Quarantine Point - Southwest Coast

Split Rock, for us, is one of those sites that just feels right from the moment you drop. We love the way the light filters down into that eponymous canyon, a real knife-edge cut into the wall. It’s not a deep dive, topping out at 26 metres, but it feels expansive. On the west side, you’ll find ledges and headlands absolutely bristling with black coral. Seriously, if you’re into the intricate, ancient beauty of black coral, this is your spot. The tunnels and swim-throughs here are generous enough that you don't feel like you're squeezing, but still offer that thrilling sense of exploration. Keep an eye out for Blushing Star Coral on the overhangs, and we’ve often spotted Orangespotted Filefish flitting between the Finger Coral. Visibility usually hovers around 27 metres, which means you get to really appreciate the scale of the wall and the sponges, from massive Boulder Brain Coral to the delicate tubulates. Look closely for Saddled Blennies peeking out of crevices. This site suits divers who appreciate intricate reef structures and a relaxed pace, allowing time to explore every nook and cranny.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.025000, -61.785000
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 Quarantine Point

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 Quarantine Point

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 Quarantine Point?
Diving at Quarantine Point typically offers a depth range from about 14 meters (46 feet) at the top of the reef system down to 22 meters (75 feet) at the bottom. While the reef extends to 22m, the maximum recommended depth for recreational diving at this site is 17 meters. This makes it suitable for divers comfortable with moderate depths.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving at Quarantine Point?
At Quarantine Point, you can expect a rich variety of marine life and corals. The "bays" are home to flounders, barracuda, drums, and scorpion fish, while the "tongues" feature beautiful seaplumes and porites corals, often favored by seahorses. Keep an eye out for lobsters, various eels including the Goldentail and elusive Chain moray, as well as porcupine fish and large honeycomb cowfish. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving at Quarantine Point for an average recreational diver?
Diving at Quarantine Point is rated as intermediate difficulty for an average recreational diver. This suggests that while it's not overly challenging, divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. The varied reef structure and potential for diverse marine encounters make it an engaging dive for those with moderate skills.
What is the best time of year to dive at Quarantine Point for optimal conditions?
The provided data for Quarantine Point does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. However, you can generally find information on seasonal diving conditions for the region on our When to Dive page. We recommend checking local dive operators for the most current seasonal advice.
What dive certifications are recommended or required to dive at Quarantine Point?
Given that Quarantine Point is rated as an intermediate dive, an Open Water Diver certification is generally the minimum recommended. For divers wishing to explore the deeper sections of the reef system down to 22 meters (75 feet), an Advanced Open Water Diver certification would be beneficial. Always consult with your local dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Quarantine Point dive site?
The average visibility at Quarantine Point is a clear 16 meters (approximately 52 feet), offering excellent viewing opportunities. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site. It's always a good practice to check with local dive centers for real-time current reports before your dive.