Coral Nursery, Carriacou - Carriacou

Hattivatti, a site whose name nods to Tove Jansson's tube-like creatures, often delivers on its inspiration. We're talking about a decent stretch of tube corals here, some with that bleached, ghostly look that really does bring the fictional Hattivattis to mind. It's a shallow dive, topping out around 20 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time to drift along. We've seen blacktip reef sharks cruise by and eagle rays gliding with those wide fins, plus a Napoleon wrasse or two making an appearance. Visibility averages a solid 30 metres, which makes spotting those details easy. It's a nice, relaxed dive for anyone looking for something a bit different, without needing deep dive chops.

Location
Carriacou, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.495100, -61.568300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Sandy Island-Oyster Bay

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 Coral Nursery, 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 Coral Nursery, 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 for diving at the Coral Nursery in Carriacou?
The Coral Nursery dive site in Carriacou is typically found at a shallow depth of 11 meters (33 feet). Divers can explore this vibrant reef, with a maximum depth reaching 12 meters. This makes it an accessible site for many divers.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at the Coral Nursery in Carriacou?
At the Coral Nursery, divers can expect to see five tables actively growing Elkhorn coral pieces, part of an important restoration effort. This site is a macro dive paradise, teeming with small critters like shrimps, crabs, and nudibranchs, alongside various juvenile reef fishes. It's an excellent spot for observing diverse marine life up close.
How challenging is the Coral Nursery dive site in Carriacou for divers of different experience levels?
The Coral Nursery dive site in Carriacou is rated as an intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while it's not overly challenging, divers should have some prior experience beyond entry-level certification. Its shallow depth and rich macro life make it rewarding for those comfortable with basic diving skills.
What is the best time of year to dive the Coral Nursery in Carriacou for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Coral Nursery for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you may want to consult our When to Dive guide. We recommend checking local dive operators for current conditions.
What diving certifications are required to dive or participate in activities at the Coral Nursery in Carriacou?
The provided data does not explicitly state the specific diving certifications required to dive or participate in activities at the Coral Nursery. Given its intermediate difficulty rating, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always check with local dive centers in Carriacou for their specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Coral Nursery dive site in Carriacou?
The Coral Nursery dive site in Carriacou boasts an excellent average visibility of 17 meters, offering clear views of its vibrant marine life. However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents or water temperatures at this site. Divers should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.