Red Buoy - Mafia Island

The St. George is a dive we always recommend in Bayahibe. This old cargo ship, sunk intentionally in the 1990s, rests upright on the seabed, with its deepest point at 33m. We usually start our dive exploring the bow and stern, often spotting schools of snapper darting in and out of the old cargo holds. Visibility averages around 18m, giving you a good view of the structure and the grunts and angelfish that call it home. It's a solid wreck dive, suitable for advanced open water divers comfortable with depth, but newer divers can still enjoy the shallower sections around 15m. Keep an eye out for nurse sharks tucked under ledges.

Location
Mafia Island, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-10.209200, 40.184200
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Mangrove

Best Time to Dive in Mafia Island

The warmest water temperatures in Mafia Island occur in January, averaging 28.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.8°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • February: 28.8°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • March: 28.8°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • April: 28.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • May: 28.8°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 28.8°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • July: 28.8°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • August: 28.8°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • September: 28.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • October: 28.8°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • November: 28.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • December: 28.8°C (air: 27.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Mafia Island

Nearest Dive Centres to Red Buoy

Marine Life in Mafia Island

Home to 165 recorded species including 94 hard corals, 63 reef fish, 3 sharks & rays, 2 jellyfish, 1 other, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Red Buoy

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C.

  • 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 is the maximum depth at the Red Buoy dive site in Grenada?
The Red Buoy dive site is located in Mafia Island, Tanzania, not Grenada. At this site, the maximum depth for divers is 27m. The dive is characterized as a deep wall dive, starting at 20m.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Red Buoy dive site?
Divers at the Red Buoy dive site can expect to see a breathtaking wall covered in coral and shoals of fish, transitioning to a foliose covered reef with outcrops. The site is teeming with schools of Red-tooted triggerfish, Emperor, and Surgeonfish, where critters hide in the wall and Pelagic fish pass by in the blue.
How difficult is the Red Buoy dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Red Buoy dive site is considered an advanced dive. It is a deep wall dive, starting at 20m, which makes it unsuitable for beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate training and experience for deep and wall diving.
What is the best time of year or season to dive the Red Buoy site for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year or season to dive the Red Buoy site for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at the Red Buoy site?
Given that the Red Buoy dive site is an advanced, deep, wall dive, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver specialties would be highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience for managing deep profiles and potential drift conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Red Buoy dive site?
The Red Buoy dive site is described as perfect for a drift dive, indicating that currents are typically present and can be a significant factor. However, specific details regarding the typical visibility conditions at this site are not provided in the available data.