River Taw Wreck, Saint Kitts - St. Kitts

Sweet Dreams is a site we keep coming back to on Klein Bonaire. There’s a particular stretch of healthy brain and star coral that just sucks you in, full of those little guys we adore – the Blackberry Drupe and Island Frillfin, tucked into every crevice. We often find Hawksbill Turtles here, usually just chilling on the sand flats around 10 meters, or sometimes nosing through the turtlegrass. It’s a site that rewards a slow pace. We love drifting along, eyes peeled for the Puffcheek Blennies and those neat Bluegold Gobies darting in and out of their sandy burrows. The maximum depth of 23m means there’s plenty of time to explore the main reef, where you’ll consistently spot Bigtooth Cardinalfish hovering in the shade. The entry can be a bit tricky if there’s a swell, so check the surf before you commit. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is usually best then, and you avoid any afternoon chop. Just remember, no parking on the beach – those turtle eggs are important.

Location
St. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.278000, -62.698300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Marine Management Area

Best Time to Dive in St. Kitts

The warmest water temperatures in St. Kitts occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • February: 27.1°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • March: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • April: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • May: 27.1°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • August: 27.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 27.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • November: 27.1°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • December: 27.1°C (air: 25.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in St. Kitts

Nearest Dive Centres to River Taw Wreck, Saint Kitts

Marine Life in St. Kitts

Home to 393 recorded species including 318 reef fish, 27 hard corals, 11 other, 7 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 6 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for River Taw Wreck, Saint Kitts

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°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 maximum depth of the River Taw Wreck dive site in Saint Kitts?
The maximum depth at the River Taw Wreck dive site in Saint Kitts is approximately 15 meters (40 feet). This makes it accessible for divers with various certification levels and offers a comfortable depth range for exploration.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the River Taw Wreck?
Divers exploring the River Taw Wreck can expect to see a large 144-foot freighter, which was broken in half during Hurricane Hugo. The wreck's surfaces are beautifully encrusted with corals, and nearby, you'll find a van and a virtually intact bulldozer. The site is home to numerous fish, including angelfish, rays, snappers, and squirrel fish, offering excellent opportunities for marine life observation.
Is the River Taw Wreck in Saint Kitts suitable for beginner divers?
The River Taw Wreck dive site in Saint Kitts is rated as having an intermediate difficulty. Therefore, it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers who are still gaining experience. Divers should have appropriate training and comfort with wreck diving or intermediate conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive the River Taw Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year to dive the River Taw Wreck for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the Caribbean, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the River Taw Wreck in Saint Kitts?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated in the provided data, the River Taw Wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience to safely and comfortably explore the site. It's always best to check with a local dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions like at the River Taw Wreck dive site?
The River Taw Wreck dive site typically offers an average visibility of 17 meters, providing excellent viewing opportunities. However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions at this site.