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.
ARUBA,
Netherlands Antilles
Near the
Venezuela coast, Aruba diving does not match neighboring
Bonaire and Curacao, but miles of white sand, glitzy casinos, hotels
and restaurants may make it a good compromise destination for the
nondiving spouse.
Penetrating the impressive hull of an underwater wreck often means
coming across a school of anchovies or a watchful snapper hiding in the
corner. Often it is enough to enjoy the play of light as it too finds
its way into the wreck, reflecting off the bubbles emitted by your dive
buddy.
Aruba earns its reputation as the wreck dive destination of the
Caribbean with over half a dozen wrecks submerged in its waters. The
Antilla, a German freighter -- which at close to 400 feet long, is also
the Caribbean's largest wreck -- is by far the favorite, even among
longtime, resident divers, who always seem to find something new at the
site.
Aruba lies south of
the hurricane belt.
Occidental Grand Aruba ☺◊
Legends:
☺kids friendly (kids program or kids rates available); ✩ wheelchair
accessible; ◊ internet access (◊◊ free)
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'
Stuart Cove Dive- Nasau
BELIZE
The
world’s
second largest barrier reef begins off the coast of Belize. Turneffe
Ialand, Lighthouse Reef, site of the famous “Blue Hole” and St.
George’s Reef are some of the islands straddling the reef.
Ambergris Caye is at the north end above the reef. Jacques
Cousteau fell in love with this area with its great diversity and warm
waters. After diving, explore the jungle and travel to the Mayan ruins
on mainland.
International flights to Belize are via Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas,
Houston, Miami or Los Angeles.
'Belize Aggressor III'
Peter Hughes
'Sun Dancer II'
Ambergris Cay
The largest of all the cayes, Ambergris Caye is renowned for its
beaches and proximity to the coral reef. San Pedro, the caye's hub,
offers any variety of accommodations, restaurants, bars and nightlife.
For a change of pace and scenery, the bay side of the caye is a great
place to get acquainted with Belizean bird life.
Aqua Marina Suites ☺
Ramon’s Village
Sun Breeze Beach Hotel ☺
Victoria House Resort
Main Land
- Tobacco Caye - great spur and grove formations just east of the
island.
- South Water Caye Marine Reserve - Belize's largest marine reserve.
- Silk Cayes - home to the world's largest population of whale
sharks during the months of February to May.
- Gladden Spit
- Laughingbird Caye - Belize's smallest marine reserve.
- Sapodilla Cayes
Hamanasi Resort - Gangriga
Banana Bank Lodge – rainforest & ruins ☺
Chaa Creek – rainforest & ruins ☺
Lamanai Outpost Lodge - rainforest & ruins
Outer Islands
Turneffe Atoll: the largest of three atolls found in Belize, is
30 miles long. The water dept measures between 55 and 65 feet.
Glover's Reef; most south of the three, is often overlooked. It has a
diameter of some 40 miles with over 700 shallow patch reefs in its
interior.
Lighthouse Reef; the farthest from the mainland but unlike Glover's
Reef gets plenty of visitors. Depth near the reef is around 9 feet. The
great Blue Hole at the center of Lighthouse Reef is described as one of
the best dive sites on Earth and a must for all advanced divers. It has
a dept of 480 feet with stalagtites at 130 feet.
Blackbird Caye Resort - Turneffe Atoll ☺
Isla Marisol - Glovers Atoll ☺
Manta Resort - Glovers Atoll ☺
St. George Lodge - St. George Cay ☺
Turneffe Flats
Turneffe Island Lodge
BONAIRE, Netherlands Antilles
The coral grows
right up to the shore on this desert island which is probably the
“shore diving capital of the world”. Photographers delight in the
diverse life found in these rolling coral reefs. Every dive package
includes unlimited tanks for shore diving. Bring your computer, study
your repetitive tables, and get ready for a major nitrogen experience.
South of the hurricane belt, this is a favorite destination all year
around.
Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the
Caribbean. Because the waters around Bonaire have been protected by an
actively managed marine park for the past 25 years, Bonaire today ranks
amongst the top four best diving destinations in the world*. The
island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with
little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of
silt, calm, and diveable year round. It is an ideal destination for
underwater photographers. Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F
(25.6-28.9°C), with visibility averaging over 100 feet (30m), and
frequently reaching up to 150 feet (50m).
