Periwinkle Reef - Nassau & New Providence

Periwinkle Reef, just off New Providence's east coast, sits at a comfortable 9 meters. It’s a great spot for newer divers or for a relaxed final dip of the day, particularly with its consistently good visibility. We've seen it thickly carpeted with those namesake violet corals, along with plenty of sea fans and sponges providing shelter. Look closely and you'll often find juvenile fish darting amongst the coral heads, and moray eels peeking out from their hideaways. The current is usually mild, making for an easy drift.

Location
Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
25.022700, -77.258600
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
9m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Bonefish Pond National Park

Best Time to Dive in Nassau & New Providence

The warmest water temperatures in Nassau & New Providence occur in August, averaging 30.4°C (up to 34.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 24.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 24.7°C (air: 21.2°C)
  • February: 24.6°C (air: 23.5°C)
  • March: 24.9°C (air: 23.8°C)
  • April: 26.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • May: 27.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • July: 30.1°C (air: 29.3°C)
  • August: 30.4°C (air: 29.6°C)
  • September: 30.0°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • October: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • November: 27.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • December: 25.6°C (air: 22.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Nassau & New Providence

Nearest Dive Centres to Periwinkle Reef

Marine Life in Nassau & New Providence

Home to 539 recorded species including 455 reef fish, 24 hard corals, 19 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Periwinkle Reef

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Periwinkle Reef?
The maximum depth for diving at Periwinkle Reef is a shallow 25 feet (8 meters). This makes it an ideal spot for divers looking for a relaxed experience or a perfect last dive of the day. Its accessibility is part of what makes it so popular.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Periwinkle Reef?
At Periwinkle Reef, divers can expect to be immersed in a beautiful underwater garden. The reef is thickly covered with vibrant violet corals, sea fans, and sponges, providing shelter for a variety of marine life. You'll often spot many juvenile fish and moray eels taking refuge within these colorful formations. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Periwinkle Reef considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginner divers?
Periwinkle Reef is explicitly categorized as a beginner-friendly dive site. Its shallow maximum depth of 25 feet (8 meters) and mild current make it an ideal location for new divers to gain confidence. It's also a great choice for a relaxed last dive of the day.
What is the best time of year to dive Periwinkle Reef for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" for diving Periwinkle Reef. However, with its consistent great visibility up to 80 feet (25 meters) and mild current, conditions are generally favorable year-round. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Periwinkle Reef?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided information, given that Periwinkle Reef is classified as a beginner-level dive site, a basic Open Water Diver certification would typically be sufficient. Its shallow depth and mild current make it accessible for most certified divers looking for a relaxing experience.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Periwinkle Reef?
Divers at Periwinkle Reef can expect very pleasant conditions. The site typically features a mild current, making for an easy and relaxing dive experience. Visibility is consistently great, often reaching up to an impressive 80 feet (25 meters), allowing for clear views of the vibrant reef and its inhabitants.