🇸🇦Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Caribbean Sea

sea

Tropical Northwestern Atlantic

province

Eastern Caribbean

ecoregion

Almond Tree

Almond Tree is a shore entry dive site located approximately 15 minutes from the harbor. The dive features a gently sloping reef, typically explored as a drift dive from south to north. The maximum depth reaches 21 meters (70 feet), with divers concluding their dive over shallow coral heads, which serve as a safety stop. The area is characterized by a field of gorgonian sea plumes, where divers can observe various marine life including trunkfish, slipper lobster, barracuda, and occasionally frogfish and seahorses camouflaged against the reef.

13.0244, -61.2374

Bequia Head

Bequia Head is a challenging dive site characterized by steeply sloping reefs that reach a maximum depth of 40 meters (120 feet). This site is subject to strong currents and rough sea conditions, making it suitable only for expert divers and only under optimal conditions. A negative entry is required as there are no moorings available, and divers must utilize their own surface marker buoys (SMBs). The dive typically involves drifting along the reef, where divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including lionfish, rays, and sharks, as well as large schools of fish feeding in the area. Due to its distance from the dive shop, this site is accessed via private charter and is usually dived as a two-tank dive.

13.0472, -61.2048

Brown’s Bay

Brown's Bay offers a dive experience suitable for beginners and intermediate divers, with depths ranging from 5 meters (15 feet) to 15 meters (45 feet). The site features a gently sloping reef characterized by boulders, sea fans, and various coral types, including pillar and staghorn corals. Common marine life includes scorpion fish, moray eels, porcupine fish, trumpetfish, cowfish, and octopus. The current typically flows from south to north, making it ideal for a drift dive along the reef.

13.0223, -61.2407

Cathedral

Cathedral is a dive site characterized by a steeply sloping reef that begins at a depth of 5 meters and descends to a sandy bottom at 30 meters. Divers can navigate the site in either direction, depending on the current conditions. The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including nimble spray crabs that take shelter behind sea urchins, as well as juvenile trunkfish seeking protection. Schools of southern sennet, chromis, and jacks are commonly observed in this area.

13.0303, -61.2311

Coral Nursery

Coral Nursery is located a short distance from the dive shop, accessible via a shore entry. This site features PVC structures designed to mimic trees, where coral fragments are secured with fishing line to promote growth. This artificial reef attracts various marine life, including trunkfish and shortnose pufferfish. Visitors can inquire about ongoing coral restoration initiatives or participate in Coral ID certification.

13.0118, -61.2478

Deep Boulders

Deep Boulders is a dive site accessible via a mooring point located at coordinates 12.994800, -61.274300. The dive begins at a depth of 20 meters, where divers can explore large boulders. As you descend further to 27 meters, look for nurse sharks under ledges. The dive concludes as you navigate around the point leading to Moonhole. Marine life includes scorpionfish hiding in crevices, barracuda near the deeper boulders, and schools of grunts and creole wrasse in the area.

12.9948, -61.2743

Devil’s Table

Devil’s Table is a dive site with a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet), ideal for both beginner and intermediate divers. The dive begins in the sheltered area of Rocky Bay and progresses along the reef, which gradually deepens. The dive concludes at the mooring near the cardinal marker. This site serves as a breeding ground for various marine species, allowing divers to observe numerous juvenile fish around the reef. Common sightings include spotted moray eels and squirrelfish, often found hiding under coral heads.

13.0119, -61.2488

Flat Rock

Flat Rock is located approximately 20 minutes from the dive center and features a maximum depth of 21 meters (70 feet). This site is typically explored as a drift dive, starting from the north and concluding on a gently sloping reef, which is ideal for safety stops. The reef is adorned with fan corals and azure vase sponges, providing habitat for various marine species. Divers can expect to see trunkfish, trumpetfish, lobsters, and eels, with occasional sightings of drumfish and octopus.

13.0391, -61.2166

L’Anse Chemin/Long Point

L’Anse Chemin, also known as Long Point, is a dive site located approximately 30 minutes from the nearest dive shop. This site features a steeply sloping reef that descends to a maximum depth of 30 meters (100 feet). Advanced divers can take advantage of the strong currents to drift along the reef, allowing for an efficient exploration of the area. Divers can observe large schools of creole wrasse and brown chromis, along with squirrelfish, eels, and lobsters that can be found hiding under coral formations. In the shallower regions, divers may encounter octopus and nurse sharks.

13.0466, -61.2091

Larikai Point

Larikai Point is recognized for its wall dive that begins in shallow waters and descends along a sloping wall adorned with gorgonians. The area is home to diverse marine life, including French Angelfish, Queen Angelfish, Barracudas, Parrotfish, and both Spotted and Green Moray eels. The shallow patch reefs support vibrant mosaics of hard and soft corals, contributing to the site's ecological richness.