The Bonaire Marine Park
The fringing reef which surrounds Bonaire is a National Marine Park
from the high water mark down to a depth of 200 feet/60m. Every diver
who has not dived on Bonaire within the last calendar year must attend
a diver orientation dealing with Bonaire Marine Park regulations and
information. These orientation sessions are usually held at around 9AM
the morning after you arrive on Bonaire, and you are required to attend
and to obtain your Marine Park tag, which is necessary to legally dive
in Bonaire's waters. The cost of the tag is US$25, and proceeds help
support park management and services.
American Eagle
currently operates daily nonstop flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico to
and from Bonaire, with originating gateways from major U.S. cities.
Delta Airlines offers their weekly non-stop flights from Atlanta to
Bonaire and return.
Continental Airlines offers two non-stop weekly flights. The first is a
round-trip flight between Newark and Bonaire, and the second is from
Houston.
Bel
Mar Apartments ✩◊
Buddy
Dive Resort ☺◊
Captain Don’s Habitat ◊
Caribbean Club Bonaire
Den Laman Condos ☺◊
Divi Flamingo Beach Hotel☺✩◊
Harbour Village Resort ☺◊◊
Lions Dive & Beach Resort
Plaza Resort ☺
Port Bonaire ◊
Sand Dollar Condos ☺
Seaside Apartments
Legends:
☺kids friendly (kids program or kids rates available); ✩ wheelchair
accessible; ◊ internet access (◊◊ free)
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
CAYMAN ISLANDS
The
island country consists of Grand Cayman, which is the largest and most
populous of the trio. The Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little
Cayman, which lie approximately 89 miles east-northeast of Grand Cayman
and are separated from each other by a channel about seven miles wide.
The Cayman Islands lie 480 miles south of Miami, nestled in the
turquoise waters of the western Caribbean. The three gentle
islands are located just 149 miles south of their closest Caribbean
neighbor Cuba, and 167 miles northwest of Jamaica. Remote, yet
not removed, it's no wonder Cayman has been meeting the demands of
vacationers for over 400 years.
These three
islands just south of Cuba offer some of the most spectacular walls and
clear water in the Caribbean.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman's reefs offer a variety of marine life encounters. The
fish and critters are unafraid of divers, knowing we pose no threat.
They don't flee when approached. Instead, silvery Tarpon hover
motionless in mid-water, surrounded by glittery Silversides, and French
Angelfish that fin in close to check you out. Huge Barrel Sponges and
swirling schools of fish are common off Grand Cayman. These reefs are
unspoiled. orgonians and hard corals thrive in the clear, warm
waters. Most dive sites are just minutes offshore. Grand Cayman’s
famous Stingray City
where divers and snorkelers can interact with wild stingrays is a “must
see”.
Cayman
Brac
Cayman Brac is
the middle sister of the three Cayman Islands. It is a coral island
surrounded by reef with a population of about 1200 residents. It has
changed very little since it was discovered in 1503 by Christopher
Columbus. Despite its history of pirate adventure and hidden treasure,
it remains a peaceful quiet hideaway not only for divers and
snorkelers, but also for sports fishermen, bird watchers, rock
climbers, and those who just want to relax.
Around
Cayman
Brac there are activities which will complete your Cayman Islands
vacation. Take a day to scout out the 12-mile long isle. Hike around
the caves that dot the bluff wall near Spot Bay. See if you can screw
up your courage to visit the real Bat Cave. Bird watching is colorful
on Cayman Brac. Try and spot the source of that intriguing squawking
you hear – the stealth Brac Parrot.
Cayman Brac, with its many wreck dives, offers different delights than
Little Cayman. In 1996 a 330 foot Russian warship with four deck guns,
renamed the MV Capt. Keith Tibbetts, was sunk off the west end of the
island. As well, there are three other wrecks in the area, the 65-foot
Cayman Mariner, the 60-foot tugboat Kissimee and the Prince Frederick
which ran aground in 1897. Other sites around Cayman Brac include an
ancient anchor embedded in a wall, many shallow coral reefs and an
underwater city of Atlantis.
Little
Cayman
Little Cayman is the smallest and least developed of the three Cayman
Islands, located 87 miles northeast of Grand Cayman, five miles west of
Cayman Brac, 480 miles from Miami and 90 miles south of Havana. The
island itself - just 10 miles long and 1 mile wide - is blessed with 22
miles of spectacular coastline and, just offshore, incredible coral
reefs teeming with over 150 kinds of coral and more than 500 species of
fish.
Bloody Bay Wall, one of the most pristine underwater sites in the
world, is part of a unique ocean reef system surrounding Little Cayman.
