New Moon - St. Vincent

The Rainbow Warrior holds a special place, not just for its history, but for the sheer volume of life it now supports. Sunk intentionally in 1987, the ex-Greenpeace flagship sits on sand at 25m, just a short boat ride from Matauri Bay. Drop down onto the wreck and you immediately notice the jewel anemones, a vibrant purple and orange carpet clinging to the metal. We’ve spent whole dives just watching the schools of two-spotted demoiselles flitting around the mast, so thick they almost obscure the sun. The visibility averages 15m, which is plenty to take in the sheer scale of the ship. We often find rig and snapper cruising the decks, and if you look closely, especially in the darker corners, you’ll spot crayfish tucked into crevices. This site really comes alive when there’s a gentle current, bringing in the plankton that attracts larger fish. It's a dive that offers a unique blend of poignant history and thriving marine ecosystems, perfect for those who appreciate both wreck penetration and abundant fish life.

Location
St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.991600, -61.281800
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
8-40m

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 New Moon

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 New Moon

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

How do currents and visibility typically change when diving during a new moon, and what conditions should divers expect?
At the New Moon dive site, currents are a significant factor, allowing the site to be dived in either direction. Divers should expect these currents as a consistent condition. Visibility at this reef dive site averages around 15m.
What unique marine life and behaviors are commonly observed by divers during the new moon phase?
Divers exploring the New Moon dive site can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life. Queen triggerfish are abundant, and great barracudas are often observed circling divers. Keep an eye on the sandy floor for potential sightings of stingrays, making it an interesting dive for critter seekers.
What is the typical difficulty level for diving during a new moon, especially considering the stronger currents?
The New Moon dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty level. While currents are a notable feature, allowing the site to be dived either way, it is suitable for divers with intermediate experience.
Is diving during a new moon generally considered the best time to experience specific marine events or conditions, and for what type of diver?
The provided information for the New Moon dive site does not specify particular marine events or conditions tied to a lunar new moon phase. However, it is highlighted as an interesting dive for critter seekers due to the diverse marine life present.
What diving certifications or experience levels are recommended for safely diving during the new moon's stronger currents?
For safely diving the New Moon site, an intermediate certification or experience level is recommended. The site's currents are a known factor, but it is designed for divers with this level of experience.
Are there specific depth considerations or typical depths for dives undertaken during a new moon, given the potential for stronger currents?
At the New Moon dive site, intermediate divers typically descend to 8m/25ft onto a sloping reef. While the sheer wall extends beyond 30m/100ft, the recommended maximum depth for this dive is 21m. Currents are present, influencing the dive profile.