Sandy Island Drift, Carriacou - Carriacou

Tee Box is one of those sites we always try to hit when we're diving Curaçao's southeast. It’s boat access only, a short hop from Sandals, and the real draw here is that wall. We like to drop anchor in the sand just above it, around 8 to 10 metres. The wall itself doesn't go super deep, topping out at 17 metres, but it’s packed with interesting nooks. Look for the Great Star Corals and Smooth Flower Corals; they’re thriving here. We've seen King Mullet cruising the sandy bottom and schools of Spanish Grunts hanging out in the crevices. Keep an eye out for Angelfish and the Barber Butterflies too. Visibility usually sits around 18 metres, which is decent for photography. But the real secret to Tee Box? The ostracod show. Four nights after a full moon, about 40 minutes after sunset, this place lights up with bioluminescent ostracods in the shallows above the wall. It’s an absolute spectacle, like tiny blue fireworks. It’s a superb spot for a relaxed daytime wall dive, but you absolutely have to plan a night dive for the ostracods. They really are something else.

Location
Carriacou, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.486300, -61.481400
Type
wall

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 Sandy Island Drift, 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 Sandy Island Drift, 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 a dive at Sandy Island Drift in Carriacou?
The Sandy Island Drift dive in Carriacou offers a maximum depth of 17m. This makes it a relatively shallow and relaxing drift dive, perfect for enjoying the vibrant reef and its diverse inhabitants.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Sandy Island Drift, Carriacou?
Divers at Sandy Island Drift can expect a sloping reef and wall features with abundant marine diversity. You'll primarily encounter blue creole wrasse and brown chromis, but keep an eye out for nurse sharks under overhangs, and watch for eagle rays and stingrays in the open water. It's also a great spot for lionfish hunting.
How challenging is the Sandy Island Drift dive in Carriacou, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Sandy Island Drift dive in Carriacou is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. While it is described as a nice and relaxed drift, its intermediate rating suggests it might not be ideal for absolute beginners without some prior drift diving experience or supervision.
What is the best time of year to dive Sandy Island Drift in Carriacou for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Sandy Island Drift for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are recommended or required for diving Sandy Island Drift, Carriacou?
The provided information does not specify any recommended or required dive certifications for Sandy Island Drift. Given its intermediate difficulty and drift nature, it's generally advisable to have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or specific drift diving experience to fully enjoy this site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Sandy Island Drift dive site in Carriacou?
The Sandy Island Drift dive is characterized by a "nice and relax drift," indicating gentle current conditions suitable for a comfortable drift experience. Divers can also expect excellent visibility, with an average of 18m, allowing for clear views of the abundant marine life.