Anchor Reef

Best months: Jan–Apr

Protected Area

Young Island Wildlife Reserve

Why dive here

With 267+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, humpback whales, nurse sharks, orcas and sea turtles - Anchor Reef offers some of St. Vincent's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

Best timeJan–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeDolphins, Humpback Whales, Nurse Sharks, Orcas and Sea Turtles · 267+ species recorded

Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October

CharacterReef dive · max 5-18m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Anchor Reef feels like a secret garden, a calm, shallow spot that really surprised us on St. Vincent. It’s got a lovely, gentle slope from about five meters down to eighteen, making it a perfect easy dive. We love the way the sunlight filters through the water here, illuminating not just the corals, but also a scattering of old anchors, remnants from the 18th century, which give the place its name. The reef itself isn't a dramatic wall, but it’s dense with life. We’ve spent ages just watching the Bladed Wentletraps navigate the corals, or spotting the silvery flash of Silver Mojarras darting between overhangs. Keep an eye out for the Slender Parrotfish, they’re often busy grazing, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a Glaucus, their delicate blue a real treat. This is our pick for a relaxed afternoon dive, maybe a second dive of the day, when you just want to soak it all in without fighting a current. It suits beginners perfectly, or anyone who appreciates a slower pace to really observe the smaller, quieter inhabitants of the reef.