Le Sournois - Prony Bay

North West Point is classic Cayman wall diving, and we absolutely love it for a morning drift. It’s a deep wall, sure, but the top reef is where we usually spend our safety stop, and it’s a stunner. Drop in, hit the wall, and let the current carry you past thick barrel sponges and the occasional black coral tree. We’ve seen free-swimming chain morays here, just cruising along the face, which is always a treat. Keep an eye out into the blue for eagle rays; they like to cruise by. Our favourite part is definitely the expansive sand patch on top of the reef. It’s huge, with these long fingers of coral reaching out towards shore. That’s your turtle zone. We’ve pretty much always bumped into a hawksbill or two munching on breakfast there. Visibility is consistently good, usually around 25m, making for some great wide-angle shots down the wall. It’s a site that suits anyone comfortable with a bit of depth and a gentle drift, offering that quintessential Cayman experience of clear water and abundant reef life, especially if you’re keen to spot a turtle or an eagle ray.

Location
Prony Bay, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-22.523700, 166.450700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Réserve de la passe Amédée

Best Time to Dive in Prony Bay

The warmest water temperatures in Prony Bay occur in February, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 22.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.0°C
  • February: 27.4°C
  • March: 27.4°C
  • April: 26.5°C
  • May: 24.6°C
  • June: 23.4°C
  • July: 22.5°C
  • August: 22.0°C
  • September: 22.6°C
  • October: 23.6°C
  • November: 25.0°C
  • December: 26.5°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Prony Bay

Nearest Dive Centres to Le Sournois

Marine Life in Prony Bay

Home to 84 recorded species including 62 reef fish, 7 sea cucumbers, 4 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Le Sournois

Based on average water temperature of 24.9°C, currents 6 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Le Sournois?
The maximum depth for diving at Le Sournois is 18 meters. Divers can explore a depth range from 6m to 20m, offering various opportunities for different dive profiles within this vibrant reef system.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Le Sournois dive site?
Divers at Le Sournois can expect to encounter a vibrant reef at the edge of the lagoon, renowned for having the greatest concentration of fish in the region. You'll see plenty of schools of reef fish and may also experience pelagic passages, with sightings of grey reef sharks, mantas, leopard rays, and rarely even nautiluses.
How challenging is the Le Sournois dive site for different levels of divers?
The Le Sournois dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for certified divers with some experience, offering an engaging dive without being overly demanding for those comfortable with reef diving.
What is the best time of year to dive Le Sournois for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Le Sournois for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving in New Caledonia, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Le Sournois?
The provided data does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required or recommended for Le Sournois. However, as it is classified with an intermediate difficulty, divers should possess appropriate certification and experience for such conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Le Sournois dive site?
Divers at Le Sournois can anticipate excellent visibility, with an average of 21 meters, providing clear views of the abundant marine life. Information regarding typical current conditions at this site is not available in the provided data.