Sandy Island
Antigua and Barbuda · Antigua and Barbuda
Sandy Island is a tiny uninhabited cay off Antigua's northwest coast surrounded by protected shallows, where coral gardens between 5 and 15 metres shelter an extraordinary density of juvenile reef fish and endemic Caribbean species. The site is celebrated for its clarity — visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres — and for the prolific populations of hawksbill turtles that graze on the abundant sponge and seagrass. Gentle currents and calm conditions make it an ideal second dive for all skill levels, and the sand flats around the island provide stunning contrast against the coral bommies rising from the white substrate.
Conditions
Depth
5 to 15 m
Good for beginners
Current
Usually gentle
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
15 to 25 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
26 to 31°C
3mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 |
| Vis (m) | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 |
| Current | Still | Still | Still | Still | Still | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Still | Still |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Lesser Antillean Bullfinch
Last confirmed Jun 19, 2026 · 79 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Bananaquit
Last confirmed Apr 10, 2026 · 73 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Carib Grackle
Last confirmed May 21, 2026 · 74 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Watts' Anole
Last confirmed Mar 2, 2026 · 13 records
Very likely
Most dives
Cuban Brown Snail
Last confirmed Mar 10, 2026 · 11 records
Very likely
Most dives
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Last confirmed Oct 2, 2024 · 2 records
Likely
About 6 in 10 dives
Lettuce Sea Slug
Last confirmed Jul 23, 2025 · 2 records
Likely
About 6 in 10 dives
Queen Triggerfish
Expected
Known here, not yet in recent logs
Gear