TURTLE DOVE (PROBABLY) - Saint-Pierre

It’s a bit of a mystery, this one, hence the name ‘Turtle Dove (Probably)’. We love a wreck with a backstory, and this 30.5-meter schooner, which went down in front of Precheur back in 1970, certainly has one, even if the exact identity is debated. Dropping down to 30 meters, you hit the bow first, often with a gentle current pushing you along the deck towards the stern. What we really enjoy here is the way the light filters through the remaining structure – it’s a tangible sense of history down there. You can glide into the hold, imagining the cargo it once carried, now home to schools of glassy sweepers that shimmer in the torch beam. Look closely for the resident barracuda, often hanging motionless off the bow, and we’ve spotted plenty of French angelfish picking over the coral growth. It’s a great dive for those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a well-aged wreck, offering enough penetration for interest without being overly complex.

Location
Saint-Pierre, Martinique, Caribbean
Coordinates
14.779683, -61.212067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Marine Protected Area: Marine Du Prêcheur - Albert Falco

Best Time to Dive in Saint-Pierre

The warmest water temperatures in Saint-Pierre 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: 25.2°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 25.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Saint-Pierre

Nearest Dive Centres to TURTLE DOVE (PROBABLY)

Marine Life in Saint-Pierre

Home to 319 recorded species including 281 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 3 sea urchins, 2 other, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for TURTLE DOVE (PROBABLY)

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