Kansas Reef - Southwest Coast

We love Mercurius for the sheer sense of immersion it offers. This tugboat, sunk deliberately alongside Saveiros and Taurus, rests upright at 28 metres, remarkably intact. You can duck into the control room, peer down at the propeller, and even fin your way into the engine room. It’s a proper exploration, not just a fly-by. Inside the wreck, the light filters in, illuminating schooling grunts and squirrelfish, while out on the deck, we often see thick schools of jacks swirling, sometimes so dense they momentarily block the sun. Look closely and you'll spot orangespotted filefish picking their way across the superstructure, and we’ve had some cracking encounters with great barracudas hanging motionless in the blue. Keep an eye on the sand around the wreck too, as nurse sharks often snooze there. Visibility averages a clear 21 metres, making this an ideal site for those comfortable with wreck penetration and who appreciate a wreck teeming with life.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.024200, -61.795500
Type
wreck

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 Kansas Reef

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 Kansas Reef

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 diving depth at Kansas Reef?
Kansas Reef is a recently discovered deepwater reef, where divers can expect a maximum depth of 23 meters (approximately 75 feet). The site's name was inspired by the seaplumes moving in the currents, resembling cornfields. For more details on this unique site, visit the Kansas Reef page.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at Kansas Reef?
At Kansas Reef, divers can encounter diverse marine life including mackerel, barracuda, Black durgeon, and creole wrasse feeding in the currents. Keep an eye out for occasional sightings of Eagle Rays or Hawksbill Turtles, along with Simnias and Whip Coral shrimps. The reef is characterized by its vibrant seaplumes, which inspired its name, and various Whip Corals.
How difficult is diving at Kansas Reef, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Kansas Reef is rated as intermediate difficulty. Due to the currents often experienced there, it is generally not recommended for beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate experience and comfort with current diving to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Kansas Reef for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Kansas Reef for optimal conditions and visibility. For general information on diving seasons in Grenada, please consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at Kansas Reef?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess an appropriate certification and experience level for current diving. While specific certifications aren't listed, comfort and proficiency in drift diving or similar conditions are highly recommended. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience at Kansas Reef.
What are the usual water currents and visibility conditions like at Kansas Reef?
Kansas Reef is known for experiencing currents, which contribute to its dynamic environment. Divers can typically expect an average visibility of 12 meters (approximately 40 feet) at this site. These conditions allow for good viewing of the diverse marine life present at Kansas Reef.