Rock Side - St. Vincent

Tafraka is one of those sites we always try to hit when we're in Halmahera, especially early in the morning. It’s only a five-minute boat ride, so you can be in the water just as the sun really starts to wake up the reef. The site slopes gently down to about 25 metres, and it’s an easy dive, perfect for getting back into the swing of things or just enjoying a relaxed float. Our favourite thing here is the sheer density of the small stuff. We often see huge schools of bullet mackerel and Indian mackerel swirling around, a shimmering wall of silver that parts as you swim through it. The staghorn and lettuce corals here are in excellent shape, providing plenty of nooks and crannies for things like ghost cardinalfish to hide in. We’ve also had some truly special encounters with dugongs here – not every time, but often enough that it’s worth keeping an eye out in the seagrass beds, particularly if you're there at first light. You'll also spot numerous parrotfish munching on the coral, bristletothed surgeonfish darting about, and the occasional turtle gliding past. It's a delightful, gentle dive that consistently delivers lovely moments.

Location
St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Caribbean
Coordinates
13.245100, -61.276300

Marine Protected Area: LaPaz Rock 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 Rock Side

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 Rock Side

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 depth range for diving at Rock Side in Sipadan?
The Rock Side dive site, located in St. Vincent and not Sipadan, offers a maximum depth of 19 meters (approximately 62 feet). Divers can expect to explore a shallow reef environment within this depth limit. The site is accessible as a shore dive or by boat.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at the Rock Side dive site?
At the Rock Side dive site, divers will encounter a vibrant shallow reef ecosystem. You can expect to see numerous reef building corals, including impressive Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata), alongside many colorful Gorgonians. The site is also home to an abundance of Brown Chromis, adding to the lively marine life.
How challenging is diving at Rock Side, especially regarding currents and overall difficulty for divers?
Diving at Rock Side is rated as an intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions. Therefore, it's always advisable to check local conditions with a dive operator before your dive.
When is the best time of year to dive Rock Side in Sipadan for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive Rock Side in St. Vincent for optimal conditions is not provided in the available data. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 14 meters (approximately 46 feet) at this site. For seasonal recommendations, consulting local dive centers is advised.
What dive certifications are required or recommended to dive at Rock Side in Sipadan?
The Rock Side dive site in St. Vincent is classified with an intermediate difficulty. While specific certification requirements are not provided, it is always recommended to consult with local dive operators for their specific recommendations based on your experience level and the site's conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Rock Side dive site?
At the Rock Side dive site, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 14 meters (approximately 46 feet). The available data does not specify the typical current conditions. Therefore, it's prudent to check with your dive operator for real-time information before planning your dive.