Top Ten Dive Sites in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is wonderfully lively yet totally laid-back destination surrounded by beautiful crystal-clear waters, chilled-out musical vibes and lush vegetation. There are more than 7000 islands spread throughout the Caribbean Sea, each one distinctly Caribbean yet distinctly different!
The Caribbean is a real treat for novice and experienced divers alike, warm waters, excellent visibility and great biodiversity, few places offer such perfect conditions all year round. There is huge diversity of dive sites from shallow fringing reefs, sheer walls, coral encrusted pinnacles and hundreds of fascinating shipwrecks to explore. Marine life is equally vast from colourful tropical fish species to huge turtles, mantas and even migrating whale sharks!
Bonaire
Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean. Because the waters around Bonaire have been protected by an actively managed marine park for the past 30 years, Bonaire today ranks amongst the top four best diving destinations in the world. The island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and diveable year round. It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers. Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F, with visibility averaging over 100 feet, and frequently reaching up to 150 feet.
Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands are surrounded by one of the most extensive coral reef systems worldwide (65 miles across and 200 miles long). As a result, the islands are consistently ranked as one of the premier diving locations in the world. Excellent visibility (up to 200 feet), pristine reefs, abundant tropical flora and fauna, fish and other marine life, quality diving services and easy conditions make the Turks and Caicos Islands a world class diving destination. There is exceptional wall diving starting in shallow turquoise water and dropping off into the deep blue giving a real thrill. The reef is relatively close to the beach which makes for accessible beach dives. Shipwrecks, old and new further increase the multiplicity of the islands as an outstanding diving destination.
Cayman Islands
Recognized as the birthplace of diving in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is one of the world's top dive destinations with its warm, crystal-clear water year-round, magnificent, unspoiled coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, friendly stingrays, spectacular shipwrecks, vertical walls teeming with sea life, and dramatic underwater drop-offs. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman offer varying diving attractions. Experience Grand Cayman's Stingray City, "the world's best 12ft dive," and Little Cayman's Bloody Bay Wall, legendary for its near-vertical drops just below the surface. At Cayman Brac, explore the hemisphere's only diveable Russian wreck.
The Bahamas
The Islands of The Bahamas offer an array of dive experiences like no other destination in the world. There are sunken Spanish galleons, inland blue holes, caves and forest-like coral reefs, teeming with marine life. Some of the most exciting experiences allow enthusiasts to swim and feed reef sharks, an an experience offered nowhere in the world except The Bahamas. More importantly, the people of The Bahamas are as committed to the art of hospitality as they are committed to preserving the unique ecology of their island home.
Dominica
Over the past few years, Dominica has earned the reputation as one of the top five dive destinations in the world. In addition to unique dive sites like "Champagne" which features a bubbling, underwater hot spring, Dominica's reefs are full of gorgeous multi-coloured hard and soft coral, an abundance of reef fish and fascinating marine critters such as seahorses and frogfish. The underwater terrain is unique and diverse, providing dive sites suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to the very experienced. Dominica has also earned another moniker - the Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean. Its unique underwater terrain and coastal structure make Dominica an ideal environment to watch Sperm Whales socialize, mate and calve, as well as to see many other types of whales: Pilot, Pygmy, and False Killer to name a few. Spinner Dolphin, Spotted Dolphin and Bottlenose Dolphin are also regular residents of our waters.
Curacao
Curacao was born millions of years ago, developing under the sea from lava rock on which coral has grown for centuries. For millions of years reefs have surrounded the island, attaching to the shore like a narrow fringe. In some places they are like beautiful gardens, with delicate corals and are home to brightly coloured tropical fish. In others, massive coral formations extend into depths with deep-water fish patrolling the plunging walls. With more than 60 dive sites, underwater visibility to 100 feet, mild currents, lush coral gardens, and wall, wreck, and shore dive options. It is no wonder Curacao is ranked among the world’s best diving spots!
Saba
Although Saba's underwater attractions include spectacular (and shallower) reefs and walls, it is for her pinnacles that she has acquired reputation as a must-go destination among seasoned divers. The pinnacles are actually the summits of underwater mountains, beginning at around 85 feet and extending to the abyss. They are awesomely impressive, not only to divers, but apparently also to the larger fish and pelagics that are frequent visitors. The Eye of the Needle, for example, starts at 90 feet and goes down and down, supporting a profusion of sea life both on and around it. Sharks, turtles and other pelagics are drawn to the area like magnets. But even the shallow dives are terrific. Green Island, between 20 and 35 feet has bright, colorful ledges and mini-walls, at 50 feet, there are 3 healthy green and pink black corals, 8' across.
