White Sand Beach, Carriacou - Carriacou

The Advance II, an AR-145 class fishing trawler, sits upright on the seabed, a proper magnet for anything that swims by. We love hitting this wreck, especially when the current isn’t ripping, because the structure is so intact. You can fin along the deck, peeking into the wheelhouse, and imagine the old days of trawling the Atlantic. Expect to see big schools of amberjack circling, sometimes with a curious sand tiger shark cruising the perimeter. It's a fantastic dive for advanced open water divers who appreciate a good wreck penetration and don't mind a bit of a workout against the occasional surge. The visibility here can be a bit of a gamble, but on a good day, it’s a truly atmospheric dive, with light filtering through the superstructure. Our favorite part is always the engine room, if conditions allow for a quick, respectful peek inside.

Location
Carriacou, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.471800, -61.498000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5-15m

Wreck History - White Sand Beach, Carriacou

Year Sunk
2001
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
433 GRT

The ADVANCE II spent her working life as a 185-foot menhaden fishing vessel, plying the waters of the Atlantic in search of the small, oily fish used for industrial purposes. Built in 1957, she was a classic example of the mid-century fishing fleet, a workhorse that contributed to the coastal economy for decades. After a long and productive career, the vessel was retired and prepared for a new purpose: to serve the marine ecosystem rather than harvest from it.

On January 25, 2001, the ADVANCE II was purposefully sunk to become a key feature of the AR-145 artificial reef, also known as the Jim “Catfish” Hunter reef. She settled upright on the sandy bottom in approximately 70 feet of water. Today, the wreck is a thriving hub of marine life. Divers can explore her large, open structure, which has become completely encrusted with corals and sponges. Schools of baitfish swarm her decks, attracting larger predators like amberjack, barracuda, and sand tiger sharks, making for an exciting and fish-filled dive.

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 White Sand Beach, 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 White Sand Beach, 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 White Sand Beach, Carriacou?
Diving at White Sand Beach, Carriacou offers a shallow and gentle experience. The maximum depth for this site is 13m, making it a relaxing dive suitable for various skill levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at White Sand Beach, Carriacou?
Divers at White Sand Beach, Carriacou can expect to see a vibrant array of marine life. You'll often encounter stingrays, schools of Southern sennets, and a variety of small reef fish such as damsels, drums, sergeant majors, and trumpets. The site also boasts rich macro life, and nurse sharks are frequently spotted in the shallow rocks alongside stingrays and turtles. For more on marine species, visit our Wildlife Database.
How difficult is diving at White Sand Beach, Carriacou, and is it suitable for beginners?
White Sand Beach, Carriacou is known for its shallow, colorful, and gentle conditions. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers alike, offering a relaxing dive experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at White Sand Beach, Carriacou, considering weather and water conditions?
The provided data for White Sand Beach, Carriacou does not specify the best time of year for diving, nor does it detail specific weather or water conditions beyond average visibility. For general guidance on diving seasons, please consult our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific dive certifications required to dive at White Sand Beach, Carriacou?
The provided information for White Sand Beach, Carriacou does not specify any particular dive certifications required. Given its suitability for beginners and shallow depth, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for most dives here. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and general water conditions like at White Sand Beach, Carriacou?
White Sand Beach, Carriacou is characterized by gentle water conditions, making it a relaxing dive experience. Divers can expect good visibility, with an average of 14m. Specific details on typical current strength are not provided, but the "gentle" description suggests mild conditions.