Gun Beach Pinnacle – Gun Beach & Tumon Bay

Site Overview

Gun Beach Pinnacle is an isolated coral-covered rock column rising from approximately 30 metres to near the surface off the coast of Tumon Bay. This dramatic underwater seamount attracts swirling schools of jacks and sweetlips, while moray eels inhabit the numerous crevices and overhangs along the pinnacle face. The pinnacle serves as a cleaning station and aggregation point for larger pelagic species, with occasional manta ray passes during the dry season. The coral coverage on the pinnacle is exceptional, with large table corals, gorgonian fans, and soft corals creating a colourful garden that contrasts with the deep blue surrounding water. The isolated nature of the structure means that marine life concentrates around it, making encounters with larger species more likely than on continuous reef systems. The site is accessible as a shore dive from Gun Beach, though the swim to the pinnacle is longer than to the wall. The depth profile allows for rewarding multi-level diving, starting at the base and working up to the shallow summit. The pinnacle rises from the deep ocean floor as an isolated seamount that concentrates marine life around its structure, creating a natural aggregation point for both reef-dwelling and pelagic species. The coral coverage is particularly impressive on the current-facing side where nutrient-rich water feeds the polyps and promotes vigorous growth of table corals and gorgonian fans. The geological formation of this pinnacle dates back thousands of years to when sea levels were significantly lower.