Spice Island Reef - Southwest Coast

Turtle Pinnacle, just off Kona, is exactly what it sounds like, and we love it for its sheer honesty. Drop down to the top of the pinnacle, around 12 meters, and you're pretty much guaranteed to find green sea turtles queued up for a clean. It’s a busy little service station, with yellow tangs and surgeonfish meticulously picking algae off their shells. The whole scene is fascinating to watch, the turtles seem so serene, almost meditative, while the smaller fish dart around them. We’ve seen as many as a dozen turtles here at once, often just hovering, enjoying the spa treatment. It's not a deep dive, maxing out around 17 meters, which means plenty of bottom time to just observe. For us, the highlight is the sheer density of turtles and the calm rhythm of the cleaning station. If you’re lucky, a manta ray might glide by, especially if you’re doing a twilight or night dive when the hotel lights draw them in. This site is perfect for photographers, and anyone who just wants to spend a good long time hanging out with turtles.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.035500, -61.773600
Type
pinnacle

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 Spice Island 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 Spice Island 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 are the typical dive depths at Spice Island Reef dive sites?
Dives at Spice Island Reef typically begin at a mooring at 7 meters (21 feet). Divers can explore a hard reef that slowly descends to a reef edge, ranging from 10 meters (30 feet) to 21 meters (70 feet). The maximum depth for the site is noted as 16 meters.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Spice Island Reef?
At Spice Island Reef, divers can expect a diverse underwater landscape. Features include a large sand patch, a vibrant forest of Sea plumes and sea rods, and a hard reef with large rocks scattered off its edge. Marine life sightings often include a resident Octopus, reef and hermit crabs in the shallows, lobsters under the reef edge, and Lionfish among the rocks, alongside the usual array of reef creatures and fish.
How challenging are the dives at Spice Island Reef, and is it suitable for beginners?
Dives at Spice Island Reef are rated as intermediate difficulty. While not recommended for absolute beginners, certified divers with some experience will find it a rewarding site. It offers a good progression for those looking to advance their diving skills.
What is the best time of year to dive at Spice Island Reef for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Spice Island Reef for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are typically required to dive at Spice Island Reef?
The specific dive certifications required for Spice Island Reef are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should typically possess at least an Open Water certification and some experience. It is always best to check with a local dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at Spice Island Reef?
At Spice Island Reef, divers can generally expect good visibility, with an average of 15 meters (50 feet). The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current conditions at this site.