Shoal Bay Reef is situated in the northern coast of Shoal Bay Village in Anguilla. Anguilla belongs to the Leeward Islands in the West Indies. It is located on the north side of Saint Martin and on the east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Anguilla is lying east of Caribbean Sea and west of Atlantic Ocean.
Shoal Bay Reef is one of the most popular dive spot in Anguilla. The plateau is at about 5 m/16.4 ft below the sea level, with a dropping of 45˚. The max depth is at about 9 m/29.5 ft on the eastern side and about at 25.9 m/85 ft on the western side. The sandy bottom at the base of the reef is where you can find lots of kinds of marine life. Sting rays, eels, crayfish and lobsters are some of them. Divers who get the opportunity to dive at Shoal Bay Reef are intrigued to discover the hidden fish at reefs’ overhangs and holes.
The water temperature averages from 26˚C/78.8˚F to 28˚C/82.4˚F between winter and summer. The temperature is usually 1-2 degrees higher than the waters’. The underwater visibility is very good and it ranges from 10 m/32.8 ft to 30 m/98.4 ft. You may try scuba diving all over the year as the weather conditions are ideal on the spot. The period lasting from August to December (hurricane period) may change your plans due to unpredictable weather forecast. Fortunately, rainfalls which are very common during this period are only temporary.
Shoal Bay Reef is a very interesting scuba diving spot for expert divers as for beginners too. If you wish to take some lessons, there are many experienced instructors available on the spot. They will definitely initiate you into the scuba diving world by giving you the appropriate tips.
