Northern Exposure - Southwest Coast

The Rena wreck off the coast of Tauranga is less a single dive and more a collection of scattered pieces, a poignant reminder of its dramatic grounding. We’ve found the stern section to be the most interesting, sitting relatively upright in around 22 metres. You’ll see how the ocean has already started to claim it, with gorgonian fans and colourful sponges taking hold on the metal. Schools of snapper and trevally often swirl around the superstructure, while bronze whalers sometimes cruise past in the blue. Our favourite time to dive here is on a slack tide, otherwise, the currents can make it a real workout. Visibility averages around 10 metres, so it’s not always gin-clear, but when it’s good, the sheer scale of the wreck pieces is impressive. Exploring the various debris fields gives you a real sense of the ship’s destruction. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and how quickly marine life can adapt, rather than for exploring intact interiors.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.046600, -61.776700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-25m

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 Northern Exposure

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 Northern Exposure

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 maximum depth for diving at the Northern Exposure dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Northern Exposure dive site is 18 meters (approximately 60 feet). While the coral fingers of “Bass Reef” extend below 25 meters (80 feet), the recommended maximum depth for this site is 18m, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration.
What marine life can divers expect to see at Northern Exposure in Grenada?
Divers exploring Northern Exposure can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Creole wrasse over the reef and an abundance of cowfish. During the early part of the year, many juvenile drums and cowfish can be found tucked away in the holes and crevices. Additionally, keep an eye out for barracudas and jacks patrolling off the edge of the reef. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is the Northern Exposure dive site considered suitable for beginner divers?
The Northern Exposure dive site is rated as an intermediate difficulty, making it generally less suitable for absolute beginner divers. Its features, such as coral fingers extending to 25 meters (80 feet) and opportunities for exploration, suggest that some prior experience and comfort in varied conditions would be beneficial. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate certifications and equipment for intermediate dives.
What is the best time of year to dive at Northern Exposure for the calmest conditions?
The provided data for the Northern Exposure dive site does not specify the best time of year for the calmest conditions. However, it does note that many juvenile drums and cowfish can be found in the holes and crevices during the early part of the year. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Northern Exposure?
While the provided data does not explicitly list specific scuba diving certifications required for Northern Exposure, its classification as an intermediate dive site suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures divers are comfortable with depths up to 18 meters and have the skills for exploration. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Northern Exposure dive site?
At the Northern Exposure dive site, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 15 meters. The provided information, however, does not specify the typical current conditions for this site. It's always advisable to consult with local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents before your dive.