Mabouya Whirlpool, Carriacou - Carriacou

The Pamir, off Barbados’ west coast, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. It’s not a deep dive, maxing out around 16m, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in character. Dropping down, you first pick out the stern, sitting upright and surprisingly intact. We love exploring the cargo holds, where shafts of light pierce the gloom, illuminating schools of glasseye snapper and the occasional spotted trunkfish peeking from crevices. Our favourite part is the bow, shallower at around 8m, where the deckhouse is still discernibly shaped. Look closely for tiny blackedge triplefins flitting about the decaying metalwork and watch for elusive mushroom scorpionfish camouflaged on the hull. Visibility averages a comfortable 14m, giving you plenty of time to soak in the details. It's an ideal site for newer wreck divers to get a feel for penetration in the open holds, and photographers will find endless compositions. We often combine it with a nearby reef for a solid two-tank day.

Location
Carriacou, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.484800, -61.495100
Type
wreck

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 Mabouya Whirlpool, 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 Mabouya Whirlpool, 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 maximum depth for diving at Mabouya Whirlpool in Carriacou?
The maximum depth for diving at Mabouya Whirlpool in Carriacou is 18 meters. This makes it an accessible site for many divers while still offering a rich underwater experience.
What kind of marine life and unique underwater features can divers expect to see at Mabouya Whirlpool?
At Mabouya Whirlpool, divers can explore a vibrant reef, a small wreck, and a huge boulder garden. A truly unique feature is the volcanic bubbles seeping through the seabed, creating a fascinating underwater landscape. Marine life includes schools of wrasse, grunts, and tomtates, along with lobsters, diverse macro life, and nurse sharks, with occasional sightings of turtles and rays. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Mabouya Whirlpool dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Mabouya Whirlpool dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers incredible features, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without some prior experience or advanced certification. Divers should have a comfortable level of skill for this site.
What are the typical current conditions at Mabouya Whirlpool, Carriacou?
Information regarding the typical current conditions at Mabouya Whirlpool is not available in our current database. We recommend checking with local dive operators in Carriacou for the most up-to-date conditions before your dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Mabouya Whirlpool?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly listed for Mabouya Whirlpool, its classification as an intermediate dive site suggests that an Open Water Diver certification with some experience, or an Advanced Open Water Diver certification, would be appropriate. Always consult with your chosen dive operator in Carriacou to confirm their specific requirements.
When is the best time of year to dive at Mabouya Whirlpool for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Mabouya Whirlpool for optimal seasonal conditions. However, the site boasts an excellent average visibility of 17 meters. For general information on diving seasons, you can visit our When to Dive section, or contact local dive centers in Carriacou for seasonal insights.