Magazine Reef - Southwest Coast

Pange North always delivers. It’s a shallow, gently sloping reef, never deeper than 13 metres, which means we can spend a good chunk of bottom time just drifting along, soaking it all in. The corals here are lovely, plenty of varied formations, and we especially love the way the big fan corals sway with the mild surge. During the day, you’ll spot those vibrant Ring-tailed Surgeonfish darting through the water, and we’ve had some cracking encounters with curious Undulated Morays poking their heads out from the reef. Keep an eye out for the Flashlight Fish in the darker corners too, their bioluminescent glow is something else. But Pange North truly shines after dark; it's our absolute favourite night dive in the area. The whole place transforms. We’ve watched octopuses unfurl from crevices and patrol the sandy patches, and the number of crabs and shrimp that emerge from their daytime hideouts is incredible. The visibility averages around 11 metres, which is perfectly fine for a relaxed, critter-focused exploration. It’s a site that suits everyone, from newer divers wanting to build confidence to experienced macro hunters looking for something different.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.012600, -61.786900
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 Magazine 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 Magazine 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 depth range for diving at Magazine Reef?
Magazine Reef is a shallow dive site, averaging 30 ft (10 mtrs) with a maximum depth of 12 mtrs (40 ft). The overall maximum depth is noted as 15m. This makes it an accessible site for various skill levels.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Magazine Reef?
Divers at Magazine Reef can expect to encounter abundant soft coral formations, including numerous sea plumes and rope sponges. The reef is also home to a variety of attendant fish, the ever-present Pederson cleaner shrimps, and abundant Yellowline arrow crabs. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Magazine Reef, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Magazine Reef is rated as intermediate difficulty. However, it is considered a good place for Open Water Divers due to its mostly sandy bottom and shallow depths. This makes it suitable for those with basic certification looking to gain experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Magazine Reef for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and marine encounters at Magazine Reef is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive seasons, please refer to our When to dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or recommended for Magazine Reef?
Magazine Reef is noted as a good place for Open Water Divers. Therefore, an Open Water Diver certification is recommended to fully enjoy this site. Its characteristics make it suitable for those with this foundational certification.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at Magazine Reef?
Magazine Reef typically offers good visibility, with an average of 16m. Information regarding the usual current conditions at the site is not provided in the available data.