12 Best Dive Sites in Jamaica in 2023

This dive site gets its enticing name from the giant Elephant Ear sponges that adorn this cavern, entering at 40ft (12m) and reaching a limit of 70ft (21m) beneath the surface. A dive site not to be missed in your Jamaica adventure.

Things to See:

Expect to see a fascinating parade of colors as the sun’s light dances through the space in the ceiling of the cavern. Adorned with many soft yellow tube corals and black corals, this dive site is by far the most popular among locals and tourists alike. Look out for Southern stingrays sleeping under a fine layer of sand, or schools of yellow-tail Snappers as they swim around you.

This dive site found on the north side of the island is a hot spot for divers looking to explore some more caves and caverns. Starting at 35ft (10m) and ending at 80ft (24m) the topography of this dive site is exceptional.

Things to See:

Look along the sides of the cavern for the beautiful (and rare) Black corals. Due to the protection of the Montego Bay Marine Area, the abundance of fish life is breathtaking. Look out for large schools of Barracudas swimming in the midwater and listen to the multicolored Parrot Fish munch the reef as they keep it clean for us to enjoy!

This World War 2 wreck was sunk specifically for the purposes of creating a reef for snorkelers and divers to enjoy. She has been resting at 80ft (24m) on the sandy bottom since 1991. She has since accumulated so much colorful growth of soft and hard corals both inside and out, creating a shelter for reef fish.

Things to See:

Look for Caribbean Reef lobsters hiding under the bow and schools of Sergeant Majors swimming in the midwater over the ship. Only available for advanced divers with proper certification, it is possible to penetrate the wheelhouse. Be sure to have your guide show you the schools of Soldier fish or Glass-eye Snappers hiding inside, even if you are only look through the window!

Take a step into history and explore the partially sunken city of Port Royal. Known for being one of the wickedest cities in the world—it was a pirate capital–during the colonial period, this city has many colorful stories to its name. After an earthquake in 1692, part of the city sank into the sea and has over time attracted many underwater visitors and residents.

Things to See:

Beginning at the surface you can often see the waves ebbing and flowing over columns and 17th-century architecture. Once diving below the surface, you will find yourself immersed in a frozen piece of history. You can find schools of Blue and Brown Chromis swimming around you, along with the friendly Sergeant Majors. Among this sunken city, there are many shipwrecks also to be explored at an average depth of 60ft (18m). Please note that you can only visit this dive site with special permission due to the ongoing archaeological investigations. However, this can be organized by most dive operators.

A double dive site connected by a narrow tunnel with two incredible features: an arch followed by a cave. Reaching a maximum depth of 69ft (21m), this dive site boasts the incredible underwater topography found only on the North coast of Jamaica.

Things to See:

With visibility up to 100ft (30m), this dive site highlights all of the best parts of diving. Most noteworthy are the structures, followed by the abundance of fish and coral species. Look out for the Black corals and yellow, green and red tube sponges that adorn the sides of the arch and cave. Trumpet fish and creole wrasse regularly reside in these colorful reefs. Look around for some Nurse Sharks taking a rest under the surrounding overhangs.

A site best for beginner divers, the majority of Maize Reef can be explored at a depth of 35ft (10m). Protected by the Caribbean Sea, this dive site boasts breathtaking visibility, healthy reefs and many sand channels. Attracted to these sand channels are the Southern Stingray or the majestic Spotted Eagle Rays. A great place for individuals taking their first step into the world of diving!

Things to See: 

Look for rays, Green turtles and Nurse sharks as you navigate this spreading reef. You may see schools of Wrasse, Bi-coloured and Yellow-tail Damsel Fish swimming amongst colonies of Staghorn corals!

Accessible only by boat, this dive site is known best for its colonies of Staghorn corals and Black Ball Sponges. Starting at 65ft (19m) and reaching a maximum of 130ft (40m), this dive site is dedicated to the intermediate or advanced diver looking for steep walls and slopes.

Things to See:

This ridge hosts an abundance of life for the micro and the macro lover. Look between the softly swaying Gorgonians and spot a Lettuce Sea-slug or Red and White Banded Shrimps. Look out over the edge and spot Bar Jacks and Yellow-tail Snappers watching you from a curious distance. Be sure to keep your eyes out for the Hawksbill or Green Sea-turtle who may be resting on the sandy bottom.

This dive site is suitable for all levels of divers. For the novice, you can stick to the shoreside for a depth of 30ft (10m), while the advanced diver can take the seaside down to 90ft (27m). In addition to the colorful reef, there is also a small plane wreck found here.

Things to see:

From Caribbean Reef lobsters walking about, Coral Crabs hidden between the towering Barrel Sponges, this dive site offers a little bit of everything for the fish and coral lover! Starfish are often found in the sand along with the Southern Stingray. Camouflaged amongst the rocks are often Scorpion fish and Sand Divers. Schools of Barracuda are known to congregate here as well.

Not only one dive site, but actually five, this dive location appeals to all levels and interests of divers. Reaching a maximum of 80ft (24m), and visibility up to 100ft (30m), this dive site can be explored over and over again.

Things to See:

Colorful hard corals such as the Boulder Brains. Starlet and Maze Corals adorn these reefs too, alongside large Gorgonians trees swaying to and fro with the soft currents. Look for your regular fish species and reef critters, such as the Clinging Crabs, colorful Christmas Tree worms and Flamingo Tongue snails.

This dive site starts at 65ft, reaches a maximum of 100ft (30m) and boasts visibility of up to 80ft (24m). Available by boat ride, this dive site is lesser known by visitors to Jamaica, but very popular among locals. With a sprawling reef in both directions, there is a lot to explore here.

Things to See:

French Angel fish frequent this reef, along with the Balloon and Pufferfish. Amongst the healthy corals you can find congregations of Spotted Groupers waiting in line at the cleaning stations made of Pederson’s Cleaner Shrimp and Striped Gobies. If you are very lucky, you may even get to witness the Creole Wrasse dancing around you in the midwater, giving the appearance of Purple Rain.

For many, diving with Stingrays sounds like a dream come true, and that is exactly what is offered here. At a mere depth of 30ft (10m), the beginner to advanced diver has the opportunity to swim amongst the families of giant Southern Stingrays. Visibility can be up to 30ft (10m).

Things to See:

Southern Stingrays play in these warm waters over the sandy patches. They have been gathering in this location for a long time and welcome the sight of divers to their playground. Many dive guides have come to know the Stingrays personally which creates an unforgettable experience. In overhangs and ledges nearby, it is common to spot Nurse Sharks!

As the name suggests, this dive site sports a renown wreck. Specifically a plane wreck, found at 60ft to 80ft (18-24m) below the surface. Sunk a long time ago, this wreck now hosts a myriad of life, from soft and hard corals to an abundance of reef fish.

Things to See:

Most suitable for the intermediate and advanced diver, this wreck provides opportunity for penetration in certain areas. Be sure to look for Bristle Fire Worms and feather duster worms which have created a home along the interior and exterior of this wreck. Outside, look for Nurse sharks or Reef sharks passing by. On the surrounding reefs you can spot Porcupine fish, Tobacco Fish and many species of Snapper.