Tobago
Tobago is one of the best kept secrets of the underwater world. Blessed with nutrient rich waters, the marine life is diverse and abundant. Tobago offers a variety of dive sites un-paralleled in the Caribbean for species diversity - scuba diving at its best. Experts have always agreed that Tobago offers world-class diving. However, it is only in recent years that the island has developed enough to attract more than the most dedicated SCUBA addicts. Thrilling drift dives, the opportunity to swim with pelagics and view some of the largest recorded brain coral in the world will excite even the most experienced diver. The Speyside area has some of the best diving in the Caribbean for the more adventurous diver, whilst the South-West has much more easy diving for the more casual diver.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a diving paradise. The island is at the tip of an underwater volcano where both beginner and experienced divers alike will enjoy the stunning variety of coral, sponge and marine life. Artificial reefs have developed around a number of sunken ships which have become home to huge gorgonians, black coral trees, gigantic barrel sponges, purple vase sponges and black lace corals. Exciting Caribbean diving trips will reveal turtles, nurse sharks, seahorses, angel fish, and golden spotted eels, to name but a few, among the dazzling cross section of Caribbean marine life. Divers from all over the world know the exotic beauty and warm crystal waters of Saint Lucia. A great deal of care has been exercised to ensure that the island, as well as the surrounding water remains as pristine as it was a generation ago when it first began attracting divers in search of a paradise less traveled.
US Virgin Islands
The beauty and diversity of the U.S. Virgin Islands extends far beyond the white sands of the shore. Nowhere else in the Caribbean can you dive a wreck, wall, pier and reef all in one day! Whether you are newly certified or an advanced diver, diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is easy, accessible and offers an array of experiences for everyone. The US Virgin Islands offer plenty to enjoy on land, but if you don't take to the water at some point, you'll be missing some of the best that this Caribbean territory has to offer. Diving in the US Virgin Islands is an absolute delight to enjoy. Crystal clear waters, a year round season, and scores of reefs are just some of the things that make US Virgin Islands diving so excellent. Whether you have been scuba diving for years or it's your first time, the US Virgin Islands present a most worthy underwater terrain. This U.S. Trust Territory has long been a favorite destination of American travelers, and for divers. St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John offer a variety of diving experiences as complete as anywhere else in the world, from shallow patch reefs to deep walls.
The Caribbean is a real treat for novice and experienced divers alike, warm waters, excellent visibility and great biodiversity, few places offer such perfect conditions all year round. There is huge diversity of dive sites from shallow fringing reefs, sheer walls, coral encrusted pinnacles and hundreds of fascinating shipwrecks to explore. Marine life is equally vast from colourful tropical fish species to huge turtles, mantas and even migrating whale sharks!
Bonaire
Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean. Because the waters around Bonaire have been protected by an actively managed marine park for the past 30 years, Bonaire today ranks amongst the top four best diving destinations in the world. The island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and diveable year round. It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers. Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F, with visibility averaging over 100 feet, and frequently reaching up to 150 feet.
Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands are surrounded by one of the most extensive coral reef systems worldwide (65 miles across and 200 miles long). As a result, the islands are consistently ranked as one of the premier diving locations in the world. Excellent visibility (up to 200 feet), pristine reefs, abundant tropical flora and fauna, fish and other marine life, quality diving services and easy conditions make the Turks and Caicos Islands a world class diving destination. There is exceptional wall diving starting in shallow turquoise water and dropping off into the deep blue giving a real thrill. The reef is relatively close to the beach which makes for accessible beach dives. Shipwrecks, old and new further increase the multiplicity of the islands as an outstanding diving destination.
Cayman Islands
Recognized as the birthplace of diving in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is one of the world's top dive destinations with its warm, crystal-clear water year-round, magnificent, unspoiled coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, friendly stingrays, spectacular shipwrecks, vertical walls teeming with sea life, and dramatic underwater drop-offs. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman offer varying diving attractions. Experience Grand Cayman's Stingray City, "the world's best 12ft dive," and Little Cayman's Bloody Bay Wall, legendary for its near-vertical drops just below the surface. At Cayman Brac, explore the hemisphere's only diveable Russian wreck.
The Bahamas
The Islands of The Bahamas offer an array of dive experiences like no other destination in the world. There are sunken Spanish galleons, inland blue holes, caves and forest-like coral reefs, teeming with marine life. Some of the most exciting experiences allow enthusiasts to swim and feed reef sharks, an an experience offered nowhere in the world except The Bahamas. More importantly, the people of The Bahamas are as committed to the art of hospitality as they are committed to preserving the unique ecology of their island home.
