Middle Cay - St. Vincent

Playa Hundu, despite the modest maximum depth of 21 metres, is one of our favourite spots on the southeast coast for a relaxed dive. We love the easy entry from the small, quiet beach, which means you’re slipping into the water without any fuss. The reef here starts shallow, around 5 metres, and slopes gently down. It’s a perfect site for taking your time. We’ve found some truly impressive colonies of Massive Starlet Coral, real giants that often get overlooked in faster dives. Keep your eyes peeled for flamingo tongue snails, they’re almost a guarantee here, clinging to gorgonians. If you ascend slowly over the sandy patches, you might even catch a stingray half-buried, doing its best impression of the seafloor. Visibility averages a comfortable 21 metres, so you’ll have no trouble spotting the Broad Shad and French Grunts schooling in the mid-water. This is a dive for those who appreciate the details, the slower pace, and the chance to truly explore a vibrant, healthy reef without any strong currents pushing you along. It’s not about huge pelagics, but about the consistent beauty of the Caribbean reef and its smaller inhabitants.

Location
St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.989500, -61.288200
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-28m

Marine Protected Area: Big Cay Wildlife Reserve

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 Middle Cay

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 Middle Cay

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 are the typical diving depths at Middle Cay?
The dive at Middle Cay features a steeply sloping reef that begins at 15m/50ft and eventually reaches a maximum depth of 28m/92ft. However, the listed maximum depth for the dive profile is 20m. Divers can enjoy these depths with an excellent average visibility of 19m at this St. Vincent dive site.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Middle Cay?
Divers at Middle Cay can expect to explore an abundant, colourful, and healthy reef, starting with a beautiful whip coral and gorgonian forest. The site is teeming with marine life, including green morays, spiny lobster, and slipper lobster. Additionally, yellow tailed snapper, tuna, and barracuda are frequently observed circling the shallows.
How challenging are the dive sites around Middle Cay for different skill levels?
The dive site at Middle Cay is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for divers who have gained some experience beyond entry-level certifications. Divers should be comfortable with a negative entry, which is how this dive begins. This level of difficulty provides an engaging experience for those seeking a moderately challenging dive in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
What is the best time of year to dive at Middle Cay for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at Middle Cay for optimal conditions, such as specific seasons or water temperatures, is not available in the provided data. For details on seasonal variations and ideal diving periods, please refer to our When to Dive section or contact local dive centers in St. Vincent Island.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Middle Cay?
While specific scuba diving certifications are not explicitly listed, the intermediate difficulty rating for Middle Cay implies that divers should have experience beyond basic open water. Proficiency in buoyancy control is essential, especially given the required negative entry. It is always recommended to check with local dive operators in St. Vincent & the Grenadines for their specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at Middle Cay?
The dive at Middle Cay begins with a negative entry, which typically indicates the potential for currents or the need for a rapid descent to the reef. While specific details on current strength are not provided, divers can anticipate excellent underwater conditions with an average visibility of 19m. This clear visibility enhances the experience of exploring the vibrant Middle Cay reef.