Diving in St. Vincent

Explore 37 dive sites in St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in St. Vincent

The warmest water temperatures in St. Vincent occur in January, averaging 27.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • February: 27.8°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • March: 27.8°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • April: 27.8°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • June: 27.8°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • July: 27.8°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • August: 27.8°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • September: 27.8°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • October: 27.8°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • November: 27.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • December: 27.8°C (air: 26.4°C)

Marine Life in St. Vincent

Home to 271 recorded species including 237 reef fish, 10 hard corals, 7 whales & dolphins, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 seagrass & algae, 3 sharks & rays.

Dive Site Difficulty in St. Vincent

St. Vincent has 2 beginner, 1 intermediate, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for St. Vincent

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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

Marine Protected Areas in St. Vincent

  • Young Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Miligan Island - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Allwash Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Battowia Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Chateaubelair Islet Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve / Marine Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Frigate Island - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Isle Quatre Marine Reserve / Marine Conservation Area - Marine Reserve / Marine Conservation Area / Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • LaPaz Rock Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Petit Canouan Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pigeon Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Petit St. Vincent Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Union-Palm Island Marine Conservation Area - Marine Conservation Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Sail Rock Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Savan Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Big Cay Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • West Cay Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bequia Marine Conservation Area - Marine Conservation Area / Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Tobago Cays-Mayreau MP/MR/Wildlife Reserve - Marine Park / Marine Reserve / Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category II)
  • Canouan Marine Reserve / Marine Conservation Area - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Catholic Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mustique Marine Reserve - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • South Coast Marine Park - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Tobago Cays-Mayreau MP/MR/Wildlife Reserve - Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention) (IUCN Category II)
  • Owia Salt Pond - Recreational Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Rabacca River Recreation Park - Recreation Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Rawacou Beach - Recreational Aeea (IUCN Category III)

Getting to St. Vincent - Nearest Airports

  • J F Mitchell Airport (BQU), Bequia - 11 km away, approx 27 min travel time
  • Argyle International Airport (SVD), Kingstown - 13 km away, approx 29 min travel time
  • Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), Vieux Fort - 78 km away, approx 100 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving conditions like in St. Vincent, including visibility and water temperature?
Diving in St. Vincent offers pleasant water temperatures, with optimal months seeing averages of 27.75°C. While specific visibility data is not provided in the current context, these warm conditions are ideal for extended dives. Divers can enjoy comfortable experiences throughout the best diving season.
What unique marine life can divers expect to see in St. Vincent, especially given its reputation as the 'Critter Capital'?
As the 'Critter Capital,' St. Vincent is renowned for its unique marine life, particularly its diverse array of critters. Divers can also expect to encounter impressive black coral formations, adding to the distinctive underwater scenery. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
What are considered the best dive sites in St. Vincent for different interests, such as macro photography or wreck diving?
For wreck diving enthusiasts, St. Vincent offers compelling sites such as the LADY ANGELA, Stratmann Wreck + dinghy mooring, and THREE BROTHERS. While specific macro photography sites aren't detailed, the island's reputation as the 'Critter Capital' suggests excellent opportunities at its volcanic dive sites like Robyn’s Reef or Rocky Bay.
Is St. Vincent suitable for divers of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced?
St. Vincent caters to a range of diving experience levels, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate divers. Beginners can explore sites like Tucker Shallow and Anchor Reef, while intermediate divers have a wide selection including Robyn’s Reef and Devil's Table + dinghy mooring. With 34 dive sites available, there are plenty of options for varied skill sets.
What is the best time of year to go diving in St. Vincent to experience optimal conditions and marine life?
The optimal time to go diving in St. Vincent for the best water temperatures is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water averages 27.75°C. These months offer comfortable conditions for exploring the island's diverse dive sites. For more detailed seasonal information, visit our when to dive guide.
How do travelers typically get to St. Vincent for a diving trip?
Information regarding typical travel routes or transportation methods to St. Vincent for a diving trip is not available in the current data context.
Are there any challenging dive sites in St. Vincent recommended for experienced divers, and what makes them challenging?
While the data primarily lists 'intermediate' as the highest difficulty, experienced divers in St. Vincent can find engaging dives. Sites like Bequia Head and Almond Tree offer drift diving experiences, while Cathedral presents an intriguing wall dive. These sites, along with pinnacles like Devil's Table + dinghy mooring, provide varied underwater topography for those seeking more dynamic conditions.
What kind of underwater topography and formations can divers expect to encounter around St. Vincent?
Divers exploring St. Vincent can expect a diverse underwater topography shaped by its volcanic origins. This includes vibrant reefs, dramatic walls like Cathedral, and intriguing pinnacles such as Devil's Table + dinghy mooring. Additionally, unique formations like caves at Flat Rock and impressive black coral are prominent features.