Rated as the best diving in the Caribbean by National Geographic
photographer David Doubilet and underwater cinematographer Stan
Waterman, Bloody Bay Wall's natural beauty has been protected for
future generations with its designation as a Marine Park. Bloody Bay
Wall on Little
Cayman is a favorite spot that divers return to again and again.
'Cayman
Aggressor IV'
Grand
Cayman
Cobalt Coast
Resort ☺◊◊
Comfort Suites ◊
Dive'N Stuff
Don Foster's Dive Center
Ocean Frontiers
Cayman
Brac
Brac Caribbean
Condos
Brac Reef Beach Resort
Little
Cayman
Conch Club
Little Cayman
Beach Resort
Paradise Villas
Sam McCoy’s Dive
Lodge
Legends:
☺kids friendly (kids program or kids rates available); ✩ wheelchair
accessible; ◊ internet access (◊◊ free)
CURACAO, Netherlands Antilles
The island of
Curaçao lies roughly 60 km off the coast of Venezuela. It
is the largest island of the Dutch West Indies, six islands that have
formed part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since the early 17th
century. The other islands which together make up the Dutch West Indies
are Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. Curaçao
covers a total of 444 km2 and the highest point is the 375 m
high Christoffelberg. The climate is semi-arid and average rainfall
amounts to 570 mm 922 inches) per year. The central part of the island
around the harbor of Willemstad is the most heavily populated. The
island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, has lagoons with sea
grass beds and mangroves, saline saliña habitat, home year round
to the West Indian flamingo, and beautiful coastal woodlands.
Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator,
Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average
temperature is about 27° C (in the mid 80s F). Cooling trade winds
blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The
rainy season, which is between October and February, is usually marked
by short, occasional showers, mostly at night, and continued sunny
weather by day. Additionally, Curaçao is located on the outer
fringes of the hurricane belt.
Curacao has been
getting more attention from divers lately, although the diving here has
been good all along. The island is stepping out of the shadow of
neighboring Bonaire as a diving destination in its own right. The
Curaçao water temperatures vary between 24° and 27° C.
There is current at times, but it is usually mild. (There are
exceptions. E.g. it can really “blow” around the Superior Producer!)
The
quaint old town of Willemstad adds an old world cultural flare to the
island. Most hotels in town have casinos and dancing, so although you
can “get away from it all”, you can also go to town for some fun.
American Airlines, Continental and Delta flies into Curacao.
Habitat
Curacao ◊
Lions Dive Hotel ◊◊
Sunset Water
Resort ◊
Legends:
☺kids friendly (kids program or kids rates available); ✩ wheelchair
accessible; ◊ internet access (◊◊ free)
DOMINICA
Dominica
has all-around adventures with gorgeous reefs, plenty of tropical fish,
rainforests, hiking, waterfalls, and warm water springs. July to
November is the wet season. Dominica is at the edge of the hurricane
belt. There is resident population of sperm whales, as well as dolphins
and humpback whales in winter months.
Sheer
walls drop
thousands of feet straight from the shoreline, pinnacles rise up from
the depths shrouded in schools of wrasse and chromis. Large yellowtail
snappers, cero, barracuda and schools of horse eye jacks patrol the
deeper waters. Sloping reefs hide creatures considered rare in many
destinations like seahorses,
frogfish and flying gurnards. The crests of its submerged peaks are
decorated with colorful corals and tropical reef fishes. Scorpion fish,
red banded lobsters, banded coral shrimps are also commonly found, and
in the North batfish are also common. It is not unusual to see three
turtles on a single dive!
International flights from US and Europe are connected to the island
through hubs in Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe and
Martinique. Leeward Island Air Transport (LIAT) usually completes the
Dominican leg of these flights. LIAT and American Eagle also provide
connecting flights to the island out of Puerto Rico.
Anchorage
Hotel &
Dive Center
Castle Comfort
Inn
Fort Young Hotel
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
TOBAGO
The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago is located at the
southern end of the Caribbean islands a few miles from the coast of
Venezuela. Big sister Trinidad, is the bustling, industrial and
commercial center, while Tobago is the laid back, sleepy little sister.
In Tobago one is never far from a palm-lined sandy beach or a waterfall
tumbling down into a rock lined pool at the edge of the rainforest. In
addition to scuba diving, there are many other pursuits that offer
ample opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that Tobago has to offer.
There are several tour operators that offer golf, bird-watching,
snorkeling, rainforest hikes, fishing, kayaking and sailing trips or
tours.
