Cades Reef - Antigua South Coast

Look, the Pacific Northwest isn't exactly known for coral reefs, so when we talk about Turnbull, we're really talking about a different kind of magic. This spot, sitting off the coast of British Columbia, delivers a truly unique cold-water experience. Forget the warm blue and think emerald greens and deep blues, filled with life that thrives in chillier temperatures. Our favourite thing about Turnbull has to be the sheer density of invertebrate life. Drop down and you’re immediately enveloped by the swaying fronds of kelp forests, creating an ethereal light show as sunlight filters through. You’ll find walls absolutely plastered with colourful anemones – we’re talking fields of white plumose anemones waving in the current, interspersed with vibrant orange and red varieties. Keep an eye out for the Dungeness crabs scuttling amongst the rocks, often with a curious Spotted Ratfish gliding past. We also frequently encounter enormous Puget Sound King Crabs here, making for some truly spectacular photo opportunities. We'd suggest hitting Turnbull on a slack tide, if possible. The currents can pick up, making it a more challenging dive, but even with a bit of a push, the drift can be exhilarating. It’s a site that really rewards a slow, deliberate exploration, letting your eyes adjust to the subtle beauty of the temperate reef. This is a dive for those who appreciate the intricate details of a cold-water ecosystem, a place where macro life reigns supreme and every crack and crevice holds a new discovery.

Location
Antigua South Coast, Antigua & Barbuda, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.007050, -61.873630
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Cades Bay

Best Time to Dive in Antigua South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Antigua South Coast occur in January, averaging 27.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • February: 27.2°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • March: 27.2°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • April: 27.2°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • May: 27.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • June: 27.2°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • July: 27.2°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 27.2°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • September: 27.2°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • October: 27.2°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • November: 27.2°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • December: 27.2°C (air: 26.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Antigua South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Cades Reef

Marine Life in Antigua South Coast

Home to 234 recorded species including 201 reef fish, 7 other, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 hard corals, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Cades Reef

Based on average water temperature of 27.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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