The Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean
Easily
accessible from the U.S. by a selection of domestic and international
airlines, the islands of the Mexican Caribbean, Bahamas, Bay Islands,
Belize, Caymans, British & American Virgins, Turks & Caicos,
Tobago, Greater and Lesser Antilles, and Grenadines offer warm, clear
waters for both new and experienced divers. Hard corals such as star,
elk horn, pillar, brain, feather and more share the water with tube,
barrel and elephant ear sponges, anemones, crynoids, nudibranches and
large and small fishes.
The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from 1 June to 30 November.
There is nothing magical in these dates, and hurricanes have occurred
outside of these six months, but these dates have been selected to
encompass over 97% of tropical activity.
The Atlantic basin shows a very peaked season from August through
October, with 78% of the tropical storm days, 87% of the minor
hurricane days, and 96% of the major hurricane days occurring then.
Maximum activity is in early to mid September.
Legends:
☺kids friendly (kids program or kids rates available); ✩ wheelchair
accessible; ◊ internet access (◊◊ free access)
BAHAMAS
These
“islands
in the stream” as Hemingway called them, are the closest islands to
U.S., Bimini being only about 60 miles from Florida. The Islands of The
Bahamas form a 100,000-sq-mile archipelago that extends over 500 miles
of the clearest water in the world. Our 700 islands, including
uninhabited cays and large rocks, total an estimated land area of 5,382
sq. miles, and register a highest land elevation of 206 ft. on Cat
Island.
The Bahamas has the world's third longest barrier reef and about 14. 5%
of the world's coral can be found in our waters. The islands are made
entirely of calcium carbonate, which is mainly produced or precipitated
by the organisms of coral reefs.
From the Tongue of
the Ocean and the Valley of the Sponges at Andros Island to the Bahamas
Banks to see the sharks and dolphins to the Current Cut at Harbor
Island, Eleuthra, there is a dive site for everyone.
There are approximately 57 airports throughout The Bahamas, including
three International airports (Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama
Island, and The Exumas); 24 of these airports are official ports of
entry to The Islands Of The Bahamas.
''Aqua Cat'
Caribbean Explorer I'
Riding Rock Inn Resort and Marina
Stuart Cove Dive- Nasau
BRITISH
VIRGIN
ISLANDS
The
British Virgin Islands are volcanic outcrops of a vast underwater
plateau that stretches for more than 70 miles where the Caribbean meets
the Atlantic. Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and more
than 60 other smaller islands form a protective ring around the
crystal-clear aquamarine water known as the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Countless reefs, towering coral pinnacles, underwater
caves, lava tunnels, canyons, massive boulders and grottoes are strewn
across this vast submerged shelf, creating a choice of dive sites that
range from shallows for the novice snorkeller to dramatic sea caverns
and extraordinary shipwrecks for the experienced scuba diver. The
islands are small, friendly, and great getaways.
All flights must connect through another Caribbean airport on islands
such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts, or St. Maarten/St.
Martin. The most direct way to fly to the BVI is via San Juan, Puerto
Rico. Frequent connecting service is offered by American Eagle, Cape
Air, with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights. Air
Sunshine has direct flights from San Juan to Beef Island and Virgin
Gorda. Seaborne Airlines has direct flights from San Juan to Virgin
Gorda.
Dive Tortora
GRENADA
This
small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou (pronounced
Carry-a KOO), and Petite Martinique (pronounced Pitty Mar-ti-NEEK).
Grenada is by far the largest of the three, with a width of twelve
miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km). Its 133 square
miles are mountainous, volcanic terrain, reaching heights of over 2,756
feet atop Mount St. Catherine. This topography provides Grenada with
one of the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean,
including crater lakes as well as a variety of plant and animal life.
Dwarf forests high atop Mount St. Catherine descend to the montane
rainforests of middle altitudes, which give way in turn to the dry
forests of the lowlands. Those forests shift to mangrove at the coast,
giving way to stunning white sand beaches, brilliant blue water and
exquisite coral reefs. Grenada’s smaller sister island, Carriacou, is
hilly but not mountainous. With smoother terrain, Carriacou is an ideal
destination for walking. It possesses fine sand beaches and natural
harbours, as well as excellent views of the northern Grenadine islands.
Average temperatures range from 75ºF to 85ºF (24ºC to
30ºC), tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest
temperatures occur between November and February. Due to Grenada’s
remarkable topography, the island also experiences climate changes
according to altitude. The driest season is between January and May.
Even during the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains
for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day.
There are several ways to get to Grenada from the mainland US including
flights from American Eagle, BWIA, Air Jamaica and US Airways. It is
also possible to fly with other carriers via Barbados or Trinidad, with
connections onto Grenada via regional carriers LIAT or Caribbean Star.
Grenada and
its sister island of Carriacou
make an ideal two centre diving destination. Both islands are known for
spectacular walls and wrecks, with sharks, turtles, lobsters and giant
moray eels gliding against the backdrop of soft coral forest, striking
reefs and sponges.
Peter Hughes ‘Wind Dancer’
Aug 5 – Nov 24
PUERTO RICO
This
U.S.
possession is readily accessible from all parts of the country. It is a
favorite destination to use frequent flyer miles. The best diving
is along the western coast from Aguadilla to La Parguera. Decompress
while visiting Old San Juan before departing.
