Hema One - Southwest Coast

If you're after a proper wreck dive, the L’Orient is our pick on the west coast. We love that it was sunk as an artificial reef, not an accident, meaning it’s upright and relatively intact, sitting at a max of 43m. It’s a dive for experienced hands, definitely not one for your first deep dive, but the reward is a quiet, atmospheric exploration. The depth keeps the crowds away; often, you’ll be the only boat there, which makes for a more personal experience. Descending, the hull gradually resolves from the blue. There are good opportunities to penetrate some of the cargo holds, where you might find cave cardinals schooling, or an undulated moray peeking from the gloom. Outside, schools of blue green chromis shimmer over the decks, and we’ve seen big long-nosed butterflyfish picking at the corals that have started to colonise the metalwork. Keep an eye out for blackside hawkfish perched on the rails and largebrain root coral growing in surprising places. Visibility here averages around 28m, so you get a good sense of the wreck's scale.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
11.946600, -61.769400
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hog Island

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 Hema One

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 Hema One

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

How deep is the Hema One dive site?
The Hema One wreck lies on its starboard side at a depth of 105 feet (31 meters) in the waters off Grenada's Southwest Coast. The maximum depth for divers at this site is 30 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for those with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at Hema One?
Divers at Hema One can explore the remains of a 200ft (70 meter) cargo vessel that sank in 2011, now resting on its starboard side. The collapsed cargo hold provides shelter for marine life such as lobsters, sharks, and cottonwicks. You can also expect to see schools of eagle rays, barracuda, nurse and black tip sharks, and turtles resting in the stern.
How challenging is the Hema One dive site for scuba divers?
The Hema One dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, primarily because the wreck lies across the prevailing current. Divers should be comfortable with potential currents and have experience diving in such conditions. This site is suitable for certified divers with some experience.
What is the best time of year to dive the Hema One wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Hema One wreck for optimal conditions. However, the site generally offers an average visibility of 12 meters. For general information on diving seasons in the Caribbean, you can consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive Hema One?
Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 30 meters, divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent to dive Hema One. This ensures you have the necessary training and experience to safely explore the wreck and manage potential currents. Always dive within your certification limits.
What are the typical current and surface conditions like at the Hema One dive site?
The Hema One wreck lies across the prevailing current, meaning divers can expect to encounter currents at the site. Surface conditions are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Divers should be prepared for potential current and consult with local dive operators for real-time conditions.