11 of the best scuba diving spots in the Caribbean

Beautiful dives are scattered around the world but nowhere has so many in such a concentrated area quite like the Caribbean, here are 11 of the best scuba dives to enjoy:

1. Champagne Reef, Dominica

Located on the Nature Island of Dominica Champagne Reef is one Jacques Cousteau's top ten favourite dives and it is easy to see why.

What makes this dive so unique is that, as the name suggests, divers get the sensation of swimming through Champagne thanks to the bubbles which emerge from tiny holes in the reef. The bubbles are created by the volcanic activity happening below the surface. As well as the bubbles the reef is also home to lobster, parrot fish and a resident population of Hawksbill turtles.

No boat is required as the site is easily accessible from the shore and for those less experienced the spectacle can also be enjoyed from above the surface with snorkels.

The North Wall off Grand Cayman stretches more than 1,800 metres into the depths of the ocean and makes for an incredible diving experience. Though less experienced divers can discover extraordinary marine life on the shores at the top of the wall, those expert enough to take a diving path alongside it can hope to see green and hawksbill turtles, spotted eagle rays, parrotfish, barracudas and sometimes hammerhead sharks.

Divers will also see an astonishing array of black coral, barrel sponges, giant purple sea fans and a plethora of sea life, making it a must-do scuba dive before you die.

Just 50 yards from the shore of Coki Beach lie two fringing reefs, separated by a beautiful sandy flat, making this an ideal spot for both beginner and advanced divers alike. Underwater explorers can hope to see yellow-headed jawfish, cleaner shrimp, bar jacks and grunts, and might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a stingray or turtle.

Additionally, a number of beautiful corals and plant life will keep divers occupied — the on-site Coki Dive Centre offers boat, beach, beginners and children's dives, as well as night dives for those wanting to witness some of the extraordinary nocturnal marine life. A trip to Coki Beach is perfect for anyone spending some time discovering the US Virgin Islands on a superyacht.

For those preferring to keep their heads above water, Coki Beach is also home to the Coral World Ocean Park, which offers five acres of aquariums, outdoor marine pools and nature trails.

One of the best-kept secrets of the US Virgin Islands is the Salt River Canyon. A must for anyone interested in wall scuba diving, Salt River Canyon offers a quarter of a mile of blue water between two walls. If you are there are the right time of the year you might spot migrating humpback wales and pods of bottlenose dolphins. However, even if you don’t see them you will be treated to turtles and stingrays. It also offers people the chance to explore underwater caves and ledges and is great for divers of any standard. It is a perfect destination to visit on your superyacht or during a luxury yacht charter in the U.S Virgin Islands.

Victory reef runs alongside the Gulf Stream which allows scuba divers to see a showcase of deep sea animals, like stingrays, turtles or sharks. The reef itself is teaming with wildlife and one can expect to see angelfish, parrot fish and spade fish. The reef also gives scuba divers the chance to see Pelagic fish which are not normally seen whilst scuba diving. To ensure that you make the most of everything the island has to offer consider spending three-days exploring Bimini.

Bloody Bay Wall is described by many as one of the seven underwater wonders of the world. The sheer size of the wall scuba divers are faced with, which seems to carrying on endlessly on your right and left in the remarkable clear water, will overwhelm your senses. It is covered in an array of rare corals all of which offer a dazzling selection of unparalleled colour.

Tiger Beach, which is not actually a beach, is one of the best places in the world to swim with sharks as it is teaming with hordes of Tiger Sharks. The scuba dive is incredibly shallow with depths of only 9 metre, however this just means that you will be able to spend more time completely surrounded by one of the oceans most famous and enchanting predators. With sharks as large as four metres and with many possessing the trademark stripes this is not a dive for the faint hearted. However, it is perfect if you are looking to add some adventure to your private voyage or luxury yacht charter in The Bahamas.

One look at the magnificent wreck lying on its side on the bottom of the ocean explains R.M.S Rhone’s reputation as one of best shipwreck dives in the world. Featured in the 1977 film The Deep the wreck is beautifully decorated by corals after spending more than 140 years lying on the see bed. There is so much to see that it is encouraged to take two scuba dives: first to see the incredibly intact bow and then to see the remains of the stern. You should also consider experiencing a night dive before you carry on with your private cruise or luxury yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands. 

Named after a cheap local rum, the title "Something Special" has stuck because of the variety of fish that dwell there. Scuba divers can expect to see frogfish, garden eels and eagle rays. The currents are gentle and the depth ranges from 6 metres to 24 metres making it an ideal scuba dive for beginners. It also offers incredible night dives.

As you descend toward the wreck here the clear water enables you to look down the entire length of the vessel. Purposefully sunk in 2002, the wreck is easy to penetrate and is open enough that natural light shines through it making a perfect place for your first wreckage scuba dive while depths go down to 100 feet making it great for experienced divers as well. Scuba divers can also expect to see reef sharks and bull sharks.