Home

3 Of The Best Diving Locations In The Caribbean

Known for their gorgeous beaches, backed by the proverbial waving palm trees, crystal clear turquoise waters and great cocktails, the islands of the Caribbean have plenty to offer. However, for those who like nothing better than getting under the water and exploring the marine world, these locations are amongst the best diving spots in the Caribbean.

1. Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

This lovely island used to be part of the Netherlands Antilles until 2010, when it became a special municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This beautiful spot is popular for scuba divers and land-lubbers alike. With its almost perfect weather, due to being out of the hurricane area, Bonaire is perfect to visit all year around. Around 20 percent of the land and 100 percent of Bonaire’s waters are designated national parks and are thus protected. This makes the island a rare natural gem in the Caribbean.

Bonaire is so good for diving, that its government officially printed license plates, reading “Diver’s Paradise,” which is a great advertisement. The mild weather and protected waters make the diving spots pure and seemingly untouched by human hand.

Here, more than 400 species of fish alone can be seen, the majority of which are colorful and a dream for underwater photographers. Bonaire was listed as the best dive spot for beginners, freediving, conservation, macro diving, snorkeling and shore diving in a 2018 poll. Among the top diving spots in Bonaire are the 1000 steps, the Bari Reef and the Hilmer Hooker wreck.

2. St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands and has a strong history of trade and industry. In fact, at one time, St. Croix was the wealthiest island in the Caribbean. Nowadays, the Ireland is a popular vacation spot.

One of the main things about diving here is the huge diversity of marine life the waters contain. Here, more than 500 marine species can be seen in the reefs, including colorful fish, turtles, octopuses, seahorses, sharks, rays, eels and many more. Visibility is also good, at between 60 to 100 ft and the water temperatures average a delightful 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some of the best diving hotspots in St. Croix include Salt River Canyon, the Butler Bay wrecks, cane Bay and Frederiksted Pier. In fact, the last two are commonly considered to be among the best dive sites in the world. As for St. Croix itself, the island is perfect for beginners, seasoned divers, underwater photographers and nature spotters.

3. Roatan, Honduras Bay Islands

Heading now to Roatan, one of the biggest of the Honduras Bay Islands. You may not have heard much about it, but West Bay Beach is one of the best tourist attractions and got the popular vote for “Best Beach in Central America” in 2018 and 2018.

The Honduras island is nestled in the Caribbean Sea and was popular with more than 5,000 pirates, including such greats as Henry Morgan and Blackbeard. Nowadays, the indigenous people of Roatan, the Garifuna, are listed on UNESCO’s World Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The island is also renowned for its low cost of living, but good quality of life, as well as its accessibility throughout the island.

The waters of Roatan feature the second largest coral reef in the world, known as the Mesoamerican Reef or Great Mayan Reef. The reef spans 700 miles, offering divers plenty of places to explore. Roatan is suitable for divers of all experience levels and is a favorite for macro diving and its conservation initiatives. The El Aguila wreck is a must-see dive.

Have fun diving in the Caribbean on your next vacation, at one of these or many more great diving spots.