Best Scuba Diving Places in The Caribbean Sea: 7 Essential Destinations

Welcome fellow divers! Are you planning a tropical scuba diving vacation? Look no further because we’ve covered you with the Best Scuba Diving Places in the Caribbean Sea.

We all know that the Caribbean is famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, but it also boasts some of the world’s best diving destinations. The region is home to a vast amount and diversity of marine life that has captivated divers for years.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, diving in the Caribbean is an adventure that will leave a lasting impression. That’s why Dressel Divers has put together a list of the 7 Best Places to Scuba Dive in the Caribbean, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring the ocean’s depths.

Our top picks include some of the most breathtaking diving places in the region. From the vibrant coral reefs in Cozumel to the world-renowned wrecks of the Cayman Islands, there’s something for every type of diver.

So, pack your bags, grab your gear, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on the best places to scuba dive in the Caribbean, take a look at our content table, and let us help you plan your dream diving vacation.

1. Best Places to Scuba Dive in Mexico

1.1. Cozumel Scuba Diving Places

Cozumel is, probably, the best place to go scuba diving in the Caribbean. It’s only about 31 miles long. However, the island’s biggest draw isn’t on land, it’s in the surrounding waters.

The second-largest coral reef in the world is located off its coasts. Remember these names: Colombia, Palancar, Punta Sur, Santa Rosa, because they’re some of the most beautiful reefs in the area. Find out about the best places to go scuba diving near Cozumel in the article Cozumel Reefs: The Very Best Ones (Maps and Pictures Included)

With an average water visibility of 99 feet, you’ll be able to see butterfly, angel, and parrotfish, along with moray eels, barracudas, turtles, eagle rays, and nurse sharks. This list is just a small sample of the hundreds of species that call Cozumel’s seabed home. You’ll also find unique endemic species like the splendid toadfish of Cozumel.

Visit the island and you will understand why Cozumel is considered the Caribbean best place to scuba dive and one of the best diving destinations in the world. Besides, it doesn’t matter if you have many years of experience or you have just got certified, Cozumel will leave you speechless and wishing to come back as soon as possible.

1.2. Place For Scuba Diving in The Mayan Riviera

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) doesn’t end in Cozumel, it actually runs practically along the entire coastline of the Mexican Caribbean. We’re talking about the largest coral reef system in the northern hemisphere and the second longest in the world. Therefore, note that there are few diving spots in the world that can compare to the ones you’ll find in the Riviera Maya.

The dive headquarters of the Riviera Maya is Playa del Carmen. It makes the Riviera Maya one of the best scuba diving destinations in the Caribbean to enjoy this sport because of the variety of options you can enjoy. Tropical fish, nurse sharks, rays, barracuda, and beautiful coral reefs await you in the Riviera Maya.

Did you know that there’s a sunken shipwreck in the waters off Playa del Carmen? It’s called the Mama Viña and it’s an old shrimp boat that has been resting on the ocean floor since 1995. This dive spot is a must-see for any scuba enthusiast visiting Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

But that’s not all, Playa del Carmen is also one of the few places to scuba dive with bull sharks in the world. It is possible from November to mid-March.

So, if you’re looking for the Best Places to Scuba Dive in the Caribbean, be sure to check out our article The 7 Best Playa Del Carmen Reefs for Scuba Diving (Maps and Pictures Included).

Puerto Aventuras, on the other hand, is another of the best places to scuba dive in the world. We are talking about the Cenotes. There, the extraordinary visibility of the water will allow you to enjoy backlights and haloclines in a unique environment. Don’t forget to add the Yucatan Cenotes to your list of must-see dive spots!

2. Best Scuba Diving Places in the Dominican Republic

Are you ready to explore the most breathtaking scuba diving places in the Caribbean?

Let’s turn our attention to the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear lagoons of two stunning islands: Catalina Island and Saona Island.

