Southwest Wall
The reef top of Southwest Wall is a continuous feeding ground, attracting a resident school of bumphead parrotfish ranging from 25 to 50 in size. As you explore this sheltered site, keep an eye out for the magnificent barrel sponges, which serve as hosts to playful giant puffer fish. Admire the beauty of the tree corals outside caverns, where nurse sharks occasionally find rest.
Situated on the southwestern edge of the South Atoll, the Southwest Wall also serves as a refuge when the east wind blows hard during the season. Divers often visit this site in hopes of encountering majestic whale sharks, as sightings have been recorded here. With a maximum depth of 15m and visibility of 9m, this dive promises an unforgettable adventure.
Experience the wonders of the Southwest Wall, a truly remarkable dive site that caters to the thrill-seeking diver in you.
Diving Conditions Score for Southwest Wall
Very good diving conditions!
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Southwest Wall
Depth
15m
Visibility
9m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Southwest Wall
Wave Height
0.08m
Wind Speed
6.9 m/s
Water Temp
30.8°C
Visibility
3km
Cloud Cover
98%
Wave Period
4s
Air Temperature
27.4°C
Precipitation
0.2 mm
Dive Score Chart for Southwest Wall
Best time to dive: 12:00 with score 8.141377777777777/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.08m, Wind 7.4 m/s.Best night dive time: 3:00 with score 7.72961981981982/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Southwest Wall are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 8.1/10
Waves: 0.08m (3.75s), Wind: 7.4 m/s
Score: 7.7/10
Waves: 0.1m, Wind: 5.7 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Southwest WallAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Southwest Wall
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Southwest Wall
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Southwest Wall
Ideal Conditions for Southwest Wall
Water Temp
27.1°C / 80.8°F
August
Visibility
13.4m / 44.0ft
June
Wave Height
1.5m / 4.9ft
June
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Southwest Wall
Southwest Wall shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (28.6°C) and January the coldest (23.4°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in June with average wave heights of 1.5m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in June with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.7mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during June to August, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 21, 2026