10 Best Spots for Scuba Diving in the Caribbean Islands

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Scuba diving in the Caribbean is full of surprises. Waters of the Caribbean welcome recreational as well as professional scuba diving. Explore the oceanic wonders that lie in the depths. Here in this article, we have listed the top places for scuba diving in the Caribbean Islands.

Top 10 Destinations for Scuba Diving in the Caribbean

1. Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is all about shipwrecks and stingrays! Scuba divers will be mesmerized by the underwater world. There are total 162 dive sites in Grand Cayman. The thriving reefs support a substantial shark population. Sail to the artificial wreck of USS Kittiwake where sharks come from time to time. Scuba divers can get lost in the ample underwater biodiversity and explore kaleidoscopic reefs. Situated in the northern Caribbean Sea on an underwater mountain range, Cayman Ridge is a hotspot for underwater exploration. Dive into the water and marvel at the natural splendor. Stingray City is another unforgettable tourist attraction amongst others.

2. Belize

Belize beckons lush jungle canopy and palm-tangled Mayan ruins. You will be astounded by what’s beneath the surface! Explore the depths of the ocean in The Blue Hole. The Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole located off the coasts of Belize. It remains world’s largest formation of its kind. Scuba divers must take the word of the legendary marine biologist, Jacques Cousteau and dive into the sapphire water and swim along the corals. Explore the underwater stalactites and stalagmites and the otherworldly passages in the ocean depth. Marvel at the marine life and geological formations on your underwater trip.

3. British Virgin Islands

Enthusiastic scuba divers will find ample opportunities at British Virgin Islands. Although most dive operators are located in Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island and Cooper Island also provide stunning options. Swim in warm water in broad daylight! All divers are allowed to access rest of the points in British Virgin Islands except Virgin Gorda. Divers must have substantial experience to dive into the waters of Virgin Gorda. Divers can explore shipwrecks, seamounts, coral gardens and sandy ocean beds in Deadchest Island, Norman Island and Pelican Island.

4. Cozumel

Cozumel poses challenges to the toughest of the divers. Only experienced divers are allowed to scuba dive in certain ocean areas of Cozumel. The middle of the west coast tends to be preferred by newer divers. West coast is calmer than the southern tip. Devil’s Throat at the southern tip has a tunnel when the water pressure sucks them in only to spit them out at 130 feet. Cozumel will very literally test your waters and push the limits of recreational diving. Farther south, Maracaibo awaits more scuba diving challenges!

5. Grenada

Amazing shipwrecks, colorful reefs, and enthralling drifts create a diver’s wonderland! Grenada is a shipwreck lover’s paradise. The underwater currents will turn every dive into an exciting drift as entire Gulf stream surges through its narrows. And as for marine life, apart from the inhabitants of the coral reefs, you will be taking a dive alongside a shark almost every time you dive. Scuba divers cannot possibly miss Grenada Carriacou and Petite Martinique sculpture park. With over 50 underwater sites, divers of all levels from across the world are fascinated by Grenadian waters.

6. Saba

Saba rises from the abyssal depths of the Caribbean. The volcanic island is nothing short of exhilarating for enthusiastic scuba divers. Explore the reefs in the crystal-clear unspoiled water and experience the marine life from up-close. Saba correctly calls itself “The Unspoiled Island”. Seamounts and marine life-covered pinnacles are protected by Saba Marine Park. The overall wilderness of the destination is under the care and regulation of Saba Conservation Foundation. Scuba divers can go for mellow dives and explore shallow waters or feel the rush of adrenaline in drifts.

7. Dominica

Dominica is known as the underwater Jurassic Park. Scuba divers inquisitive about marine life must dive into Dominican waters teeming with marine life. The Caribbean and the Atlantic side of Dominica offer plenty of scuba diving opportunities. Aquatic animals and fish such as barracuda, sea turtles, tuna, batfish, seahorses and eels ought to quench your curiosity about the underwater world. If you are lucky, you will spot whales on your way to the diving spot.

8. St. Croix

Experience the wall, reef, and wreck diving all rolled into one! First, travel to the north shore and dive along the wall. Skilled scuba divers can handle the ocean depths near the wall. Cane Bay and Twin Palms are the two diving hotspots you mustn’t miss! Easy road access makes the spots all the more tempting. In the water clarity of 100 feet, you will witness hawksbill sea turtles and shoals of squids. The wrecks of Butler Bay are simply majestic.

9. Tobago

Come face-to-face with the underwater treasures of Tobago. While the land of Tobago is rich in nature, the deep waters will amaze you. Divers can dive into the warm blue waters that envelop the island. Tobago sports rich reefs with fanning corals. Swim underwater around the rock walls covered in sponges. Divers will spot a variety of marine life in the ocean. Swim cautiously among different kinds of sharks like reef sharks, bull sharks, and manta rays.

10. St. Lucia

Underwater seascapes at St. Lucia are just as scenic as the tropical island. Pinnacles covered with sponges, corals, and gorgonians make the sea world look as colorful as a rainbow. Some of the most popular dives include Anse Chastanet, Fairy Land, and Coral Gardens. Watch the wonders of nature work their way as you explore the shipwrecks of Lesleen M. and Daini Koyomaru that have turned into artificial coral reefs.

Sunken shipwrecks and the diverse marine life are just about the beginning. The ocean has plenty to explore for Scuba Diving in the Caribbean! Happy Diving!