Windmill Shallows - Southwest Coast

The Asphalt Pile Reef off North Carolina offers a unique look at artificial reef development. We found scattered asphalt chunks forming a series of small, low-lying structures, attracting a surprising amount of invertebrate life and small schooling fish. It’s a good spot for macro enthusiasts and those interested in how artificial reefs mature in temperate waters. This site is generally a relaxed drift, suitable for most experience levels.

Location
Southwest Coast, Grenada, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.035100, -61.780500
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 Windmill Shallows

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 Windmill Shallows

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 maximum depth for scuba diving at Windmill Shallows?
The typical maximum depth for scuba diving at Windmill Shallows is 27 meters (approximately 89 feet). While the ridge itself slopes to a greater depth of 48 meters, the dive site's stated maximum depth for recreational diving is 27m. You can explore more about Windmill Shallows on DivePlnr.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to encounter at Windmill Shallows?
Divers at Windmill Shallows can expect to encounter a vibrant reef environment, featuring large sections of Sea plume Forests and hard coral sections covered in gorgonians. The site also boasts small sandy areas and underhangs, which are perfect for spotting lobsters. Keep an eye out for pelagics like mackerel, and if you're lucky, you might even find Simnias and Whip coral shrimps among the diverse marine life.
Is Windmill Shallows a suitable dive site for beginner divers, or is it considered more challenging?
Windmill Shallows is considered an intermediate dive site, making it more challenging than suitable for absolute beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate experience and certifications to safely navigate its features. For more details on this site, visit the Windmill Shallows page.
What are the best times of year or specific conditions to dive Windmill Shallows for optimal visibility and calm waters?
The provided data indicates an average visibility of 14 meters at Windmill Shallows. However, specific information regarding the best times of year for optimal visibility and calm waters, or typical current strength, is not available in the current context. For general guidance on when to dive in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required or recommended to dive at Windmill Shallows?
Given that Windmill Shallows is classified as an intermediate dive site, it is generally recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and training to safely explore depths up to 27 meters and navigate the reef environment. Always check with local dive operators for specific equipment and certification requirements.
How strong are the currents and what are the general water conditions like at Windmill Shallows?
The provided data mentions the presence of pelagics like mackerel "on the edge" at Windmill Shallows, which often suggests the presence of some current that attracts such marine life. However, specific details regarding the strength of currents or general water conditions are not explicitly provided in the current context. Divers should always consult with local dive centers for up-to-date information on conditions before diving.