Negril
Negril is a popular resort town in the Westmoreland Parish on the west coast of the island of Jamaic
Explore Westmoreland
Westmoreland is a parish that lies on the southwest coast of the Caribbean island of Jamaica. The main town where divers visit to experience diving in these waters is Negril, a popular resort town located in the northwest of this parish. Visiting this area means long stretches of sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and an incredibly high abundance of marine life inhabiting the thriving coral reefs. The dive centers and dive resorts take divers to the most colorful and spectacular dive sites around, whether it be the impressive sea sponges at The Throne Room or the unique plane wreck dives. The climate here is warm throughout the year, which means warm air temperatures and warm water temperatures. The water temperatures are between 26°C–28°C/79°F–82°F throughout the year. The visibility is great overall, with an average of 25 meters/82 feet, reaching over 35 meters/115 feet in the peak diving season. All of the impressive dive sites are close to shore, so no long boat journeys are required, which means more time to enjoy the area, both above and below the water.
Top Regions to Explore
Dive Centers
Top Westmoreland Dive Sites
The Throne Room
The Throne Room is a popular dive site known for its wide cavern leading to a reef surrounded by walls of diverse marine flora. Divers often encounter various reef fish and vibrant sponges, including a large sponge resembling a throne. It offers an easy-to-moderate scuba adventure, perfect for exploring impressive reef structures.
The Arches
At The Arches, divers can swim through a large underwater arch leading to a steep drop-off. The site is adorned with magnificent sea sponges and corals, attracting vibrant schools of reef fish. This site is suitable for scuba diving and offers a moderate level of adventure, with stunning underwater formations to explore.
Deep Plane
Deep Plane is a thrilling wreck dive site resting at 27 meters/89 feet, home to abundant marine life and vibrant corals. Scuba divers can explore ledges, overhangs, and caverns, with a technical adventure level suitable for experienced divers. This site is a must-visit for those interested in wreck exploration and marine diversity.
Shallow Plane
Shallow Plane, located at around 18 meters/59 feet, offers a captivating wreck dive experience teeming with marine life. Surrounded by colorful corals and underwater structures, it is ideal for scuba divers seeking an advanced adventure. The site is rich in biodiversity, making it a popular choice for wreck enthusiasts.
Shark Reef
Shark Reef is a dive site where divers can encounter reef sharks, mainly nurse sharks, hiding under overhangs. It features the largest coral pinnacle, providing a majestic underwater experience. This site is suitable for advanced scuba divers, offering thrilling encounters with marine life in a dynamic environment.
The best Months to dive in Westmoreland
Westmoreland, Jamaica, offers favorable diving conditions year-round, making it an attractive destination for divers. The water temperature ranges from 26°C/79°F in the cooler months to about 29°C/84°F during the warmer months, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout the year. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, particularly in areas away from shore.
While diving is possible all year, divers should be cautious of the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. During this period, winds and ocean currents can become unpredictable, occasionally affecting diving conditions. However, even during these months, there are often windows of calm weather. Generally, the best diving conditions are from December to May, when the seas are calm and the weather is more stable, offering ideal conditions for exploring the underwater world.