Sunken Rock - Antigua South Coast

Sunken Rock is one of our favourite spots off Antigua’s south coast, and it’s a site we think punches well above its weight. It’s not a wreck in the traditional sense, more a massive underwater rockfall, a pinnacle that really does rise dramatically from the seabed, kicking off around 35 metres and topping out at 12. We’ve always found it an exciting dive, a natural structure that feels a lot like exploring a wreck, just without the confined spaces. You’ll often drop in to see a school of barracuda hanging just off the top, and the jacks aren’t far behind. We’ve spent many a dive here just circling the rock, watching glass-eye snappers swarm in the crevices, and trying to spot the elusive pearl blennies poking their heads out. Deeper down, look for the greater soapfish and saddle stargazers on the sandy patches around the base. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate exploration, ideally suited for intermediate divers who appreciate the character of a site over a straightforward drift. The current can pick up, especially around the pinnacle itself, so keep an eye on your dive guide. Go early, before the boats arrive, for the best chance to see it all without distraction.

Location
Antigua South Coast, Antigua & Barbuda, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.000000, -61.790000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12-35m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Nelson's Dockyard

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 Sunken Rock

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 Sunken Rock

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