Barbados dive sites

A great dive vacation with DIVE West Side Scuba Centre, Barbados



 

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Dive Sites

Being formed completely of coral, Barbados provides spectacular dives with magnificent reefs, fascinating shipwrecks and abundant marine life. Divers can explore the barrier reefs situated within two miles of the West Coast.

There are four (4) different wrecks that we dive at Dive West Side Scuba dive, as well as 2 marine parks and a turtle park. The most famous of the wrecks, the Stavronikita, has created a fascinating penetration dive available to experienced divers. We also do twenty reef dives, from the south to the north. And in summer we also dive on the East Coast.

Barbados Dive Map

CARLISLE BAY WRECKS

DEPTH OF WRECKS: 
                       
DEPTH OF DIVE

DIVE TYPE

PHOTO TIP

SKILL LEVEL

20-60FT

20-60FT

WRECKS

WIDE ANGLE, ZOOM AND MACRO

NOVICE – INTERMEDIATE

THE BERWYN
The Berwyn, a 45ft French tug boat, went down in 1919 and lies in only 25ft of water.
The Berwyn has a canopy of sergeant major fish at various stages of development.  
You will also see squirrel fish, rock hind, rock beauties small mouth grunts, spotted moray, green moray and golden tails.
The Berwyn is perfect for snorkelers as well as divers.
 

THE BAJAN QEEEN

The Bajan Queen, a 120ft tug boat, was purposely sunk in 2002 and lies in 40ft of water. She is so tall she almost reaches the surface.
An easy entrance and exit has been facilitated. On the lower deck, near the bow of the boat, a school of glassy sweepers have staked out a home in the doorway by the spiral staircase.  There is also a large, easily accessible engine room which is inhabited by banded coral shrimps. 
There is a small reef off the stern.
You will encounter anemones, cleaner shrimp and bristle worm among many others.
 

THE CE-TREK

The Ce-Trek, a 45ft cement boat, was purposely sunk and lies in 40ft of water. A large school of yellow goat fish can be found here, often seen filtering the sand for food.
 

THE ELLION

The Ellion, a 110ft freighter, was purposely sunk in 1996 and lies in 55ft of water and is easily accessible for penetration.
 

THE WOLF

The Wolf, a wooden boat dating back to the 1800’s, lies in 40ft of water.  All that remains of this wreck is the  keel. There is a portion that rises up at one end where masses of juvenile grunts congregate.
 

THE CORNWALLIS

The Cornwallis, a 60ft Canadian freighter, was purposely sunk in 2000 and lies in 15ft of water.  It is ideal for snorkelers because of its depth.  There are however not as many fish as on the other wrecks.
 

THE BARGE

The Barge, was sunk purposely in 2003 and lies in 15ft of water.  It is a flat boat with no penetration.  Fish such as blackbar soldierfish, Yellow goatfish and snappers use the underside as refuge.

THE OLD FORT

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

SOUTH COAST

35-70FT

DRIFT REEF

MACRO ZOOM

NOVICE/INTERMEDIATE


This reef runs straight out from what remains of the historic old fort at the Southern end of Carlisle Bay.  The sandy Seabed is scattered with coral boulders of varying sizes and small clusters of sponges.  The reef fish population is plentiful with many glassy eyes, yellow goatfish, grunts, squirrelfish, spotted drum, chromis and barracuda. There is a number of sea anemones, some with resident cleaner shrimp.

CASTLE BANK

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

SOUTH COAST

50-120FT           

DRIFT REEF

MID LENGTH ZOOM

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED


There is little or no current on this reef.  The divers are led around the top of this banking/barrier reef, usually descending down on one side to about 80ft.  The dive continues up and along the top area at 60ft.  There is a drop off, however, on both sides that leads to a depth of over 120ft.  Gentle swaying of many sea plumes and rods adds tremendous softness to the reef.  This reef is covered in beautiful sea fans, crinoids and sponge growths.  Basket stars can often be found wrapped up in the arms of sea plumes.

FRAIRS CRAIG/ ASTA REEF

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

SOUTH COAST

50FT
 

WRECK AND DRIFT REEF

MEDIUM WIDE ANGLE AND ZOOM

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE


The Frair’s Craig, a 170ft freighter, was purposely sunk in 1985. The sister ship to the Pamir but has not feared well over the years.  She lies at 50ft on a large area of sand about 100ft across in between two reefs.  Unfortunately she was split in three connected segments by a serious storm.  There are plenty of gorgonias and sponges on the bow section of the wreck.  You will also see many reef fish such as squirrelfish, sergeant major, blue tang, grunt, trumpetfish, yellow goatfish and chromis.  The Frairs Craig is totally encrusted with multi coloured sponges, fans and gorgonias.