These two islands offer divers and snorkelers the opportunity to experience two of the best scuba diving places in the Dominican Republic. Everyone there can enjoy two of the top diving destinations in the Caribbean by visiting them. The coral reefs surrounding both islands are stunning, and the fantastic Catalina Wall on Catalina Island stands out as the star attraction. The great variety of marine fauna and flora, such as sponges, turtles, and colorful tropical fish, is also impressive.

If you love wreck diving, you’ll be thrilled with what the Dominican Republic has to offer. Even with just an Open Water certification, you can explore incredible wrecks like St George near Bayahibe and Aston in Punta Cana.

The water temperature is perfect for diving all year round, ranging from 26-31º Celsius (78.8- 87.8º Fahrenheit). So, what are you waiting for? Add the Dominican Republic to your list of best dive places and get ready for an unforgettable scuba diving experience.

3. Best Place to Scuba Dive in Jamaica

Jamaica is at the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Nature has been extraordinarily generous to the island, making it beautiful in every way. If you’re looking for amazing destinations in the Caribbean without the crowds, look no further than Jamaica.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Jamaica has something for everyone. Swim alongside rays, sharks, and sea turtles, explore colorful coral reefs, and marvel at the incredible variety of marine life that calls Jamaica home.

This island paradise is a hidden gem for scuba divers, with over 100 active dive sites to choose from. But, If you’re looking for the best diving spots in Jamaica, be sure to check out the Montego Bay area. With its protected marine park and stunning sea walls, it’s a must-visit destination for any scuba enthusiast. Best of all, its perfect climate means you can dive practically every day of the year. So, you can plan your trip to Jamaica any time of year and enjoy near-perfect diving conditions.

What are you waiting for? Come explore the best scuba diving places in Jamaica.

4. Places To Go Scuba Diving in Cuba

These are the best places to dive and experience the beauty and diversity of the Cuban underwater world.

One of the best scuba diving destinations in Cuba is Jardines de la Reina. It is on our list of the best diving spots in the Caribbean simply because there, surrounded by vibrant coral gardens, you will have shark companions such as silky, nurse, lemon, and typical Caribbean reef sharks.

The Bahía de Cochinos in the Gulf of Cazones is another great place to dive. There you can explore a 1961 invasion wreck, and colorful coral walls, and find sinkholes, black coral, lobsters, and hawksbill turtles. The USS Merrimac in Santiago de Cuba is a famous wreck that you can explore, but only when the tide is rising due to the amount of floating sediment in the port.

5. Best Places to Scuba Dive in The Cayman Islands

As a scuba diver, you are well aware that the Caribbean is a treasure trove of breathtaking underwater views. And to complete the list of the best scuba diving spots in the region, we cannot forget about the Cayman Islands. While it is true that some of the best scuba diving places are quite challenging and require an Advanced Open Water certification, others are more accessible.

Ghost Mountain, located in the Grand Cayman, is a dive spot that boasts a pinnacle shaped like a mushroom emerging fully from the deep. It is home to incredible marine life, such as banded coral shrimp and starlet corals.

You can also observe and even touch stingrays at the unique Stingray City sandbar, explore all five levels of a sunken US Navy ship at the USS Kittiwake, or dive deeper to witness black coral swathes, brilliant purple sea fans, and barrel sponges into the diving spot called Babylon.

6. Best Place to Scuba Diving in Colombia

The island of San Andres is one of the best scuba destinations in the Caribbean, and the best place to scuba dive in Colombia. So beautiful is that part of the Caribbean that many people know these waters as the “sea of seven colors”. There is a very stunning coastal reef with great marine diversity.

The Blue Hole and the Pyramids are some of its highlights. The first one is approximately 30m/98 feet in depth so it is only for advanced divers. However, Pirámides is suitable for all levels, as long as the sea is calm. So, if you want to dive, it is not advisable to visit the island in the rainy season.  In this diving place, the manta rays will be the protagonists of your dive, although there will be e many more characters in the video of this dive.

So, are you ready to pack your bags and explore the “Best Scuba Diving Places in The Caribbean?” Now, it’s your turn to share with us the ones which are on your wish list. Happy diving!