Rocky Bay - St. Vincent

The Kai Iwi Lakes, part of Taharoa Domain, offer a freshwater dive experience that’s a real change of pace from the usual Bay of Islands ocean sites. We found the eastern end of the lake a good spot to get in; it's shallow at first, maybe half a meter, before quickly dropping to around 10 meters. The bottom here is soft, fine white sand, shifting to a siltier texture as you go deeper. You’ll be looking for koura, the freshwater crayfish, perhaps a brown or rainbow trout, and perch. Visibility averages around eight meters, which is decent for a lake, and with a maximum depth of 14 meters, it’s a relaxed dive suitable for newer divers or those looking to refine their buoyancy in calm conditions.

Location
St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Caribbean
Coordinates
13.011100, -61.247300
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 Rocky Bay

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 Rocky Bay

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 depths for diving at Rocky Bay?
Rocky Bay offers a maximum depth of 11m, making it accessible for a range of divers. The dive starts in the sheltered bay and gradually deepens along the reef, providing a comfortable profile for exploration.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Rocky Bay?
Divers at Rocky Bay can explore a vibrant reef ecosystem, encountering a variety of marine life. Expect to see colorful species like blue creole wrasse, parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, french grunts, and damselfish. Keep an eye out for fascinating creatures such as octopus, porcupinefish, and spiny lobster tucked away in the rocks, making it an excellent spot for macro photography.
How challenging is diving at Rocky Bay, and is it suitable for beginners?
Rocky Bay is rated as an intermediate dive site, but it is also highly suitable for beginners. Its sheltered conditions and gradual depth progression make it a comfortable and enjoyable experience for those new to diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Rocky Bay for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Rocky Bay. We recommend checking general information for diving in St. Vincent & the Grenadines for seasonal insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for Rocky Bay?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required or recommended for diving at Rocky Bay. Given its suitability for beginners and intermediate divers, an Open Water Diver certification would generally be sufficient for this site.
What are the typical water conditions, visibility, and currents like at Rocky Bay?
Rocky Bay typically offers excellent water clarity, with an average visibility of 17m. The dive begins in a sheltered area, suggesting generally calm conditions. While specific current information isn't provided, the sheltered nature implies a more relaxed dive experience.