Richmond Beach - St. Vincent

Suenos, just off Little Corn Island, is a gentle drift over a sandy bottom peppered with coral heads and rocky overhangs. We’ve found the max depth here sits around 12 meters, making it a relaxed spot, perfect for a long bottom time or for divers getting comfortable again after a break. Look closely among the corals – you’ll often spot Chalk Bass and Goldspot Gobies darting about, and the occasional Angelfish grazing on the reef. It’s a pretty calm site, usually with good visibility, averaging 16 meters, which means you can really take your time exploring the nooks and crannies. We’ve seen Snapper and Midnight Parrotfish cruising through, and if you’re lucky, a Nurse Shark might be tucked under an overhang.

Location
St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Caribbean
Coordinates
13.307800, -61.235000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-15m

Marine Protected Area: Chateaubelair Islet 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 Richmond Beach

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 Richmond Beach

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 Richmond Beach, and are there any deeper areas to explore?
At Richmond Beach, divers can typically reach the coral reef within 10 meters (30 feet) from the shore. The maximum depth available for exploration at this site is 16 meters. This makes it an excellent shore dive for various skill levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Richmond Beach?
Divers at Richmond Beach can expect to be immersed in a vibrant reef dominated by soft coral formations displaying blossoming colors. The underwater landscape features massive, sculpted layers of coral, beautifully adorned with gorgonians and bright colored sponges throughout the entire dive. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Richmond Beach for different skill levels, and what are the entry and exit conditions like?
Diving at Richmond Beach is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience. As it is primarily used as a shore dive, entry and exit are generally straightforward directly from the beach.
What are the best times of year or tidal conditions for optimal diving at Richmond Beach, considering visibility and comfort?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or optimal tidal conditions for diving at Richmond Beach regarding visibility or comfort. For general information on when to dive in the region, you might consult our when to dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended for diving at Richmond Beach?
Given that Richmond Beach is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, a basic Open Water Diver certification is typically required. For enhanced comfort and skill, especially when navigating reef environments, an Advanced Open Water certification would be recommended.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility conditions at Richmond Beach, and are there any specific hazards to be aware of?
At Richmond Beach, divers can expect an average underwater visibility of 6 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical underwater currents or any particular hazards to be aware of at this dive site.