Perhaps best known as the site of the WWII Battle of Midway, Midway Island is now a National Wildlife Refuge and is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Technically considered to be part of the Hawaiian Island chain, and part of the larger Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, it is located halfway between the Asian and North American continents, about 140 nautical miles west of the International Date Line. The refuge encompasses just over 239,165 hectares of land and water; with a fringing rim of coral reef and smaller islands in the center, it is about six miles across. As you might imagine, this area is home to marine life large and small, and it offers several dive sites inside and outside the lagoon. Here, we’ll take a look at some favorite scenic reef dives around Midway Island.
North Reef
A fantastic site and one of the furthest from the harbor, North Reef features depths between 15 and 80 feet. This multilevel site is magnificent, with underwater canyons that extend for about a quarter of a mile all the way from the reef’s front to the sandy seabed. This is an excellent site for divers who hope to encounter numerous sharks, as they are almost always present. Other large fishes can be seen here, along with smaller reef species. If currents are light, you may be able to explore the many caves and caverns that riddle the reef’s front.
Bulky Dump
Despite this site’s somewhat unappealing name, it is truly magnificent. What was once the island’s dump has been transformed to an exquisite artificial reef, and natural geologic features including ledges, arches, and deep limestone pockets make the site even more appealing. Home to masked angelfish, various wrasses and tangs, and many other colorful species, it is also an excellent site for encountering turtles and even roving pods of dolphins. Maximum depth here is 60 feet, but there is plenty to see at just 20 feet, making this a great site for all divers to enjoy.
Angel Ledge
Located a short distance from the fabled F4U Corsair wreck, Angel Ledge is an outstanding site for observing fish that are relatively rare at other sites. Magnificent Moorish Idols, wrasses, eels, anthias, damselfishes, and of course several different species of angelfish can be seen here, creating a vibrant carousel of motion against an equally colorful coral reef. While exploring, you may encounter the Corsair’s propeller atop the reef; this aircraft went down after a midair collision while on a training mission. Maximum depth is 110 feet, with plenty to see at about 65 feet.
Chromis
Another excellent site for shark watching, Chromis is an extremely active site due to the currents that wash through it on a nearly continuous basis. While maximum depth is just 90 feet, the site can be challenging and is recommended only for experienced divers. Once beneath the surface, you’ll find a complex of tunnels, arches, and caves beginning at a depth of about 35 feet. Teeming with Hawaiian Longfin Anthias, sunset basslet, turkeyfish, soldierfish, and many other reef species, this site also features some rare black coral in dark areas. Watch for orange cod, thicklipped jacks, and whitetip reef sharks, along with the occasional tiger shark or Galapagos shark.
As access to Midway Island is limited, be sure to make travel arrangements well in advance if you hope to get the opportunity to visit. Finally, don’t be surprised if, when it’s time to leave Midway behind you, you find yourself longing for another visit to this unique national treasure.