Scuba diving in Antigua

Dive operators Regions Dive seasons Best diving Cost of diving Marine life

Antigua is an excellent destination for scuba diving enthusiasts due to its clear, warm waters and abundance of marine life. With a wide range of dive sites to choose from, Antigua offers something for divers of all levels, from beginner to advanced.

One of the main draws of scuba diving in Antigua is the opportunity to explore its numerous shipwrecks, which are home to a wide range of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. The Andes, a sunken cargo ship that rests at a depth of around 100 feet, is one of the most popular wrecks to explore, with its impressive size and fascinating history.

In addition to shipwrecks, Antigua's waters are also home to a variety of stunning coral reefs and underwater rock formations. Divers can explore coral gardens, underwater canyons, and swim-throughs, all while admiring the colorful and diverse marine life that calls these habitats home.

One of the most unique scuba diving experiences in Antigua is the chance to see Caribbean reef sharks, which can be found in the waters around the island. These sharks are generally non-aggressive and can be observed from a safe distance, making for a thrilling and unforgettable encounter.

The best operators in: Antigua

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DiveCarib

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Antigua Scuba School - Pick Up...

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Soul Immersions Dive Centre

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Indigo Divers - Pick Up

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Oceanbelle Scuba

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Scuba diving regions in: Antigua

Name	Operators
Saint Paul	3
Saint Mary	2

Best diving in Antigua

Antigua is home to a variety of excellent scuba diving sites, with something for divers of all levels. Here are some of the best scuba diving spots in Antigua:

Cades Reef: Located on the west coast of Antigua, Cades Reef is one of the island's most popular dive sites. This coral reef system is home to a stunning array of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and even the occasional reef shark. Divers can explore the reef's various canyons, swim-throughs, and tunnels, making for an exciting and diverse diving experience.
Barracuda Alley: As the name suggests, this dive site is known for its large population of barracuda, which can be seen lurking in the crystal-clear waters. Located off the coast of Antigua's sister island, Barbuda, this dive site is also home to eagle rays, nurse sharks, and a variety of reef fish.
Pillars of Hercules: This unique dive site is located on the south coast of Antigua and features a series of towering underwater rock formations that rise up from the sandy bottom. The pillars are covered in colorful sponges and corals, and are home to a variety of marine life, including moray eels, lobsters, and schools of tropical fish.
Sunken Rock: This shallow dive site is located near the entrance to English Harbour on Antigua's south coast. The site is named for a large rock formation that rises up from the sandy bottom, and is home to a variety of colorful fish, rays, and occasional sea turtles.
Boon Bay: This sheltered dive site is located on the east coast of Antigua and features a sandy bottom with scattered coral formations. Divers can expect to see a variety of tropical fish, rays, and eels, as well as occasional nurse sharks and even octopuses.

Dive seasons in Antigua

Antigua's warm and sunny climate makes it a great destination for scuba diving year-round. However, there are certain times of the year when the diving conditions are particularly good. Here are the dive seasons for scuba diving in Antigua:

High Season (December to April): This is the peak tourist season in Antigua, and also the best time for scuba diving. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, with calm seas and excellent visibility. Water temperatures are warm and comfortable, ranging from around 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 28 degrees Celsius).
Low Season (May to November): This is the rainy season in Antigua, and while the diving conditions are still good, they can be more challenging. The seas can be rougher and there may be occasional storms or hurricanes, which can impact diving conditions. However, water temperatures are still warm, ranging from around 78 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 29 degrees Celsius).

Overall, the best time to go scuba diving in Antigua is during the high season, from December to April, when the weather and diving conditions are at their best. However, diving is still possible and enjoyable year-round, and the low season can offer lower prices and fewer crowds.

Cost of diving in Antigua

The cost of scuba diving in Antigua can vary depending on several factors, including the dive operator, the type of dive, and the level of certification of the diver. Here are some general guidelines for scuba diving costs in Antigua:

Single dive: A single dive in Antigua typically costs around $60 to $80 USD, depending on the dive operator and the location of the dive site.
Dive packages: Many dive operators in Antigua offer dive packages that include multiple dives, which can be a more cost-effective option for those planning to do several dives. Prices for dive packages can vary depending on the number of dives included and the level of certification of the diver, but generally range from around $200 to $400 USD.
Equipment rental: If you don't have your own scuba diving equipment, you will need to rent gear from a dive operator. Equipment rental prices can vary depending on the type of gear needed, but generally range from around $10 to $20 USD per item per day.
Certification courses: For those who are not yet certified, dive certification courses are available in Antigua. Prices for certification courses can vary depending on the level of certification sought, but generally range from around $400 to $800 USD.

It's important to note that some dive operators in Antigua may also charge additional fees for things like transportation to dive sites or marine park fees. It's always a good idea to check with the dive operator ahead of time to understand the full cost of a dive or dive package.

Marine life in Antigua

Antigua's warm and clear waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Here are some of the marine species you can expect to see when diving in Antigua:

Tropical Fish: Antigua's coral reefs are home to a stunning variety of tropical fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish. These colorful and vibrant fish are a highlight of any dive, and can be seen darting in and out of coral formations.
Rays: Several species of rays can be found in Antigua's waters, including Southern Stingrays, Eagle Rays, and Manta Rays. These graceful creatures are often seen gliding effortlessly through the water, and can be encountered on both shallow and deeper dives.
Sea Turtles: Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles can be seen swimming around Antigua's coral reefs, and are a common sight for divers and snorkelers. These gentle creatures are often seen feeding on seagrass or resting on the sandy bottom.
Sharks: While shark encounters are relatively rare in Antigua, the island's waters are home to several species of sharks, including Caribbean Reef Sharks. These sharks are generally non-aggressive and can be observed from a safe distance.
Eels: Several species of eels can be found in Antigua's waters, including the spotted moray eel and the green moray eel. These elusive creatures can be seen peeking out from their hiding spots in coral formations.