Fingers - Bazaruto Archipelago

The King Mitch, an old minesweeper that became a cargo vessel, offers a serious, rewarding dive on Grenada’s Southwest Coast. Sitting on her starboard side at 38 meters, with the stern facing the current, she's a substantial wreck at 70 meters long. We love the sense of history here, imagining her working life before becoming an artificial reef. You’ll find thick growth of hard corals along her exposed side, a testament to the currents that sweep past, bringing nutrients. Our favorite part is often the approach, keeping an eye out for the large schools of barracuda that swirl above the deck. We’ve also had incredible encounters with eagle rays gliding gracefully overhead, their silhouettes distinct against the blue. Inside, you can penetrate the cargo holds, where the light filters in, illuminating the occasional Creole wrasse darting through the shadows. This isn't a dive for beginners; the depth and potential for strong currents demand good buoyancy and comfort in open water, but the payoff is a wreck dive with real atmosphere and plenty of pelagic action.

Location
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-23.837000, 35.573900
Type
wreck

Best Time to Dive in Bazaruto Archipelago

The warmest water temperatures in Bazaruto Archipelago occur in January, averaging 28.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 23.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.3°C
  • February: 28.3°C
  • March: 27.6°C
  • April: 27.0°C
  • May: 25.9°C
  • June: 24.8°C
  • July: 23.8°C
  • August: 23.3°C
  • September: 23.6°C
  • October: 24.5°C
  • November: 25.8°C
  • December: 27.4°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Bazaruto Archipelago

Nearest Dive Centres to Fingers

Marine Life in Bazaruto Archipelago

Home to 99 recorded species including 70 reef fish, 14 sharks & rays, 4 other, 3 sea cucumbers, 3 hard corals, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Fingers

Based on average water temperature of 25.9°C, currents 35 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • 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 the Fingers dive site?
The Fingers dive site offers a maximum depth of 15m, making it accessible for various certification levels. Divers can explore the unique finger-like reef formations within this depth range. The site is a 2km boat ride, lasting approximately 7 minutes, to reach this depth.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at the Fingers dive site?
At the Fingers dive site, divers can expect to encounter a variety of fascinating marine life. You can often spot creatures like Banded Boxer Shrimp, Leaf Fish, Nudibranchs, and Frogfish clinging to the reef. Additionally, keep an eye out for Torpedo Rays, Kuhl’s Stingrays, and the occasional Jenkins Ray. The reef itself is characterized by its unique finger-like protrusions, from which it derives its name.
How challenging is the Fingers dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Fingers dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While not explicitly unsuitable for beginners, it is generally recommended for divers with some experience due to its classification. Beginners might find it more challenging than entry-level sites.
When is the best time of year to dive at Fingers for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Fingers for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
What diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at the Fingers dive site?
Given that the Fingers dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty, an Open Water Diver certification is typically the minimum requirement. However, divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience may find the dive more comfortable and enjoyable. No specific advanced certifications are explicitly required by the provided data.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Fingers dive site?
Divers at the Fingers dive site can typically expect an average visibility of 10m, offering good views of the reef and its inhabitants. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this site. Always check with local dive operators for real-time conditions before your dive.