Diving destinations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is known for clear waters, colorful reefs and relaxed island vibes, but each destination has a completely unique character. From sharks in the Bahamas and cenotes in Mexico to volcanic dives around Saba and relaxed shore diving on Bonaire, these are our favorite Caribbean dive destinations that we offer trips to ourselves.
Are you curious about even more Caribbean islands and want to know which destinations are more or less suitable for diving? Check out our blog about all diving destinations in the Caribbean.
Table of contents
Bahamas
The Bahamas is best known for spectacular shark diving. Destinations like Tiger Beach attract divers from all over the world for encounters with tiger sharks, hammerheads and Caribbean reef sharks. You’ll also find blue holes, sheer walls and huge schools of fish in crystal clear water. Above water, it’s all about tropical beaches, island hopping and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. The best time for shark action is between December and April, although you can do excellent diving here year-round.
Earlier this year we were in the Bahamas to dive with tiger sharks. You can read the trip report here.
Bonaire
Bonaire is known as one of the best shore diving destinations in the world. Almost the entire island is surrounded by accessible reefs that allow you to dive in complete freedom. Underwater you will find healthy corals, turtles, tarpons and lots of macro life. Night diving is especially popular here. Above water, Bonaire is quiet and relaxed, with salt flats, flamingos and a strong focus on nature and diving. Thanks to the stable climate, you can visit here year-round.
We were recently in Bonaire for a week of diving. Curious about the trip? You can read the trip report here.
Dominica
Dominica feels completely different from many other Caribbean islands. The island is green, volcanic and adventurous, with rainforests, waterfalls and hot springs. You can also see that volcanic nature underwater, with unusual reefs, bubbles from the sea floor and lots of macro. In addition, Dominica is known as one of the best places in the Caribbean to see sperm whales. The best travel time runs roughly from November to May.
St. Maarten & Saba
A combination of Sint Maarten and Saba offers the best of both worlds. Sint Maarten is known for lively beaches, restaurants and lively boulevards, while Saba is small, green and quiet. Around Saba you will find spectacular pinnacles rising from the depths and providing impressive dives full of schools of fish, turtles and sometimes sharks. Wall divers and underwater photographers especially enjoy coming here. The best conditions are usually found between December and May.
St. Eustatius
St. Eustatius, often called Statia, is one of the quietest diving destinations in the Caribbean. The island is small and authentic, without mass tourism. Underwater you will find a surprising mix of wrecks, volcanic dive sites and healthy reef life with turtles, seahorses and macro. It is this combination of tranquility above water and varied diving that makes Statia popular with experienced divers and photographers. The best travel time is from December to May.
Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is known for steep walls, huge visibility and deep blue waters. During a dive here, you’ll often float past drop-offs full of sponges, schools of fish, eagle rays and reef sharks. In certain months, humpback whales also migrate past the islands. Above water, it’s mostly about tranquility, white beaches and small-scale luxury. The best period for diving is between December and May.
Roatán, Honduras
Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Roatán is one of the most versatile diving destinations in the Caribbean. You’ll find colorful reefs, plenty of macro and regularly see turtles, eagle rays and whale sharks. Compared to many other Caribbean islands, Roatán is affordable and relaxed, with a laid-back diving atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The best conditions are usually found between February and June, although diving can be done year-round.