PIECES OF EIGHT

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

SOUTH COAST

25- 75FT

DRIFT REEF

ANY LENS
                                   BEGINNERS/INTERMEDIATE


The flat reef which starts at 20ft consists of small hard coral boulders interspersed with sandy areas.  The coral is mostly brain coral and many have clusters of Christmas tree worms growing on them. The reef then gently slopes down to 100ft on one side.  Many reef fish inhabit the small overhanging coral ridges, including peacock flounders with cleaner shrimps cleaning the tiny parasites from their bodies. 

CARIBBEE

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

SOUTH COAST

60-90FT

DRIFT REEF

WIDE ANGLE AND ZOOM

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED


This dive goes in a westerly direction along the south coast barrier reef.  The reef is domed shaped with drop-offs on either side going down to 150ft.  It is recommended to stay on top of the reef at a depth of approximately 60ft, allowing maximum bottom time.  The top of the reef is about 80ft across and is covered in huge deep red gorgonias, purple sea fans and sea whips.  They are all so perfectly spaced along the reef that it looks like they were purposely planted.  There are many species of Caribbean reef fish to be seen.

THE BOOT

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

SOUTH COAST

30-90FT

DRIFT REEF

MEDIUM WIDE ANGLE OR ZOOM

INTERMEDIATE


This is a wonderful Turtle dive, with sightings of green and hawksbill turtles almost guaranteed.
The Boot is a natural safe haven with perfect camouflage and a steady food supply.  The turtles vary in size from juvenile to large adult males, some of which have remoras on them.

THE MUFF

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

SOUTH COAST

70-100+FT

DRIFT REEF

WIDE ANGLE OR ZOOM

INTERMEDIATE /ADVANCED


The top of this long ridge-like reef is about 80ft across and drops off sharply on the seaward side to more than 150ft, while the other side slopes to a depth of 100ft.  An abundance of huge sea fans, sea plumes and whips and barrel sponges breakup the undulating reef, and orange elephant ear sponge adds splashes of bright colour.  Barracuda and Turtles frequent this reef.

HIGH WIRE

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

SOUTH COAST

60-100FT

DRIFT REEF

WIDE ANGLE, MID WIA OR ZOOM

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED


High wire is one of the furthest sites along the South Coast, near to Oistins Bay.  The reef is full of colour and marine life.  The site gets its name from a large wire cable discarded or lost by a vessel which is now part of the reef.  There is an abundance of large brown sponge clusters along with other coloured sponges.  The hard coral formations are principally plate, star and brain. These are complemented by the presence of deep sea fans, sea plumes and sea whips.  Some of the lower slopes have huge black coral spiralling out like giant cork screws.  The fish life complements the reef and other than the usual common varieties, The Queen of Angel Fish adds brilliance as they dart around.

THE FINGER

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

SOUTH COAST

30-80FT

DRIFT REEF

CLOSE UP AND ZOOM

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE


As the name suggests, The Finger is a finger-shaped reef projecting out from the fringing reef.  Though only moderately covered in a mixture of hard corals, sea whips, sea plumes and purple sea fans, does give the impression it has been planned by a garden designer.  Each kind of sponge adds its own colourful accent and dimension to the reef.  With plenty of reef fish such as peacock flounders, damselfish, squirrel fish, yellow and red snapper, grunts and rock beauties, the overall appearance is more than satisfying.

CLARKE’S BANK

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

60-90FT

DRIFT REEF

WIDE ANGLE AND ZOOM        

INTERMEDIATE


This reef is inhabited by many tropical fish including a large number of yellow tail snappers, Creole Wrasse and Parrot Fish to mention a few.  This reef is also frequented by the Atlantis Submarine, which sometimes circles the divers.  The reef also has a large number of hard and soft corals and Red Gorgonia adding to the colour and beauty of the reef.

STAVRONIKITA

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

20-130FT

WRECK

WIDE AND ZOOM

ADVANCED


The Stav as it is commonly known, starts at 20ft at the top of the fore mast which itself is covered with different corals and lots of Sergeant Majors.  As you go down the mast you encounter groupers and snappers around the bottom of the mast.  The wreck is well intact even though she has been down since 1978.  This wreck can be dived in two ways, from the prop up through the ship with a maximum depth of 130ft, or along the deck and through the cabins with a maximum depth of 100ft.  Lots of sponges and black coral have grown on her.  By the prop you will see a lot of sea whips.