13.3498, -61.2115

Middle Cay

Middle Cay offers a dive that begins with a negative entry, leading into a diverse environment featuring whip coral and gorgonian formations. The dive site has a steep reef slope that starts at a depth of 15 meters and descends to a maximum of 28 meters. The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including green morays, spiny lobsters, and slipper lobsters. In the shallower areas, yellow-tailed snapper, tuna, and barracuda can be observed as they patrol the waters.

12.9895, -61.2882

Moonhole

Moonhole is a sheltered cove located approximately twenty minutes from Dive Bequia. The dive site features a reef that slopes down to a sandy bottom, with depths ranging from 20 feet to over 80 feet. Divers should be aware of potentially strong currents, particularly towards the northern corner, which can flow in either direction. This site is known for its seahorse population, with sightings of up to seven individuals recorded during a single dive. Additionally, schools of southern sennet can be observed circling the reef, accompanied by sea plumes.

12.9927, -61.2760

Moonhole Cave

Moonhole Cave offers divers a descent into blue waters reaching depths of 9 meters, with a wall on one side and a rolling reef that meets the sandy bottom at 15 meters. The reef slopes steeply down to 28 meters, featuring larger boulders and formations adorned with colorful sponges in the shallower regions. At a depth of 8 meters, a spacious cavern can be explored, where divers may encounter nurse sharks. The site is also home to schools of blue creole wrasse, yellowtail snapper, and brown chromis, often seen circling around solitary silvery cero. Whip corals and sea fans are present, moving gently with the current as divers drift along the site.

12.9922, -61.2777

Moonhole Wreck

The Moonhole Wreck, known as the wreck of Rick’s H, is a cargo freighter located in a sandy basin surrounded by turtle grass. The bow of the wreck is situated at a depth of 34 meters (112 feet), while the stern rests at 27 meters (89 feet). Divers can observe large schools of southern sennet in the blue waters, and it is common to see a large turtle near the bow. Southern stingrays are also frequently spotted in this area.

12.9935, -61.2764

New Moon

New Moon offers an intermediate dive experience with a maximum depth of 40 meters. Divers begin their descent at 8 meters onto a sloping reef characterized by boulder formations. The site features a prominent sheer wall that extends to depths exceeding 30 meters. Due to the currents, divers can navigate the site in either direction. Marine life includes abundant queen triggerfish, circling great barracudas, and occasional sightings of stingrays resting on the sandy bottom, making it an engaging site for those interested in critter observation.

12.9916, -61.2818

North-West Point

North-West Point offers an engaging dive experience for intermediate divers, featuring a healthy reef that begins at a depth of 7 meters and descends to 25 meters. The dive conditions can vary based on current strength. Marine life includes filefish, trumpetfish, trunkfish, and cowfish, which can be observed swimming around the reef. Additionally, moray eels and spiny lobsters are often found hiding beneath coral formations, while large boulders may conceal frogfish.

13.0178, -61.2489

Petit Byahau

Petit Byahau is a well-frequented dive site accessible exclusively by boat. The area is rich in marine life, showcasing a variety of both soft and hard corals, along with a diverse fish population. Divers may encounter a mild current, which can facilitate an easy drift dive experience. It is common to see other divers exploring the site simultaneously.

13.1832, -61.2669

Richmond Beach

Richmond Beach serves as the house reef for the Richmond Vale Diving & Hiking Center. This site is primarily accessed via shore entry, allowing divers to reach the coral formations within 10 meters (30 feet) from the beach. The underwater landscape is characterized by soft coral structures that display a variety of vibrant colors. Divers can observe extensive coral layering, which is complemented by gorgonians and brightly colored sponges throughout the dive.

13.3078, -61.2350

Richmond Vale Coral Nursery

The Richmond Vale Coral Nursery is a shore entry site located at coordinates 13.304500, -61.235400. Established on June 3, 2020, by the Climate Compliance Team from Richmond Vale Academy, this site features three coral trees primarily consisting of Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata). The coral fragments used for the nursery were collected from two distinct locations, emphasizing the importance of coral reefs and their conservation. This artificial reef initiative aims to enhance local marine biodiversity and raise awareness about the threats faced by coral ecosystems.

13.3045, -61.2354

Robyn’s Reef

Robyn’s Reef offers a dive experience with a maximum depth of 21 meters (70 feet). Divers begin at the notable frogfish area known as 'Flat Rock' and gradually descend along a steep reef slope to reach the sandy bottom. This site is characterized by a gentle drift, making it suitable for intermediate divers. Marine life includes sightings of queen triggerfish, large schools of French grunts, and blue creole wrasse. The reef is adorned with vibrant azure vase corals and various colored sponges.

