Barrel, Carriacou - Carriacou

Corridas, tucked into a corner of Coco Bay, is a site we genuinely enjoy. It's essentially two low pinnacles, a pair of rocky outcrops rising from a sandy floor. Maxing out at 18 meters, you can comfortably explore both on a single dive. The real draw here, and why we always make a point of coming back, is the sheer number of rays. We've seen eagle rays glide by, spotted longtail stingrays partially buried in the sand, even had a close encounter with a bullseye electric ray. Sometimes it feels like a ray convention. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; the Glossy Blenny is always a treat, and we’ve found Speckled Scorpionfish hugging the rocks. Visibility averages around 7 meters, so it’s not for grand vistas, but it’s perfect for focusing on the details and those incredible ray encounters. We'd suggest going in the morning; the water often feels calmer, and the light can catch the sand just right. Corridas suits divers who appreciate focused, intimate dives, and, of course, anyone with a soft spot for rays.

Location
Carriacou, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.453900, -61.492100
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
5-12m

Marine Protected Area: South Carricou Islands

Best Time to Dive in Carriacou

The warmest water temperatures in Carriacou occur in January, averaging 27.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.6°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • February: 27.6°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • March: 27.6°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • April: 27.6°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • May: 27.6°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 27.6°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • July: 27.6°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • August: 27.6°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • September: 27.6°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.6°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • November: 27.6°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • December: 27.6°C (air: 26.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Carriacou

Nearest Dive Centres to Barrel, Carriacou

Marine Life in Carriacou

Home to 296 recorded species including 258 reef fish, 13 hard corals, 11 whales & dolphins, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 jellyfish, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Barrel, Carriacou

Based on average water temperature of 27.6°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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 typical depth range for diving at Barrel, Carriacou?
The Barrel dive site in Carriacou offers a shallow and gentle diving experience. While the maximum depth is 11m, many divers enjoy the main features at around 8m, allowing for extended bottom times. This makes it an ideal spot for longer, relaxed dives.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Barrel, Carriacou?
Divers visiting Barrel, Carriacou can expect a vibrant macro site, teeming with unique marine life. You'll likely encounter fascinating creatures such as seahorses, frogfish, and a wide array of nudibranchs. The underwater landscape features large sandy patches interspersed with small patchwork coral and impressive coral boulders. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Barrel, Carriacou dive site for different skill levels?
The Barrel, Carriacou dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience. It is described as a gentle shallow dive site, which suggests manageable conditions. This allows for an enjoyable experience for those looking to explore without extreme challenges.
What is the best time of year to dive at Barrel, Carriacou for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at Barrel, Carriacou for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Barrel, Carriacou?
While specific certification requirements for Barrel, Carriacou are not explicitly stated, its classification as an intermediate dive site suggests that an Open Water Diver certification or higher would be appropriate. Divers should always ensure they are comfortable with their skill level for the conditions.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Barrel dive site in Carriacou?
The Barrel dive site in Carriacou is characterized as a gentle shallow dive, implying generally calm water conditions. Divers can also anticipate excellent visibility, with an average of 18m, providing clear views of the abundant macro life and coral formations. Information regarding specific current strengths is not provided.