The Cove - Southwest Coast

Don't let the name fool you, there's no actual yellow submarine here, but we do get a kick out of telling new divers to keep an eye out for it. This site, right off Klein Bonaire, is a solid Bonaire dive, one we often use as a check-out dive or a relaxed second dive of the day. The reef here slopes gently, the top at about 6 metres, descending to 19 metres where we typically turn around. We love drifting along, looking for the smaller stuff – keep an eye out for pearl blennies peeking from holes and the always-entertaining cherub pygmy angelfish flitting about. Visibility here is usually excellent, around 20 metres, making it easy to spot hawksbill turtles munching on sponges, or the occasional great star coral colonies that stand out against the blue. It’s a pretty reliable spot for finding angelfish too, especially the queen and French varieties. The corals aren't the healthiest on the island, we'll be honest, but they provide plenty of nooks and crannies for gobies and blennies. We'd suggest aiming for a mid-morning dive before any afternoon chop picks up. While it’s certainly not the flashiest site, it’s a consistently pleasant dive for beginners or those just wanting a relaxed cruise.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.111600, -61.754600
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
8-75m

Marine Protected Area: Molinier-Beausejour

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 The Cove

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 The Cove

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 diving depth at The Cove?
The Cove boasts a significant depth range, starting from a gentle slope at 8 meters (25 feet) and extending down to over 75 meters (250 feet). This wide range allows for diverse dive profiles, accommodating various certification levels. For typical recreational dives, a maximum depth of 21 meters is often explored, providing ample opportunity to experience the site's rich marine life.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see when diving at The Cove?
At The Cove, you can expect to encounter an impressive array of marine life, as it offers the possibility of seeing almost all the fish, coral, and creatures Grenada has to offer. As a vibrant reef site, it's teeming with diverse species, making it a fantastic spot for underwater photography and exploration. For more details on specific species, you can check our wildlife database.
How difficult is it to dive at The Cove?
The Cove is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. However, its unique topography, featuring a gentle slope from 8 meters (25 feet) to over 75 meters (250 feet), makes it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of divers. While it offers challenges for advanced divers in its deeper sections, less experienced divers can comfortably explore the shallower parts of this fantastic site.
When is the best time of year to go diving at The Cove?
The specific data provided for The Cove does not indicate a particular best time of year for diving. However, Grenada, like much of the Caribbean, often provides favorable diving conditions throughout the year. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you may find our When to Dive resource helpful.
Do I need a specific certification to dive at The Cove?
Due to The Cove's significant depth range, from 8 meters (25 feet) up to over 75 meters (250 feet), the specific certification needed depends on your planned dive profile. While shallower sections are accessible to Open Water divers, exploring the deeper parts of this intermediate-rated site would require an Advanced Open Water certification or appropriate technical diving credentials to ensure safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical currents, surge, and visibility conditions at The Cove?
At The Cove, the average visibility is typically around 14 meters (approximately 45 feet). However, the provided data does not specify information regarding typical currents or surge conditions for this dive site. It is always recommended to consult with local dive centers for the most up-to-date information on conditions before planning your dive.