MV Shakem, wreck - Southwest Coast

Pure Magic on Taveuni is exactly what it says on the tin, though maybe not how you’d expect. This isn’t a rush of big pelagics, it’s a site for slowing down and letting the Somosomo Strait current carry you along a wall that bottoms out around 22m. We like to start on the point, where the drop is sheerest, keeping an eye out for a passing whitetip reef shark or some schooling barracuda. As the wall gives way to a rubble slope, the real magic starts to appear – think cleverly camouflaged ostrich gobies, colourful fluted clams, and plenty of ghost cardinalfish tucked into crevices. It’s a superb dive for those who enjoy taking their time and appreciate the smaller, often overlooked, critters.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.031800, -61.786400
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 MV Shakem, wreck

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 MV Shakem, wreck

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 the MV Shakem wreck?
The MV Shakem wreck, located off the Southwest Coast of Grenada, rests in 31 meters (105 feet) of water. Divers can typically explore this impressive cargo vessel to a maximum depth of 29 meters.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the MV Shakem?
The MV Shakem offers a rich experience, featuring a 200ft / 70 mtr cargo vessel with notable structures like concrete pallets and a prominent mast. Divers can observe baitfish around the mast, attracting larger marine life such as snappers and barracuda, while the extensive coral growth around the stern provides a home for many critters.
How challenging is the MV Shakem wreck dive, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The MV Shakem wreck dive is considered to be of intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for experienced divers. Those with advanced certifications will particularly appreciate the many penetration options available within this 200ft cargo vessel.
What is the best time of year to dive the MV Shakem wreck for optimal conditions?
While specific seasonal recommendations for optimal conditions at the MV Shakem wreck are not provided in our current data, divers can generally expect good conditions in Grenada. For broader guidance on diving seasons and conditions, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the MV Shakem, especially for wreck penetration?
While the MV Shakem is an intermediate dive, specific certifications are essential for those wishing to explore its interior. Divers interested in the many penetration options available within this 200ft cargo vessel must be appropriately certified for wreck penetration diving.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the MV Shakem wreck dive site?
At the MV Shakem wreck site, divers can generally anticipate good visibility, averaging around 16 meters. Specific details regarding typical current conditions are not available in our current data context.