Coral Nursery - St. Vincent

We’ve always had a soft spot for Hastings Reef, and the Fish Bowl really shows off what it does best. It’s not about grand pelagics or deep wrecks here; it’s about sheer fish density, hence the name. Drop in on the southern edge and you’re immediately enveloped. Schools of fusiliers are so thick they can genuinely block out the sun, and the wall itself, while not plummeting to insane depths, is just plastered with coral. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, after the initial rush, when the light really punches through the shallows. You’ll spot parrotfish everywhere, the Batavian and Princess varieties are particularly colourful, along with big schools of spangled emperor and sweetlips. We often find giant clams embedded in the coral, their mantles a vibrant blue or green. Keep an eye out for cleaner mimics flitting around the bommies. It’s an easy dive, maxing out around 13 metres, so you can really take your time observing the smaller details. If you love just immersing yourself in a cloud of reef fish, this is your spot.

Location
St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Caribbean
Coordinates
13.011800, -61.247800
Type
reef

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 Coral Nursery

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 Coral Nursery

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 diving depth at a Coral Nursery dive site?
The Coral Nursery dive site, located in St. Vincent, has a maximum depth of 17m. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers. It's an excellent site for observing coral restoration efforts.
What kind of marine life and coral structures can I expect to see when diving at a Coral Nursery?
At the Coral Nursery, you'll encounter unique artificial structures made of PVC pipes, which serve as "trees" where coral fragments are attached for restoration efforts. These structures create a small artificial reef, often attracting fascinating marine life like trunkfish and short nose pufferfish. You can also ask the dive center about current coral restoration projects or get certified in Coral ID.
How challenging is diving at a Coral Nursery, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at the Coral Nursery is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it may not be ideal for absolute beginners, its maximum depth of 17m is generally within the limits for Open Water certified divers. We recommend consulting with the local dive center to ensure it aligns with your experience level.
What is the best time of year to dive at a Coral Nursery for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at the Coral Nursery for optimal conditions. However, the site typically offers good visibility, with an average of 16m. For seasonal recommendations, we advise checking with local dive operators in St. Vincent.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive or participate in activities at a Coral Nursery?
The data does not explicitly state specific certification requirements to dive at the Coral Nursery. Given its maximum depth of 17m and intermediate difficulty, an Open Water Diver certification is generally considered sufficient. You can also inquire about getting certified in Coral ID at the local dive center to further engage with coral restoration efforts.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at a Coral Nursery dive site?
The data for the Coral Nursery dive site specifies an average visibility of 16m, indicating generally clear water conditions. However, specific details regarding typical currents or water temperature are not provided in the available information. For the most current conditions, it's best to consult with the local dive shop.