Caribee Reef – South Coast – Reefs & Other Sites

22m Max

18-30m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Caribee Reef is a long south-coast barrier reef draped in plumes of gorgonian sea fans and sea whips - a broad, wanderable wall of coral built for drifting slowly along its face and picking out the treasures hidden in its folds. Local operators rate it among the island's better macro sites, and it is easy to see why: the fan-draped ledges shelter octopus, bold morays and every manner of small life, while turtles cruise the reef top and angelfish hold territory among the swaying gorgonians. With a mild current to help you along, Caribee Reef delivers that most satisfying of dives - a long, unhurried drift over beautiful, characterful coral, camera in hand. Depths run from about 8 m at the shallowest point to 22 m at the deepest, with most of the dive spent near 15 m. Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island, sitting where the Atlantic sweeps in to meet the calm Caribbean, and that convergence keeps its waters clear, warm and rich - the sheltered west and south coasts hold healthy reefs and a famed cluster of wrecks, turtles cruise the shallows year-round, and the deeper walls can turn up pelagics and the occasional shark. Conditions around Barbados vary with the season and tide, so confirm the day's plan with your local dive operator before you go

Dive Briefing

“Let a gentle current set you down the reef face and drift the gorgonian-draped ledges at an unhurried pace, hovering high to protect the fragile fans. Scan the folds for octopus and morays and give the shy critters a slow, soft torch to reveal themselves, and watch the reef top for cruising turtles. Manage your depth along the lower slope, keep your gear trimmed for the drift, and signal your position with a DSMB on the ascent. The divemaster sets the entry, mooring and ascent plan at the briefing - agree buddy signals, DSMB routine and safety-stop depth before you splash, and start the dive slowly to let the reef or wreck come into focus. Run a three-minute safety stop on the ascent, position clear of the boat if there is any drift, and signal your position with a DSMB on the way up. Conditions around Barbados vary with the season and tide, so confirm the day's plan with your local dive operator before you go”

Location

Caribee Reef and 4 nearby dive sites in Barbados.