Point Guirnard - Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

Shelly’s Wide, just around the corner from Manly, is one of those spots we find ourselves coming back to again and again. It’s a great shore dive, and even on a busy weekend, you can usually find a quiet corner. We typically drop in from the beach, head out wide past the main crowds, and then let the gentle current drift us back towards the protected bay. The reef here is mostly rocky, covered in vibrant sponges and soft corals that sway in the surge. Look closely for nudibranchs; we’ve spotted some absolute beauties here, tucked away on the gorgonians. Our favourite encounters are always with the wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks, often just chilling on the sand or under a ledge, completely unfazed by divers. If you’re lucky, you might even see a grey nurse cruising through the deeper sections. Max depth is around 20 metres, so it’s a perfect multi-level dive for extending your bottom time. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, after a spell of southerlies, it opens up beautifully. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, ideal for photographers or anyone wanting to spend a solid hour just exploring.

Location
Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, Dominica, Caribbean
Coordinates
15.241100, -61.373100
Type
reef

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 Point Guirnard

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 Point Guirnard

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

What are the typical depths for scuba diving at Point Guirnard dive sites?
At Point Guirnard, divers can expect a maximum depth of 21 meters, making it an accessible site for various certification levels. It's described as an easy dive at all depths, suitable for a wide range of experience. This site is often enjoyed as a second dive due to its manageable depth profile.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Point Guirnard?
Divers at Point Guirnard will explore a beautiful sloping reef inside the headland, with particularly stunning shallow reef sections after the turnaround. This site is also known as a good location for critter hunting, offering opportunities to spot diverse smaller marine life. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites around Point Guirnard for different experience levels?
Point Guirnard is generally considered an easy dive suitable for all levels, especially within the calm, sloping reef inside the headland. However, divers should be aware that currents can be present as you navigate around the headland, which might elevate the challenge to an intermediate level in those areas. This makes it a versatile site, enjoyable for both beginners and more experienced divers.
What is the best time of year to dive at Point Guirnard for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Point Guirnard for optimal conditions or marine encounters. However, it is described as having an excellent average visibility of 22 meters. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Point Guirnard?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed, Point Guirnard is described as an easy dive suitable for all levels, with a maximum depth of 21 meters. This suggests it is accessible for Open Water certified divers. Always check with local dive operators in the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve for their specific recommendations.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at Point Guirnard dive sites?
At Point Guirnard, the water conditions are generally excellent, with an average visibility of 22 meters. The sloping reef inside the headland is consistently calm, providing a very relaxed diving experience. However, divers should be aware that currents can be encountered as you go around the headland.