VILLAGE

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

70FT

DRIFT REEF

WIDE AND ZOOM

INTERMEDIATE


Some of the largest barrel sponges on the West Coast can be found on this reef.  It is home to all kinds of fish and plant life.  Lobsters, Turtles and Mackerel can usually be seen on this reef.

SANDY LANE

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

90FT

DRIFT REEF

ZOOM AND WIDE ANGLE

INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED


This reef got its name because of its location, directly off the Sandy Lane Hotel.  The reef top is undulating where sea plumes, gorgonian, sea fans and tall sponge clusters stand out.  Pelagic fish such as bar jacks and mackerel pass along the dive usually along the outer edge and barracuda can usually be seen. The overall impression of this reef is one of activity and colour.  Green Moray eels are also on the prowl.

BARRACUDA JUNCTION

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

65-80FT

DRIFT REEF

ZOOM AND WIDE ANGLE

INTERMEDIATE


From the name one can expect that you will almost always see Barracudas, but there is a lot more to look for.  The corals and sponges have a variety of colours and add a lot of beauty to this reef.  It is usually teaming with fish of all shapes, colours and sizes, like Chromis (brown and blue), Parrotfish and large numbers of Silver sides.

DOTTINS SOUTH/NORTH

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

40-60FT

DRIFT REEF

ZOOM AND CLOSE UP

NOVICE /INTERMEDIATE


Because of its shallow depth there is always a lot of light on this reef.  The reef is almost always carpeted with Creole wrasse.  Yellow tail snappers also frequent this reef, and the occasional Barracuda can also be seen on this reef.  There is a small Turtle that lives on the reef and can almost always be seen swimming around. The north of the reef is a scattered reef, which means that there are sand patches on the reef.  This is not a bad thing because in these sand patches one tends to find conch shells and the odd stingray.  On this reef you also find Groupers, Snappers and different types of Grunts.  As one dives south the reef comes closer together and the sand fades away making way for colourful corals and sponges.

CHURCH POINT

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

30/50FT

DRIFT REEF

ZOOM AND CLOSE UP

NOVICE /INTERMEDIATE


Like Dottin’s (North) this is a scattered reef and is home to a lot of small fish like Black Durgeons, Chromes and Parrot Fish.  There have been sightings of an occasional Stingray.  There are some large coral heads, which are home to many fish that inhabit the reef.

TROPICANA

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

60-80FT

DRIFT REEF

ZOOM OR MID LENS

INTERMEDIATE


This mysterious fringing reef is always full of surprises.  Divers may see Turtles, Black Jacks, Groupers and even if lucky a Nurse Shark. Dotted around and often seated quite deep into the reef floor are many varieties of anemones.  The play host to an assortment of shrimps, including cleaner shrimps and bumblebee shrimp.  Despise its depth this reef is always colourful and well lit.

GREAT LEDGE

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

55-80FT

DRIFT REEF

ZOOM, WIDE ANGLE

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED


Despite its depth there is always a lot of light and colour on this reef.  It has a large selection of plant and coral life.  Lizard fish, Soldier fish, Barracuda, Scrawled file fish, Trumpet fish and Scorpion fish can be seen. Lower down, in between the coral, spotted eels poke their head out to look for passing food.

BRIGHT LEDGE

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

60-120FT

DRIFT REEF

ANY LENS

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED


One of the most colourful reefs on the west coast.  Full of all types of sponges, soft and hard corals.  Abundant reef fish with big pelagic fish coming onto the reef to feed.  It also has lots of shellfish like Crabs and Lobsters.  You can also see many Eels and Turtles.

PAMIR WRECK

LOCATION:

DEPTH:

DIVE TYPE:

PHOTO TIP:

SKILL LEVEL:

WEST COAST

30-60FT

WRECK

ANY LENS

NOVICE – ADVANCED


This wreck was sunk in 1983 for the purpose for divers.  Designed for divers to explore without any difficulty.  Easy ways in and around the wreck, which makes it easy for the novice divers. Abundant growth and fish life.  Truly a great wreck dive.


Peter Grannum: 67147
Dive West Side Scuba: 19279

The Boatyard Club • Bay Street • Bridgetown • Barbados • West Indies

Cell: 1 (246) 262-1029 • E-mail: westsidescuba@gmail.com
Website: www.westsidescuba.com • Facebook: Dive West Side Scuba

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