13.0384, -61.2192

Rock Side

Rock Side is a shore dive site located at coordinates 13.245100, -61.276300. The dive features a shallow reef populated with various reef-building corals, including Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata). Divers can observe a variety of colorful Gorgonians and a significant presence of Brown Chromis in the area. This site is also accessible by boat from Richmond Vale Diving and Hiking Center.

13.2451, -61.2763

Rocky Bay

Rocky Bay is a dive site with a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet), suitable for both beginner and intermediate divers. The dive begins in the sheltered area of Rocky Bay and progresses along the reef, which gradually deepens. The dive concludes at the mooring near the cardinal marker. This site is particularly favorable for macro photography, offering opportunities to observe various marine life. Divers may encounter blue creole wrasse, parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, French grunts, and damselfish. Additionally, keep an eye out for octopus, porcupinefish, and spiny lobster that may be hiding among the rocks.

13.0111, -61.2473

Ship’s Stern

Ship’s Stern features a sloping reef that descends to sandy bottom at a depth of 15 meters (50 feet), with the maximum depth reaching 18 meters (60 feet). Divers can explore various nooks along the reef, where spiny lobsters, Spanish lobsters, and spotted morays can be found. The area is characterized by whip corals and gorgonians that extend from the reef. Schools of French grunts and brown chromis can be observed swimming around vibrant vase corals and sponges. Additionally, solitary blue tangs, cowfish, trunkfish, and porcupinefish are often seen navigating the coral formations.

12.9956, -61.2671

Stratmann Wreck

The Stratmann Wreck is a notable dive site for intermediate divers, located at a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet). The wreck, a tugboat, rests on the sandy bottom, with its stern at 18 meters and the upper structure providing an ideal safety stop at 5 meters (15 feet). Divers can expect to see various marine life, including garden eels, sawfish, banded coral shrimp, Pederson cleaner shrimp, moray eels, and crabs around the wreck.

13.0144, -61.2504

The Boulders

The Boulders is a dive site that offers a range of depths from 12 meters (40 feet) to 30 meters (100 feet). The dive begins on a sloping reef that transitions to sandy bottom at 15 meters (50 feet). Fixed moorings are available at both ends of the site, allowing for drift diving in either direction based on current conditions. Marine life commonly observed here includes trunkfish, eels, damselfish, trumpetfish, French angels, and spotted drums, with occasional sightings of peacock flounder and scorpionfish.

12.9943, -61.2724

The Bullet

The Bullet is a dive site that requires expert divers due to its unpredictable currents. The maximum depth reaches 28 meters (90 feet), and it is typically accessed via boat. Conditions must be optimal, with low winds and calm seas, for the site to be dived. The dive is often conducted as a two-tank trip due to its distance from the departure point. Divers can expect to encounter sharks and rays during their dive, making it a unique experience.

13.0409, -61.2025

The Wall - West Cay

The Wall at West Cay features a striking drop-off that begins with a shallow ledge, leading divers into the deep blue waters. The wall is home to various marine life, including schools of fish, lobsters, porcupine fish, and drumfish, which can often be found sheltering under the ledges. As the dive progresses, divers can explore swim-throughs at the base of the wall, where nurse sharks may be spotted. The dive typically concludes at a shallow shelf located at the southernmost tip, where currents converge.

12.9909, -61.2901

Three Wrecks

Three Wrecks offers a unique dive experience starting at a depth of 5 meters, where divers can access the site from the shore. The dive progresses to an ATM machine located at 20 meters, followed by the first wreck, a yacht named Viviana, which rests at 27 meters. A second yacht can be found at a shallower depth of 14 meters. The dive concludes at the Strattman tug, which is situated at 5 meters. Marine life such as green morays, French angelfish, batwing coral crabs, turtles, and rays may be encountered in the surrounding turtle grass.

13.0124, -61.2500

Troumaca Bay

Troumaca Bay is an ideal location for novice divers or those looking to refresh their skills. The site features calm lagoon waters, making entry from the shore straightforward. Divers can explore two main areas, including a dive trough that requires proficient buoyancy control. The underwater landscape includes large barrel sponges and well-formed coral heads, with a steep slope adorned by numerous soft corals. The area is rich in fish life, providing a diverse marine experience.

13.2789, -61.2597

Tucker Shallow

Tucker Shallow is a shallow reef that extends from a depth of 5 meters (16 feet) to 12 meters (40 feet). The dive offers a long and bright experience filled with marine life. At the outer edge of the reef, a wall descends into deeper waters. Divers may encounter nurse sharks resting under the overhangs of the reef structures, as well as sea turtles during their exploration.

13.3572, -61.2103