L’Abym North - Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

Forget the picture-postcard reefs. Muelle abandonado, a stone’s throw from Lima’s Embajadores beach, offers something grittier, and frankly, more interesting for a certain kind of diver. This isn't a deep dive, maxing out at about 10 meters, but it’s packed with atmosphere. We love slipping into the cool, green water around the old dock pilings, watching the kelp sway and hide all sorts of small, curious creatures. Visibility here averages about 3 meters, which means you’re diving close, noticing the details. It's a fantastic spot for macro enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys the hunt. We’ve spent whole dives just combing the rocky crevices and the kelp for nudibranchs, or trying to spot a cleverly camouflaged frogfish. Pacific speckled crabs scuttle along the bottom, and you’ll see schools of anchovies, sometimes so thick they form glittering walls. It’s perfect for new divers getting comfortable with their buoyancy, but also genuinely satisfying for experienced eyes looking for something beyond the usual. Our favourite time to dive here is early morning, before any boat traffic stirs up the sediment too much.

Location
Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, Dominica, Caribbean
Coordinates
15.235300, -61.367000

Marine Protected Area: Soufriere/Scott's Head

Best Time to Dive in Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

The warmest water temperatures in Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve 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: 24.7°C)
  • February: 27.2°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • March: 27.2°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • April: 27.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • May: 27.2°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • June: 27.2°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • July: 27.2°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • August: 27.2°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • September: 27.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • October: 27.2°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • November: 27.2°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • December: 27.2°C (air: 25.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

Nearest Dive Centres to L’Abym North

Marine Life in Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

Home to 271 recorded species including 215 reef fish, 24 hard corals, 14 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 3 sea urchins, 3 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for L’Abym North

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep are the dives typically at L'Abym North?
Dives at L'Abym North typically reach a maximum depth of 20 meters. This makes it an accessible site for many divers, allowing for extended bottom times to explore its unique features and marine life.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at L'Abym North?
Divers at L'Abym North can expect to explore a dramatic wall, which is a continuation of the impressive L'Abym dive site. The site is renowned for its diverse marine life, including frequent sightings of turtles, and often features seahorses and frogfish both on the wall and the shelf. It's also an excellent location to spot various hamlets.
Is L'Abym North considered a difficult dive site for scuba divers?
While officially classified as an intermediate dive site, L'Abym North is often considered suitable for all levels of divers. This is due to its protected location close to shore, which means there are seldom currents, and it's well-sheltered from waves and wind, providing calm diving conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive L'Abym North for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a best time of year for optimal diving conditions at L'Abym North. However, the site is generally protected from waves and wind, and experiences seldom currents, making it a reliable dive spot year-round. For general information on diving seasons, you can visit our When to Dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at L'Abym North?
The provided information does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at L'Abym North. Given its maximum depth of 20 meters and suitability for all levels, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for such sites.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at L'Abym North?
L'Abym North typically offers excellent diving conditions with an average visibility of 22 meters. Divers can expect seldom currents, as the site is protected from waves and wind due to its close proximity to shore.