Heartbreak Ridge - Grenada - Southwest Coast

Long Rock, off Little Corn Island, is where we head when we want a proper Caribbean drift. It’s not the deepest site, topping out at 21m, but that 100m long, 6m wide reef structure on the west side really pulls in the fish. We usually drop in and let the current carry us, watching for the big schools of fusiliers and snapper that congregate here, sometimes so thick they block the light. The reef itself is a tapestry of Boulder Brain Coral and massive Lettuce Coral, punctuated by the occasional Elkhorn. Look closely among the coral heads for Coney and Chalk Bass, and keep an eye out in the blue for the patrolling barracuda. The Angelfish, particularly the Midnight and Blue Parrotfish, are practically residents. Visibility averages a comfortable 19m, but a calm day can push it to 25m, making the drift even more enjoyable. This is a site for Open Water divers comfortable with a bit of a ride, offering a classic Caribbean reef experience with consistent action.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.028300, -61.806300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Grand Anse

Best Time to Dive in Southwest Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Southwest Coast occur in January, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 26.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Southwest Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Heartbreak Ridge - Grenada

Marine Life in Southwest Coast

Home to 267 recorded species including 231 reef fish, 13 hard corals, 10 whales & dolphins, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 jellyfish, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Heartbreak Ridge - Grenada

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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 Heartbreak Ridge in Grenada?
The Heartbreak Ridge dive site is a deep water reef, with the reef structure starting at 35 meters (110 feet) and dropping beyond 100 meters (330 feet). The reef slope itself stops around 70 meters (210 feet), with an old coastline around 75-85 meters (230-260 feet). For typical recreational dives at this site, the maximum depth is often considered to be 26 meters.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Heartbreak Ridge, Grenada?
Divers at Heartbreak Ridge can expect to encounter a variety of marine life and impressive coral formations. The reef top features many types of large Black Coral trees, some over 2 meters (6 feet) tall, alongside Black gorgonians on the edges. You'll also frequently spot many types of pelagic fish, including Almaco jacks over 2 feet long, making it a vibrant site for wildlife enthusiasts and a wonderful site to fill a lionfish container.
How challenging is the Heartbreak Ridge dive site in Grenada, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Heartbreak Ridge dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. Due to its depth and the nature of the dive, it is recommended for divers with appropriate experience and certifications for deeper dives. This site is particularly noted for its suitability for restricted divers.
What certifications are required to dive Heartbreak Ridge in Grenada?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, given the intermediate difficulty and the deep nature of the Heartbreak Ridge site, it is suitable for restricted divers. Divers should possess the necessary training and experience for deep diving to safely explore this site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Heartbreak Ridge, Grenada?
Divers at Heartbreak Ridge can generally expect excellent visibility, with an average of 21 meters (69 feet). Information regarding typical current conditions for this specific site is not provided in the available data.
When is the best time of year to dive Heartbreak Ridge in Grenada for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Heartbreak Ridge for optimal conditions. For general information on diving in the region, you may consult DivePlnr's When to Dive resources.