Explore Jamaica

Scuba diving in Jamaica isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for those vacationing in this culture-rich Caribbean nation. It isn’t as well known for diving as its other West Indies counterparts, but that doesn’t equate to zero possibilities for divers in Jamaica. There are plenty of options with lots to see underwater, such as schools of tropical fish, stingrays, eels, various coral species and a few sharks and turtles.

There are around 100 dive sites around Jamaica’s 1,022 km (635 miles) of coastline, where a wealth of marine life typical to the Caribbean Sea thrives. Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are where the best diving happens, and since the 1990s, these regions have created designated marine parks and reserves, which has enabled the reefs to improve over the years.

The conditions are Jamaica’s dive sites, which are usually shallow and calm, mean that it’s a great place to take beginner dive courses. For those seeking further certifications, cave and wreck specialty courses are a good choice, as there are many sites perfect for these kinds of training.

Most dive sites are accessible by shore or boat, and are usually quick to arrive at. You can find lots of dive centers in the beach towns, or alternatively, dive resorts and most all-inclusive resorts will have their own dive center that you can use. Liveaboard diving remains scarce around Jamaica, so your best bet is to approach resorts and dive centers for your trip.