Perhaps, what you know most about Jamaica is the beautiful reggae music, the tropical climate, and the vintage rum. But there is more to Jamaica than you have ever been told. If you want to get the best feel of this beautiful Island, then you better make an arrangement to vacation in the Island.
The Best Time to Scuba Dive in Jamaica
Scuba diving Jamaica can be done at different times of the year. This is because the Island does not experience extremes of winter and summer. But if you want to get the perfect scuba diving experience, then arrange your scuba diving Jamaica activities around the months of June to September.
Source: Best Time to Visit Jamaica for Vacation
During this time, you will find the perfect conditions for diving and other sea activities such as Kayak tours and surfing. The waters will be crystal clear with a visibility of 125 feet. In addition to this, the water temperature during these months is quite welcoming. You will enjoy water temperatures of around 82°F. Here, you will forget about the cold and unwelcoming water of the far North and get an opportunity to immerse yourself in the soothing and warm waters of the Caribbean.
Source: Traveling to Jamaica in 2019 | FACTS YOU BETTER KNOW!
One thing which makes Jamaica a popular vacationing destination all year round is its welcoming weather. Even during winter, the weather is quite amazing and can permit all sorts of outdoor activities. The lowest water temperatures during winter are around 78°F which are far more comfortable than the winter temperatures in North America. The visibility is also quite reasonable and falls around 32 ft during the winter.
Popular Scuba Diving Jamaica Locations
1. Devil’s Reef – Ocho Rios
This is a breathtaking diving site which features a wide variety of sea creatures and natural formations. Here, you will find the scorpion fish, sea lugs, tunnels, and even nurse sharks. In addition to this, you will get an opportunity to view multicolored coral reefs, caverns, and a wide population of barracuda fish.
Source: Sandals Resorts – Scuba Nation Ochi Devil’s Reef
This reef slopes downwards from the surface of the water to around 60 feet where it takes a steeper downward angle to about 132 feet. At the bottom of this ridge, you will find a sandy surface where you can explore a wide variety of sea creatures. The deep dive is a preserve of trained and experienced divers while newbie and open water divers can explore the natural riches in the upper side of the reef.
2. Port Royal – Kingston
Port Royal has a rich historical heritage dating back to 15th century when pirates used to attack ships crossing the Caribbean waters and rob the seamen of their possessions. This port is also associated with historical shipwrecks due to its rather turbulent waters which puzzled many captains and sailors of the past. One of the notable shipwrecks is the Kim & Trader tragedy which saw all the merchandise carried in this historic ship sink deep into the ocean.
Source: Yardie Divers Jamaica || Port Royal Dive Sites
If you choose this diving site, you will encounter a wide array of fish, sandy ocean floors, and perhaps if lucky enough, find a gem buried in the bottom of the sea. While here, you can also request special permission to explore the sunken city which was buried deep into the ocean during the 1692 earthquake.
3. The Throne Room – Negril
Negril is a favorite vacationing destination to many international tourists. The key tourist attractions include expansive sandy beaches, first-class hotels, and a rich marine life. The diving sites in this area are also quite numerous with the Throne Room being the most visited.
Source: Diving The Throne Room Negril, Jamaica
The entry to the Throne room measures around 8 feet by 25 feet and features a crack deep in the sea which leads to the most thrilling sea life and natural formations. The walls of this spectacular cave are covered by multi-colored coral reefs, and large sponges depicting the elephant ear. At the deeper sections of this cave, you will find rich marine creatures including octopus, sea turtles, and eels.
4. The Canyon – Runaway Bay
This diving site is located in Runaway Bay. The Canyon dive starts at 33 feet and descends further to cover a length of 140 feet. If you are a person who loves the thrill generated by vertical dives, then the Canyon dive is a sure place to give you such an experience. At the deep of this diving site, you will get an opportunity to view spectacular marine life including snappers and moray eels. The coral reefs also create a scenic view which is worth every attention.
Source: Diving the Canyon – Runaway Bay Jamaica
5. Widowmaker’s Cave – Montego Bay
This cave is located in Montego Bay and features a chimney-like cave which winds down to a depth of 80 feet. This diving site is rich in parrot fish, barracuda, and black corals. The cave stems from a narrow cleft on the side of the reef. The tunnel has other smaller crevices and openings which can be explored.
Source: Diving in Jamaica 7/12/15
If you love underwater photography, the scenes here will provide you with ultimate photography snaps.
In Summary
Jamaica has a beautiful climate for scuba diving activities. The warm weather, high water visibility, and multiple scuba diving sites make it one of the top tropical scuba diving destinations for enthusiasts, underwater photographers, and vacationers.