The climate is as close to perfect as it can get, averaging 83°F
(22.7°C) in the winter and 85°F (29.4°C) in the summer.
Rainfall tends to be evenly distributed throughout the year, but
doubles during the months from May to October, which, unfortunately,
coincides with hurricane season, as falls from November to April, with
a driest period from January to April. The north coast gets twice as
much rain as the south coast.
The water temperature is fairly consistent almost year-round at
approximately 81F. Underwater visibility is quite clear at about 60 to
75 feet just off shore, and if you go farther out into the ocean, you
can see up to 100 feet or more into the depths of Puerto Rico's
crystalline waters.
Not only are the cities of Puerto rich with history, brimming from
fascinating architecture and culture, but the underwater world
surrounding this island country has its own stories of the past to
tell. Artifacts that were sunken by powerful hurricanes, including
ships and even a 500-pound cannon dating back to the Dutch invasion of
1625, now lie at the sea floor.
SABA
Saba is a five square mile island in the northeastern Caribbean, 28
miles south of St. Maarten. Together with Statia, these three islands
form the Windward Islands of the Dutch Caribbean which is part of the
Dutch kingdom.
Known as the "Unspoiled Queen," Saba earns this reputation from her
rich, tropical, natural, beauty. At 2,864 feet above sea level, a dense
rain forest often peeks out from a light, cool cloud of moisture.
All travel to Saba connects in St. Maarten. Several major airlines from
North America, Europe and South America carry daily flights into St.
Maarten (SXM). Special charter flights area also available from major
cities during the winter season. Winair (Windward Islands Airways)
makes five or more flights each day to Saba to Juancho E. Yrausquin
Airport. Inter-island flights can be arranged, some are scheduled
weekly. The airport departure tax is $5.00 to Windward Islands, $20.00
per person elsewhere.
The Saba National Marine Park
The Saba National Marine Park was established in 1987 with the
objective to preserve and manage Saba's marine resources. The Marine
Park was not developed to repair a damaged environment but rather to
ensure the continued quality of an extraordinary resource for the
benefit and enjoyment of everyone. The Marine Park circles the entire
island from the high-water mark to a depth of 60 m (200 feet),
including the seabed and overlying waters. A zoning plan divides the
Marine Park for various recreational and commercial uses. A system of
permanent mooring buoys facilitates diving and prevents damage to
corals. One of the few self-sustaining marine parks anywhere in the
world, the Marine Park raises revenue through visitor fees, souvenir
sales, and donations. The Marine Park is administered by the Saba
Conservation Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with a mission
to contribute to the development and preservation of Saba's natural and
cultural heritage.
Saba is one of the more adventurous Caribbean destinations, both on
land and in the sea. Lava tunnels and hot springs remind divers of the
dramatic volcanic beginnings
of the island. The small leeward side hosts gentle, medium depth, spur
and
groove formations. Along the edge of Saba's sheer wall dives, divers
can sight
turtles and rays of all shapes and sizes. Accommodations are in
quaint villages at 1000 feet and above.
‘Caribbean
Explorer II’
Cottage
Club & Sea Saba
Julianas & Sea Saba
Queen’s Garden Resort & Sea Saba
US
VIRGIN ISLANDS
The U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the eastern
Caribbean, just 1,100 miles southeast of Miami. Surrounded by the clear
blue waters of the Caribbean, our average temperature ranges from
77ºF in the winter to 83ºF in the summer.
Each of our three major islands possesses a unique character all its
own. St. Croix's Danish influence is perfect for visitors who prefer a
laid-back experience. The historic towns of Frederiksted and
Christiansted offer quaint shops, charming pastel buildings, refreshing
cultural diversity. From horseback riding near eighteenth-century sugar
mills to playing golf on one of the island's three scenic golf courses,
you're sure to find something to suit your tastes.
The U.S. Virgin Islands have daily, non-stop flights from New York,
Newark, Baltimore, Atlanta, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Connecting
flights are availabe to and from Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, New
York, Miami, and Atlanta via the San Juan hub.
Two-thirds of St. John is a national park; its comfortable pace is
perfect for enjoying the island's world-renowned beaches such as Trunk
Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Salt Pond Bay. A nature lover's favorite, St.
John offers hiking, camping, specialty shopping, and breathtaking
views. If you take just a few hours to visit this island, you'll find
it well worth the trip.
St. Thomas boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. As
the most visited port in the Caribbean, downtown Charlotte Amalie
offers elegant dining, exciting nightlife, world-class, duty-free
shopping, and even submarine rides. While it's full of energy,
especially in Charlotte Amalie, this island also possesses numerous
natural splendors, such as stunning views of the Caribbean from 1,500
feet above sea level. On St. Thomas, whales breed off of
the north end of the island from January through April, and visitors
flock to the beautiful, unspoiled Magens Bay.
St. Croix offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. Buck Island,
famous for its striking natural beauty and underwater snorkeling
trails, is one of only two underwater National Monuments in the United
States. The north shore wall of the island, the Salt River Canyon, and
Cane Bay offer world-class scuba diving. Kayakers can see snowy egrets,
great barracudas, spotted eagle rays, and hundreds of other species in
Salt River Bay National Park and Ecological Preserve.
St
Croix
Anchor Dive
Dive Expereience
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino ☺✩
Legends:
☺kids friendly (kids program or kids rates available); ✩ wheelchair
accessible; ◊ internet access (◊◊ free)
