits. Dive guides monitor air consumption and bottom time, especially in currents. The turn point is determined by air supply and current strength. A controlled ascent and safety stop are conducted, often in shallower areas or as a mid-water drift, before exiting by boat.

Underwater photography

The Dwarf Forest offers excellent wide-angle photography opportunities due to its vast coral formations and clear visibility. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive cascading corals and the diverse reefscapes. Strobes are recommended to enhance the vibrant colors of the healthy hard and soft corals, which might otherwise appear muted at depth. For macro photographers, the site also presents subjects like nudibranchs and various small reef creatures, requiring a macro lens. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing the pristine reef. Given potential currents, a reef hook can be useful for photographers to stabilize themselves while composing shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Walung Drop-Off

  Walung Drop-Off is a well-known dive site situated off the southwest coast of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia.

• Shark Island

  Shark Island, situated off the remote island of Kosrae in Micronesia, stands as an exceptional destination for experienced divers seeking…

• Split Rock

  Split Rock is a notable dive site located in Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, an island renowned for its pristine ocean and vibrant…

• Hiroshi Point

  Hiroshi Point is a prominent shore and boat dive site located on the southern end of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia.

• Trochus Sanctuary

  Trochus Sanctuary is a distinctive dive site located north of the mid-point of Kosrae, southwest of the island's airport.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Kosrae, and subsequently The Dwarf Forest, usually involves international flights via Honolulu or Guam, followed by inter-island flights to Kosrae International Airport (KSA). Once on Kosrae, dive operators from local resorts, like Kosrae Nautilus, provide guided boat dives. All dive sites are conveniently located, typically ranging from 5 to 30 minutes away by boat. There are over 60 mooring buoys around the island, ensuring easy access. A typical dive day includes two boat dives with a surface interval offering local fruits, or an optional third dive extending the day. No specific permits or fees are mentioned for diving the sites themselves, but general entry requirements for Micronesia apply, including a valid passport, and for non-US citizens, a 30-day tourist permit obtainable upon arrival.

Safety & environment

For diving in Kosrae, including The Dwarf Forest, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation, given the remote location. While specific details about the nearest recompression chamber are not provided in the sources, medical evacuation to a more developed facility would be the likely protocol for severe diving accidents. Dive operators emphasize safety, with guides towing surface floats during drift dives and having oxygen on board dive boats. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy and follow their dive guide's instructions, especially concerning currents. Always check and adhere to local dive regulations and safety briefings.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Dwarf Forest FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Dwarf Forest

These liveaboards may visit The Dwarf Forest on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Palau Siren

Micronesia

16 guests

$501/day

Solitude Gaia

Micronesia

18 guests40 m

$310/day

Palau Aggressor II

Micronesia

18 guests32 m

$354/day

Black Pearl

Micronesia

24 guests

$390/day

Ocean Hunter 3

Micronesia

16 guests29 m

$350/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day