Tyrrel Bay - Southwest Coast

Roca Partida really does feel like a speck in the ocean, a lonely pinnacle way out from Socorro. Dropping down, you quickly realise it’s anything but lonely. This rock is a magnet, drawing in big pelagics like few other spots. We often find ourselves just hanging in the blue, watching giant Pacific manta rays cruise by, sometimes so close you can feel the pressure wave. It's not uncommon to see schooling hammerheads in the distance, a shiver of sharks patrolling the deeper water, or even a Galapagos shark making a pass. Expect strong currents here, it’s an advanced dive, but the visibility usually holds firm around 22 meters, making those wide-angle encounters all the more dramatic. If big animal action is what you’re after, this is a prime spot.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.044200, -61.766300
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 Tyrrel Bay

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 Tyrrel Bay

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 depths for diving at Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou?
For diving at Tyrrel Bay on the Southwest Coast of Grenada, divers can expect a maximum depth of 21 meters. This depth allows for excellent exploration of the site's two wrecks, including a 100ft / 30 mtr ex-coastguard cutter and the remains of a Cuban fishing boat.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Tyrrel Bay dive sites?
Divers at Tyrrel Bay will encounter two distinct wrecks: a 100ft / 30 mtr ex-coastguard cutter and the remains of a concrete-built Cuban fishing boat. The Cuban fishing boat is notably covered in vibrant corals and sponges. Marine life includes glassy sweepers inside the wrecks, and the site has been adopted by a resident Barracuda, with new marine life quickly colonizing the relatively new wrecks.
How challenging are the dive sites in Tyrrel Bay, and are they suitable for beginner divers?
The dive sites at Tyrrel Bay are rated as intermediate difficulty. While the ex-coastguard cutter wreck is perfect for those undertaking a wreck course, penetration and exploration are recommended only for appropriately certified divers. Therefore, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without specific wreck training.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Tyrrel Bay for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Tyrrel Bay is not provided in the available data. For general guidance on seasonal conditions in the region, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving the various sites around Tyrrel Bay?
For diving the wrecks at Tyrrel Bay, particularly the ex-coastguard cutter, a wreck course certification is highly recommended. Penetration and exploration of the wrecks should only be attempted by divers who are specifically certified for such activities. General open water certification would be a prerequisite for any diving at the site.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, like when diving in Tyrrel Bay?
Divers at Tyrrel Bay can typically expect good visibility, averaging around 16 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site. For more general information on water conditions, divers can consult various diving equipment and resource guides.