Beautiful islands above and below the water
Caribbean Diving Holidays
The Caribbean is made for easy-going diving holidays, with clear water, reefs, walls, wrecks, blue holes, sunshine and island life. From the Bahamas and Belize to the Cayman Islands, St Kitts and Turks and Caicos, this is a brilliant region for divers who want beautiful diving with plenty to enjoy topside too.
Why choose the Caribbean for a diving holiday?
The Caribbean is ideal if you want a relaxed diving holiday with warm water, colourful reefs and a welcoming island atmosphere. It works well for couples, families, groups and mixed diver/non-diver trips.
Diving styles vary across the region, from gentle reef dives and shore diving to dramatic walls, wrecks, caverns, blue holes and liveaboard adventures.
Choose your Caribbean diving holiday
Caribbean dive resorts
Best if you want a relaxed island base, flexible diving, beaches, restaurants and plenty for non-divers to enjoy.
Search resortsCaribbean liveaboards
Best if you want more diving and access to remote sites, especially in destinations such as the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos.
Search liveaboardsPopular Caribbean diving destinations
Bahamas
The Bahamas are known for remarkably clear water, reefs, walls, wrecks, caverns and blue holes. With hundreds of islands, the Bahamas are a classic choice for divers looking for variety and a true island feel.
Belize
Belize sits between Mexico and Guatemala and is famous for its barrier reef, islands and easy blend of diving, relaxation and adventure. It is a strong option for reef diving, marine life and iconic Caribbean scenery.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are loved for wall diving, wrecks, coral and outstanding visibility. With a long-established dive scene and a wide choice of sites, they suit divers who want quality diving with excellent island comfort.
St Kitts
St Kitts offers reefs, coral gardens and wreck dives, with macro life, reef fish and a relaxed Caribbean pace. It is a lovely option for divers who want somewhere characterful and a little different.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is a superb choice for clear water, walls and liveaboard-style diving. It is ideal for divers who want a Caribbean destination that still feels a little off the beaten track.
What can you see diving in the Caribbean?
Caribbean diving is wonderfully varied. Depending on where you travel, you may find healthy reefs, turtles, rays, schooling fish, macro life, wrecks, caverns, blue holes and dramatic wall dives.
- Clear water reef diving and coral gardens
- Wall dives and drop-offs
- Wreck dives and historic sites
- Caverns, tunnels and blue holes in selected areas
- Island-based holidays that work well for non-divers
Caribbean liveaboards we use
Aquacat, Bahamas
A spacious catamaran cruising the Exuma Cays from Nassau, with up to 26 dives a week, clear shallow reefs, walls and blue holes, and shore excursions to the islands included.
Caribbean Explorer II, St Kitts
Explores the reefs, walls and wrecks around St Kitts, Saba and St Eustatius, with up to five dives a day. Saba’s pinnacles and marine park are a highlight.
Turks and Caicos Explorer
Dramatic wall diving around Providenciales and French Cay, with sharks, turtles and eagle rays and very clear water.
Best time to dive the Caribbean
The Caribbean has warm water all year, usually around 26 to 29°C, so the main thing to think about is the weather.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| December to April | The dry season and the most popular time to go, with settled weather and calm seas. |
| May to July | Still lovely diving, warm water and often better value. |
| August to October | The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Trips run, but we would always recommend good travel insurance and some flexibility. |
| November | Weather settling again ahead of the main season. |
How much does a Caribbean diving holiday cost?
A week on one of the Caribbean liveaboards we use is currently from about £1,850 to £2,700 per person, depending on the boat and date, with a 7-night trip including full board and the diving. International flights are added separately, and we are happy to arrange them for you.
Live prices for every departure are on each trip page, and there are often special offers on selected weeks.
Caribbean diving holiday FAQs
Is the Caribbean good for newer divers?
Yes. Many Caribbean dive sites are calm, warm and shallow with excellent visibility, which makes them ideal for building confidence. There are also deeper walls for more experienced divers.
When is the best time to dive the Caribbean?
December to April is the dry season and the most popular time. The water is warm all year, but August to October is the peak of the hurricane season.
Which Caribbean destination is best for a diving holiday?
For a liveaboard, the Bahamas on Aquacat is great for clear shallow reefs and island life, St Kitts and Saba for pinnacles and marine life, and Turks and Caicos for dramatic walls. We can help you choose.
Are flights included?
Our Caribbean liveaboards are priced without international flights, so you can choose your own airline and dates. We are happy to book flights from the UK for you.
Is the Caribbean good for non-divers?
On the right resort, yes. A liveaboard is best when everyone on board is diving, while a resort works well for couples and families with non-divers.
Can Scuba Travel help me choose?
Of course. Tell us your experience, dates and what you would love to see, and our team will suggest the trips we think will suit you best.