Diving Facts
- Number of dive shops:
Over 20
- Recommended travel time:
June to October
- Recommended diving suit:
Wetsuit, 3 mm
- Flight connection:
Edelweiss recommendation
Whether you want sunken wrecks, rare animals or colourful corals – Jamaica offers diving fans a whole host of possibilities. The sunken city of Port Royal, near the capital Kingston, offers a truly fascinating experience. In the 17th century, the port was the trade hub of the Caribbean and was also infamous because of the pirates operating out of there. When a severe earthquake hit the city in 1692, it largely sank into the sea. Today, anyone who dares to venture about ten metres into the ocean depths can set out on a journey into the past. However, you need a diving permit to explore this unique diving spot, but it’s worth it as some of the ruins are still well-preserved.
Top diving spots in Jamaica
Aircraft wreck diving off Montego Bay
1,200 square kilometres of coral reefs lie around the third largest island in the Greater Antilles, but there is more than colourful coral waiting to be discovered off Jamaica. Off the coast of the resort town of Montego Bay, you can explore the “Sunken Plane Wreck”. Once it conquered the air, now it’s the sea, because the old aircraft provides a home to many Caribbean fish species as an artificial coral reef. The wreck is located on the sandy ocean floor at a depth of 18 metres and divers are invited to dive through the old cabin. The reef is ideal for experienced divers seeking the challenge of a complex underwater structure with caves and tunnels. Swarms of small barracuda, parrotfish, surgeonfish and angelfish are at home close to the sunken aircraft wreck. Reef and nurse sharks also swim by here.
Reef, cave and wreck diving at The Arches
Near Negril, there is the popular diving spot called “The Arches”. The reef owes its name to its arc-shaped coral formation, which is home, among other things, to grunts, wrasse and trumpetfish, as well as rays. At “The Arches” you can also discover an aircraft wreck and various caves and rock overhangs, so there is plenty of variety. As the plane lies at a depth of 18 metres and the deepest point of the coral arch is 21 metres, the dive site is well-suited to beginners and introductory dives. The visibility of up to 30 metres allows you not only to admire the colourful coral reefs, but also, with a bit of luck, to spot a nurse shark swimming past in the distance.
The pinnacle of diving in the Throne Room
Put your crown and wetsuit on. Off the coast of Negril, there is a diving spot awaiting you that lives up to its name. Through a crevice in an underwater cave, you reach the Throne Room. Orange-coloured elephant ear sponges arranged in the cave like a throne are what give this dive spot its majestic name. What is particularly fascinating in this dive are the light conditions in the underwater cave and the coral and sponges that decorate all the walls. Lurking in the light and shadows, you can spot stingrays, eels, barracudas and, if you’re lucky, even nurse sharks. Because of its narrow tunnels and the cave exit at 21 metres of depth, only experienced divers able to maintain good buoyancy levels should dive in this mystical location, to prevent any coral from being touched or damaged.
The colourful splendour of Devil’s Reef
The underwater world off the coast is just as heavenly as the famous beach in Ocho Rios. At the Devil’s Reef off the popular resort, the sea is at its most colourful with coral in every colour and an impressive variety of sea creatures. The spot owes its diabolical name to its depth, which only experienced divers with the right certification should attempt. First of all, the reef gently falls away to a depth of 20 metres, followed by a steep wall that extends to a sandy seabed at a depth of around 40 metres. As well as the colourful coral, divers at Devil’s Reef can also see moray eels, turtles and maybe even nurse sharks. Various diving centres in Ocho Rios offer boat tours to the devilish diving spot.
The pleasure of historical diving at the wreck of the SS Kathryn
Also just off the coast of Ocho Rios is the wreck of the SS Kathryn. The former Second World War minesweeper was deliberately sunk in the 1950s to create an artificial reef. Today, the 37-metre-long wreck is covered with corals and sponges, and offers divers the opportunity to explore parts of the wreck like the bridge from the inside. It lies at a depth of 15 metres, but PADI recommends this dive site to be used by experienced divers with good buoyancy control. Another highlight is that numerous stingrays can often be found frolicking in the sand on the seabed and, from time to time, a nurse shark may also swim past. Alongside the option of wreck diving, the nearby Kathryn Caverns also offer another diving option from this dive site.
For the adventurous - diving in Widowmaker's Cave
Widowmaker's Cave in Montego Bay Marine Park is one of Jamaica's most famous dive sites for advanced divers. Despite the ominous name, it is safe for divers to dive here. However, experience, due to the sometimes narrow passages, it’s essential to have good buoyancy control and not to suffer from claustrophobia. Widowmaker's Cave can be entered either at a depth of around 10 metres or 24 metres. Depending on the entrance chosen, there are different challenges within the numerous passages. As a reward, divers are treated to a whole host of sights, with colourful sponges and soft corals adorning the walls, while parrotfish, barracudas and trumpetfish glide through the cave.
Activity at/in the destination
Recommended diving courses
The following diving schools and courses are the ideal choice for exciting excursions.
