Jamaica has more than 100 dive sites. The best ones will depend on your diving experience and interests. Below is a list of the best dive sites in Jamaica for divers of different skill levels and what you can expect to see on a dive.
Not a certified diver yet? Here’s why Jamaica is one of the best places to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean.
Does Jamaica Have Good Scuba Diving?
Jamaica has calm, warm water and good visibility year-round. Its underwater attractions include: wrecks, caverns, unusual coral formations and plenty of tropical fish.
You may have heard the diving in Jamaica isn’t very good. But before you strike it from your list, ask the person with a negative opinion of Jamaica when they last visited.
Since the early 1990s, Jamaica has been working hard to restore its underwater environment. Montego Bay was Jamaica’s first marine park, established in 1992. Today, Jamaica has more than 30 Marine Protected Areas, Fish Sanctuaries and other conservation sites. According to Scuba Diving magazine, “Jamaica is now considered an up-and-coming dive destination. Before the international dive community fully catches on, those who dive here can [enjoy] Jamaica’s underwater beauty with fewer crowds.”
Another article worth reading is: Is Diving in Jamaica Worth It?, written by PADI Divemaster and world traveller Alexandra Baackes.
Lastly, by choosing to scuba dive in Jamaica, you’re casting a vote for the continued preservation of its underwater environment. Divers really do get to see the most authentic part of Jamaica.
The Best Dive Sites in Jamaica
Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the most-loved dive sites in Jamaica.
The Throne Room
Recommended for: Beginner Divers and Above
Many consider The Throne Room to be Jamaica’s best dive site overall. It’s accessible for beginners, but it also has a cavern for advanced divers to explore. The cavern entrance is at 12 meters/40 feet, and the exit is at 21 meters/70 feet.
The Throne Room gets its name from a throne-shaped sponge, one of many interesting coral formations at this regal dive site. Expect to see an abundance of marine life, including stingrays, barracuda, snappers, eels and octopuses. Nurse sharks and dolphins have been known to make an appearance, too.
SS Kathryn Wreck (The Catherine/Kathryn Caverns)
Recommended for: Advanced Open Water Divers and Above
The SS Kathryn and nearby Kathryn Caverns give you two types of diving at one dive site, making it one of the best dives in Ocho Rios — for experienced divers. The SS Kathryn is a 37 meter/120 foot WWII minesweeper purpose-sun in the 1950s to create an artificial reef. Experienced divers can venture inside the wheelhouse, or simply explore the exterior. Look for stingrays in the sand or poke around in the caverns. On this dive site, you’re likely to see stingrays, lobsters, eels and nurse sharks.
The Arches and The Caves
Recommended for: Advanced Divers
Another two-in-one dive site is The Arches and The Caves. The Arches has multiple rock formations to swim under and excellent visibility for photo ops. Divers with good buoyancy can explore The Caves (actually caverns). Look for nurse sharks, stingrays, black coral and schools of colorful fish.
The Wreck and Plane Deep
The Wreck: Okay for Beginner Divers
Plane Deep: Advanced Divers Only
There are two plane wrecks in Jamaica. The shallower wreck is at 18 meters/60 feet in Montego Bay at a dive site called “The Wreck.” Beginner divers can view The Wreck, but Plane Deep is for experienced divers only.
The Sunken City of Port Royal
Recommended for: Advanced Divers
In the 17th century, Port Royal was one of the largest cities in the Caribbean, but an earthquake in 1692 sunk two-thirds of the city. Today, divers with special permission can explore the surprisingly well-preserved ruins. If you sign up with an approved dive operator, all you have to do is book the dive, they’ll take care of the permits. There are also several shallow shipwrecks nearby.
Surprise Reef
Recommended for: Beginner Divers and Above
Surprise Reef is one of the best dive sites in Jamaica to see turtles. Its shallow depth (max 15 meters/49 feet) and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for new divers, with plenty for experienced divers, too. Divers with good buoyancy can explore swim-throughs and crevices – where lobsters and nurse sharks can sometimes be found.
Alligator Reef
Recommended for: Beginner Divers and Above
Alligator Reef is actually five distinct dive sites, each offering a unique experience. From shallow and easy to deeper and more challenging, there’s something for every diver. This extensive reef system is renowned for its vibrant coral and abundant marine life, making it a favorite spot for underwater exploration.
Widowmaker’s Cave
Recommended for: Experienced Divers With Excellent Buoyancy
Despite its ominous name, Widowmaker’s Cave is more of a cavern and the name comes from a James Bond novel (author Ian Fleming had a house in Jamaica). Divers can access the cavern from the top (10.5 meters/35 feet) or from the bottom (24 meters/80 feet). Excellent underwater buoyancy is a must. New or inexperienced divers should avoid this dive site due to the depth and narrow passages.
Middle Shoal Reef
Recommended for: Beginner Divers and Above
Clear visibility and the variety of areas to explore make Middle Shoal Reef a great choice for divers of all levels. Shallow coral gardens (with a max depth of 10 meters/30 feet) are home to lobsters, starfish, stingrays and many colorful reef fish. Advanced divers can venture down to 27 meters/90 feet and explore a deeper reef where there’s also a plane wreck.
Maize Reef
Recommended for: Beginner Divers and Above
Maize Reef is a beginner-friendly dive site and fun for experienced divers as well. As you may have guessed from the name, the reef structure is a “maze” of sand channels. The max depth is about 10 meters/35 feet, so you can take your time exploring in and around the reef. But don’t forget to keep an eye out for eagle rays cruising by overhead and stingrays in the sand.
English Reef
Recommended for: Advanced Divers
This stunning dive site is visited less often — you might not even find it on a map of dive sites in Jamaica. Because of its depth, English Reef is recommended for divers with an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or Deep Diver certification.
The reef starts at about 20 meters/65 feet and extends down to 30 meters/100 feet. Expect to see a variety of fish you won’t spot elsewhere, healthy coral and bigger marine life, such as barracuda and turtles.
Devil’s Reef
Recommended for: Advanced Divers
Similar to English Reef above, Devil’s Reef is recommended for divers with deep diving experience and certifications. The reef slopes gently down to 20 meters/65 feet. Then there’s a steep drop-off to a sandy bottom at 40 meters/130 feet. Expect to see schools of colorful fish, sea slugs, moray eels, and possibly turtles and nurse sharks.
How to Explore the Best Dive Sites in Jamaica
Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean. If you prefer short boat rides, consider staying in Negril, Ocho Rios or Montego Bay (aka MoBay). These are three of Jamaica’s oldest marine protected areas with many of the best dive sites.
Contact a PADI Dive Shop in Jamaica to find out what dive sites they recommend. You can also ask about night diving opportunities, scuba diving for kids and more.