Weather here is temperate most of the year with average daytime air
tempertures ranging from 85F/29C to 88F/31C. June to November is the
rainy season, during which time we often get short, hard rainstorms,
usually at night, but rarely get prolonged downpours. Out of the path
of winter storms and hurricanes, the diving is fine all year
‘round.
Delta Airlines now offers direct flights from Atlanta to Tobago. Most
of the other North American airlines that service Trinidad & Tobago
arrive and depart from Trinidad but there are several domestic shuttle
flights per day between the two islands via BWIA, Tobago Express,
L.I.A.T. or Caribbean Star. In addition to the domestic airbridge
service, there is also a daily ferry service between the two islands.
Rich and colourful shallow water reefs surround Tobago, making it easy
for you to explore the island's spectacular aquatic communities by
scuba diving or snorkeling from shore.
The waters around Tobago support approximately 300 different species of
coral, including staghorn, elkhorn, fire coral, giant tube sponges and
starlet coral. There is also a broad range of reefs, rock pillars,
wrecks and extravagant undersea gardens filled with giant sea fans,
whips and plumes. Remarkable sites exist off Speyside, Little Tobago
and Goat Island on the northeastern side of Tobago where you can drift
dive along reefs with sponges the size of bathtubs and bushes of black
coral. On the southeast coast are the exceptionally clear Nylon Pool
and Buccoo Reef National Park.
During the months of March to July, Manta Reef is the place to see
giant rays, and divers also encounter dolphins, marine turtles and
sharks.
Speyside is at the far end
of the island, so be ready to schedule a day or two near the airport if
your flight arrives late or leaves early.
Peter
Hughes ‘Wind Dancer' June
1-July 31, Dec 9-30
Blue Waters Inn & Aqua Marine
TURKS & CAICOS
The Turks and Caicos consist of 40 different islands and
cays, only 8 of which are inhabited. The islands of the Turks and
Caicos are almost as diverse as its people. From the main tourist
center of Providenciales to the quiet and tranquil islands of North and
Middle Caicos to the historic Capital Island of Grand Turk; each one
offers a different experience and a unique character but all offer year
round great climate, beaches and underwater activities.
Providenciales is the most well known of the Turks and Caicos Islands
and is the center of the tourism industry with a wide range of hotels,
restaurants, attractions and facilities.
Grand Turk and Salt Cay offer a glimpse into Caribbean history with
great Bermudian architecture and a rustic charm as well as some of the
best diving and probably the most "relaxing" time you will ever have.
Grand Turk is also home to a brand new cruise ship center.
South Caicos is the center for fishing, with lobster and conch exported
from the islands, the historic Cockburn harbor and the natural
phenomenon of the boiling hole. This small yet friendly island offers
many secluded beaches with awe inspiring views of the turquoise waters
and surrounding islands.
Most visitors fly into Providenciales upon entry to the islands and
then can easily take a commuter flight to the other islands.
Excellent visibility (up to 200 feet), pristine reefs, abundant
tropical flora and fauna, fish and other marine life, quality diving
services and easy conditions make the Turks and Caicos Islands a world
class diving destination. There is exceptional wall diving starting in
shallow turquoise water and dropping off into the deep blue giving a
real thrill. The reef is relatively close to the beach which makes for
accessible beach dives. Shipwrecks, old and new further increase the
multiplicity of the islands as an outstanding diving destination.
Under the National Parks Ordinance, vast areas have been set aside as
marine park and fisheries reserves, replenishment, and mooring buoys
have been established at all dive sites and mooring areas to avoid any
possible damage from anchors. As part of the general preservation and
protection drive, divers visiting Turks and Caicos are encouraged to
observe, respect and enjoy the pristine natural beauty of the marine
environment and to leave the reef as healthy as they found it.
Provo (Providenciales)
‘Turks & Caicos Aggressor II'
‘Turks & Caicos Explorer'
Comfort Suites & Dive Provo ◊◊
Miramer & Dive Provo ◊
Ocean Club & Provo Turtle Divers ◊◊
Royal West Indies & Dive Provo ☺◊◊
Sibbone & Dive Provo ◊
Turtle Cove Inn & Provo Turtle Divers ☺
Grand Turk
Osprey Beach Hotel & Sea Eye Divers
Pillory
Beach Hotel
Salt
Raker Inn
Turks Head Mansion ◊◊
Salt Cay
Salt Cay Divers
Various Inns & Villas
South Caicos
South Caicos Diver
Legends:
☺kids friendly (kids program or kids rates available); ✩ wheelchair
accessible; ◊ internet access (◊◊ free)
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)
