Catamaran Reef - Newfoundland

Catamaran Reef is a northern coral reef site off Newfoundland, Canada, offering a unique cold-water experience. While the corals are less colourful than their tropical cousins, they support a surprising amount of fish life, including Atlantic cod and Newfoundland eelpout. Above the surface, we often spot a variety of seabirds like puffins and guillemots. It’s a good choice for divers looking to explore a different kind of reef environment, away from the usual warm-water destinations.

Location
Newfoundland, Canada, North America
Coordinates
49.149880, -53.514750
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Deadman's Bay Provincial Park

Best Time to Dive in Newfoundland

The warmest water temperatures in Newfoundland occur in August, averaging 15.9°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 0.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 2.3°C
  • February: 1.1°C
  • March: 0.3°C
  • April: 1.3°C
  • May: 3.9°C
  • June: 7.3°C
  • July: 12.4°C
  • August: 15.9°C
  • September: 14.6°C
  • October: 11.9°C
  • November: 8.0°C
  • December: 4.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Newfoundland

Nearest Dive Centres to Catamaran Reef

Marine Life in Newfoundland

Home to 72 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 13 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 5 seagrass & algae, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 soft corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Catamaran Reef

Based on average water temperature of 7.0°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Drysuit - water at 7°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • 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