South Point shallow - Caribbean Coast

Turtle City in Klein Bonaire is exactly what it says on the tin. We’ve had dives here where we lost count of the green turtles lazily munching on seagrass, or gliding past us, completely unbothered. It’s a gentle slope from about 5 metres down to its max of 17, making it a dream for longer bottom times and really soaking in the experience. The entry is a shallow bay, easy enough to wade in and get your fins on. Once you drop down, the visibility usually holds strong around 20 metres, offering clear views of the sandy patches where the turtles like to hang out and the coral heads teeming with parrotfish and blennies. Keep an eye out for Caribbean reef squid, they’re often hovering over the sand, pulsating with colour. We always suggest going in the morning; the light hitting the sandy bottom creates a beautiful, ethereal glow that highlights every detail. It’s a site for anyone who loves spending time with macro life and, of course, our shelled friends.

Location
Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica, Central America
Coordinates
10.476700, -85.869200
Type
reef
Difficulty
beginner

Marine Protected Area: Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste

Best Time to Dive in Caribbean Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Caribbean Coast occur in March, averaging 29.8°C. The coolest conditions are in November at 27.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.9°C
  • February: 29.6°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 29.6°C
  • May: 29.1°C
  • June: 28.4°C
  • July: 28.6°C
  • August: 28.5°C
  • September: 28.5°C
  • October: 28.1°C
  • November: 27.6°C
  • December: 28.4°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Caribbean Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to South Point shallow

Marine Life in Caribbean Coast

Home to 218 recorded species including 198 reef fish, 11 hard corals, 5 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for South Point shallow

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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 shallow reef dives at South Point in Key West?
The information provided is for South Point shallow on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, not Key West. At this Costa Rican dive site, the maximum depth is 16 meters, though it's possible to dive down to around 25 meters at the very end of the site. Divers generally find it more enjoyable to stay in the shallower sections.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to encounter on a shallow dive at South Point in Key West?
The data provided pertains to South Point shallow on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, not Key West. At this specific dive site, divers can expect to encounter a variety of reef fish species, including butterfly fish, spotted eagle rays, and angelfish. Sharks are also a possibility, typically found towards the end of the dive site.
Is the South Point shallow reef in Key West suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a more challenging dive site?
The provided information describes South Point shallow on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, not Key West. This particular dive site is classified as suitable for beginner divers. It offers a generally shallow experience, making it an accessible and enjoyable location for those new to scuba diving.
What are the best times of day or year to dive the shallow reefs at South Point in Key West for optimal conditions and marine life viewing?
The provided data is for South Point shallow on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, not Key West. The available information does not specify the best times of day or year for optimal conditions and marine life viewing at this particular dive site. For general guidance on dive conditions, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Do I need a specific certification to dive the shallow reefs at South Point in Key West, or can uncertified divers participate?
The information provided pertains to South Point shallow on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, not Key West. The available data does not specify any particular certification requirements for diving this dive site. Generally, a basic open water certification is required for independent diving, but uncertified divers can often participate in introductory experiences under direct supervision.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the South Point shallow reef dive sites in Key West?
The data provided describes South Point shallow on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, not Key West. At this Costa Rican dive site, the average visibility is 14 meters. However, the provided information does not include details on typical current conditions for this location.