Dominica
Over the past few years, Dominica has earned the reputation as one of the top five dive destinations in the world. In addition to unique dive sites like "Champagne" which features a bubbling, underwater hot spring, Dominica's reefs are full of gorgeous multi-coloured hard and soft coral, an abundance of reef fish and fascinating marine critters such as seahorses and frogfish. The underwater terrain is unique and diverse, providing dive sites suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to the very experienced. Dominica has also earned another moniker - the Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean. Its unique underwater terrain and coastal structure make Dominica an ideal environment to watch Sperm Whales socialize, mate and calve, as well as to see many other types of whales: Pilot, Pygmy, and False Killer to name a few. Spinner Dolphin, Spotted Dolphin and Bottlenose Dolphin are also regular residents of our waters.
Curacao
Curacao was born millions of years ago, developing under the sea from lava rock on which coral has grown for centuries. For millions of years reefs have surrounded the island, attaching to the shore like a narrow fringe. In some places they are like beautiful gardens, with delicate corals and are home to brightly coloured tropical fish. In others, massive coral formations extend into depths with deep-water fish patrolling the plunging walls. With more than 60 dive sites, underwater visibility to 100 feet, mild currents, lush coral gardens, and wall, wreck, and shore dive options. It is no wonder Curacao is ranked among the world’s best diving spots!
Saba
Although Saba's underwater attractions include spectacular (and shallower) reefs and walls, it is for her pinnacles that she has acquired reputation as a must-go destination among seasoned divers. The pinnacles are actually the summits of underwater mountains, beginning at around 85 feet and extending to the abyss. They are awesomely impressive, not only to divers, but apparently also to the larger fish and pelagics that are frequent visitors. The Eye of the Needle, for example, starts at 90 feet and goes down and down, supporting a profusion of sea life both on and around it. Sharks, turtles and other pelagics are drawn to the area like magnets. But even the shallow dives are terrific. Green Island, between 20 and 35 feet has bright, colorful ledges and mini-walls, at 50 feet, there are 3 healthy green and pink black corals, 8' across.
Tobago
Tobago is one of the best kept secrets of the underwater world. Blessed with nutrient rich waters, the marine life is diverse and abundant. Tobago offers a variety of dive sites un-paralleled in the Caribbean for species diversity - scuba diving at its best. Experts have always agreed that Tobago offers world-class diving. However, it is only in recent years that the island has developed enough to attract more than the most dedicated SCUBA addicts. Thrilling drift dives, the opportunity to swim with pelagics and view some of the largest recorded brain coral in the world will excite even the most experienced diver. The Speyside area has some of the best diving in the Caribbean for the more adventurous diver, whilst the South-West has much more easy diving for the more casual diver.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a diving paradise. The island is at the tip of an underwater volcano where both beginner and experienced divers alike will enjoy the stunning variety of coral, sponge and marine life. Artificial reefs have developed around a number of sunken ships which have become home to huge gorgonians, black coral trees, gigantic barrel sponges, purple vase sponges and black lace corals. Exciting Caribbean diving trips will reveal turtles, nurse sharks, seahorses, angel fish, and golden spotted eels, to name but a few, among the dazzling cross section of Caribbean marine life. Divers from all over the world know the exotic beauty and warm crystal waters of Saint Lucia. A great deal of care has been exercised to ensure that the island, as well as the surrounding water remains as pristine as it was a generation ago when it first began attracting divers in search of a paradise less traveled.
US Virgin Islands
The beauty and diversity of the U.S. Virgin Islands extends far beyond the white sands of the shore. Nowhere else in the Caribbean can you dive a wreck, wall, pier and reef all in one day! Whether you are newly certified or an advanced diver, diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is easy, accessible and offers an array of experiences for everyone. The US Virgin Islands offer plenty to enjoy on land, but if you don't take to the water at some point, you'll be missing some of the best that this Caribbean territory has to offer. Diving in the US Virgin Islands is an absolute delight to enjoy. Crystal clear waters, a year round season, and scores of reefs are just some of the things that make US Virgin Islands diving so excellent. Whether you have been scuba diving for years or it's your first time, the US Virgin Islands present a most worthy underwater terrain. This U.S. Trust Territory has long been a favorite destination of American travelers, and for divers. St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John offer a variety of diving experiences as complete as anywhere else in the world, from shallow patch reefs to deep walls.
