Top Southern Caribbean cruise diving spots

If you are a diving or snorkeling enthusiast, you’ll definitely want consider a cruise to the Southern Caribbean for your next vacation. The islands there are less crowded and have fewer visitors, giving you more freedom to explore.

Here at CruiseExperts.com, we love to have a good time in the water and encourage all vacationers to try something new. The following are our top picks for the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Southern Caribbean:

Antigua and Barbuda 

These twin islands are almost completely surrounded by shipwrecks, walls and coral reefs. At most dive sites around the islands there is little to no current and the water temperature averages about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Dive depths here usually range from 25 to 80 feet. Snorkeling is also possible , as visibility ranges as far as 140 feet. For this reason, photographers love swimming here as well. Barbuda is, however, less developed than Antigua, so divers will need to go to the more inhabited island to be supplied with gear.

Barbados 

There’s much more to Barbados than its pristine beaches. To see some really interesting sea life and formations, all you need to do is head into the water. On the island’s southwest coast, there are a number of sites for divers of all abilities. Because of the great visibility at Carlisle Bay Marine park (up to 70 feet), this is a great location for snorkeling as well. Be prepared to see cool animals like frogfish, eels and turtles!

Photo courtesy of Barbados Tourism Authority

Bonaire

Many seasoned travelers say if you’ve ever had even the vaguest desire to dive and your cruise ship stops in Bonaire, you must get in the water. This small Dutch island has 63 dive sites and an additional 26 sit on Klein Bonaire, a tiny islet that lies a few miles off the coastline. The reefs that surround Bonaire are attractions within themselves. The environmentally-conscious diving industry of the island works diligently to keep the area pristine for all visitors.

Dominica 

Dominica isn’t featured in many cruise itineraries, but if your ship happens to stop here, you are truly in for a treat. Its colorful reefs and proximity to rare undersea inhabitants make the island home to some of the best diving spots in the world. You’ll notice that the underwater topography of the island almost mirrors what you would see on dry land. Massive craters and boulders create an exciting atmosphere and an unforgettable dive.

St. Lucia

Diving off of sites in St. Lucia is ideal for novices and experts. The island is full of seasoned dive operators who can provide an exceptional experience for anyone. There are also plenty of beginners’ courses and opportunities to obtain more advanced certifications as well as going on night dives. Many people refer to a dive off of St. Lucia as the underwater carnival, as you will see brightly colored deep sea wildlife. There are also plenty of secret nooks and caves just waiting for you to explore them!

If you’ve been thinking about going on a cruise vacation, let CruiseExperts.com help you get started with the planning process. Our experienced staff can provide you with recommendations on places to visit and suggestions for what to do while you’re there. Not interested in spending your days sunning on a Caribbean island? No problem! You may want to consider going on an Alaskan cruise tour or a European river cruise instead.

To learn more call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website, www.CruiseExperts.com.