Lighthouse Reef - Grenada - Southwest Coast

Octagon Reef, just a quick hop from Naya Gawana, makes for a really solid, easy dive. We love that it’s usually a relaxed drift along the wall, which gently slopes from about 5 metres down to 20. The current here tends to be light to medium, just enough to carry you along without much effort, making it ideal for a leisurely look. The wall itself is a tapestry of table corals and various staghorn species, and you'll spot plenty of damselfish and triggerfish darting in and out. Keep an eye out for broadband flatheads tucked into the sand patches at the base. We’ve had some good luck with banded sea kraits here, too, usually cruising along the reef edge. Visibility hovers around 16 metres on an average day, giving you a clear view of the reef's contours and the occasional eagle ray gliding past in the blue. It’s a site that rewards a slow pace, letting you soak in the details rather than chasing big pelagics.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
11.984300, -61.765200
Type
reef

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 Lighthouse Reef - 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 Lighthouse Reef - 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 Lighthouse Reef in Grenada?
Diving at Lighthouse Reef in Grenada typically ranges from 45 feet (13 meters) to 75 feet (22 meters). The maximum depth recorded for this site is 20 meters, making it suitable for divers comfortable with moderate depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Lighthouse Reef, Grenada?
Divers at Lighthouse Reef can expect to encounter impressive marine life, particularly large nurse sharks, which often measure between 5 feet (1.5 meters) and 10 feet (3 meters). The reef itself is characterized by large seafans and a predominantly hard coral structure, featuring large rocks and overhangs that may conceal these magnificent creatures. You can learn more about marine life on our wildlife database.
Is Lighthouse Reef in Grenada suitable for beginner scuba divers?
No, Lighthouse Reef is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests it may not be suitable for beginner scuba divers who are still gaining experience. Divers should have appropriate certification and comfort with the conditions before attempting this dive.
What is the best time of year to dive Lighthouse Reef in Grenada for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
For optimal marine life sightings at Lighthouse Reef, the middle of the year is particularly noteworthy, as this is when pregnant female nurse sharks are often seen about to give birth. While specific optimal diving conditions for other times of the year are not detailed, the site generally boasts an average visibility of 17 meters. For more general information on diving seasons, visit our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive Lighthouse Reef in Grenada?
Given that Lighthouse Reef is an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or have equivalent experience. This ensures divers are comfortable with deeper profiles and potentially more challenging conditions. Always consult with your dive operator regarding specific certification requirements.
How strong are the currents and what are the typical water conditions at Lighthouse Reef, Grenada?
The provided data does not explicitly detail the strength of currents at Lighthouse Reef. However, it is described as an 'exposed Patch reef,' which can sometimes indicate susceptibility to currents. Divers can generally expect good water clarity, with an average visibility of 17 meters.