Almond Tree - St. Vincent

Almond Tree is one of those St. Vincent sites we always look forward to, a gentle drift along a sloping reef that just feels right. You're usually heading south to north, carried by a mild current that makes the whole dive wonderfully relaxed. We love the gorgonian tree field here, a swaying forest of purple and orange against the blue, and it's where we often spot the more unusual residents. Keep an eye out for frogfish and seahorses, though they are masters of disguise. This is a dive that suits everyone, from newer divers enjoying their first drift to seasoned pros who appreciate a calm, productive exploration. The maximum depth of 21 metres keeps it comfortable, and the final safety stop among the shallow coral heads is always a good place to find a busy belt of cardinalfish or a curious hamlet. We've seen some impressive chain morays tucked into the coral here, and the sheer number of dwarf wrasse and clown wrasse keeps the shallows buzzing. Visibility averages 15 metres, which is perfectly good for taking in the slow-motion theatre.

Location
St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Caribbean
Coordinates
13.024400, -61.237400
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: Bequia Marine Conservation Area

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in St. Vincent

Nearest Dive Centres to Almond Tree

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Almond Tree

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical maximum depth for scuba diving at the Almond Tree dive site in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
The Almond Tree dive site in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers a maximum depth of 19 meters (approximately 62 feet). This depth makes it accessible for a wide range of divers, from beginners to advanced. You can explore more about this site and its features on DivePlnr.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at the Almond Tree dive site?
Divers at the Almond Tree dive site can expect to explore a beautiful sloping reef adorned with extensive gorgonian tree fields and fields of sea plumes. The vibrant marine life includes sightings of trunkfish, slipper lobster, and barracuda. Keep an eye out for the more elusive frogfish and seahorses, which are occasionally found camouflaged against the reef, adding to the rich wildlife experience.
Is the Almond Tree dive site considered suitable for beginner divers, or is it more challenging?
The Almond Tree dive site is well-suited for both beginner and advanced divers, offering a gentle drift dive experience. Its sloping reef and manageable conditions make it an enjoyable site for those new to diving. Experienced divers will also appreciate the diverse marine life and coral formations.
What are the best times of year to dive at the Almond Tree dive site for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year for optimal diving conditions at the Almond Tree dive site. However, general information about diving seasons in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines region can often be found on our When to Dive page. We recommend checking local dive operators for current conditions and seasonal recommendations.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive at the Almond Tree site?
The provided information does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required for the Almond Tree dive site. Given its suitability for beginners, an Open Water Diver certification is generally the minimum requirement for most recreational dives. It is always best to confirm specific certification requirements with your chosen dive operator in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
How strong are the currents at the Almond Tree dive site, and how do they impact the diving experience?
The Almond Tree dive site is typically experienced as a gentle drift dive, indicating that currents are generally mild and manageable. This gentle current allows divers to effortlessly glide along the sloping reef from South to North, enhancing the overall diving experience. It makes the site enjoyable for divers of various skill levels, including beginners.