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The Best Places to Learn to Scuba Dive in the Carribean
INTRO
Home to some of the most incredible dive sites in the world, the Caribbean is very much an underwater paradise for divers; it’s not only pirates who flock to its sunny shores in search of treasure (sorry!).
Its warm waters and white sandy beaches make the Caribbean one of the best places in the world to learn how to scuba dive, as beautiful coral reefs, mysterious submerged wrecks, and joyful marine life are all found just offshore.
With over SEVEN THOUSAND islands in the Caribbean, there is a hell of a lot of choice out there, so we’ve scoured the seven seas (well, the internet) and delved into the depths of our diving knowledge to bring you the top three places to learn how to scuba dive in the Caribbean.
With this dive briefing, we’ll show you not only the best locations where you can learn how to dive but also the most luxurious and affordable places out there.
Although you can’t really go wrong in the Caribbean, some dive sites and diving schools are obviously better than others and we’re here to help you find them!
So it’s time to time check your regulator, buckle up your weight belt, grab a diving buddy and get ready to explore some of the best places to learn how to scuba dive in the whole of the Caribbean!
Ready squad?! Then let’s dive in!
SEA LIFE FACT
What is the most deafening sound made by any animal in the World!? Hover over this box to find out...
At 188 Decibels, the calls of Blue Whales are the loudest sound made by any animal on the planet...that we know of...
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Table Of Content
- Belize
- Bonaire
- Grand Cayman
- Ultimate Packing List for Scuba Divers in the Caribbean
- Absolute Best Places to Learn to Scuba Dive in the Caribbean
- Best Places to Learn to Scuba Dive in the Caribbean in LUXURY
- 1) Best Luxury Dive Resort for Eco Diving in the Caribbean
- 2) Best Luxury Dive Resort for Location in the Caribbean
- 3) Best Luxury Dive Resort for Being Pampered in the Caribbean
- Best CHEAP Places to Learn to Scuba Dive in the Caribbean
- 1) Best Cheap Dive School for Social Scene in the Caribbean
- 2) Best Cheap Dive School for Quiet Location in the Caribbean
- 3) Best Cheap Dive School in the Caribbean for Eco Diving
- Best Places to Learn to Scuba Dive in the Caribbean for LOCATION
- 1) Best Dive School in the Caribbean for Location and Luxury
- 2) Best Dive School in the Caribbean for Location & Party Scene
- 3) Best Dive School in the Caribbean for Location & Eco Diving
- Diving Squad Debriefing and Similar Reads
- Diving Squad and Marine Conservation
Have you got what it takes to Join Diving Squad!?
Belize
Right squad, so here’s your first dive briefing: beautiful Belize!
Located in Central America, Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world.
Its wealth of amazing dive sites makes it an absolute dream for beginner scuba divers and experts alike. In addition to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the longest stretch of reef in the Western Hemisphere), there are three Caribbean atolls for divers to explore; the country is widely recognized as one of the best places to go diving in the Caribbean.
With loads of wonderful coral on display, a myriad of brightly colored fish, humongous whale sharks, breathtaking deep walls and spectacular coral gardens on offer – not to mention the famous Blue Hole and delightful Hol Chan Marine Reserve and… ahhhh sorry!
We’re getting carried away and not by the current! There is just so much to see and do underwater in Belize that it really is a place you’ll fall in love with. Indeed, one of the attractions that makes Belize so special is the numerous whale sharks living in its warm waters; they actually belong to a special group of shark species known as carpet sharks.
Carpet sharks are unique because they can rest motionless on the seafloor, unlike all other sharks species which must swim their whole lives to avoid drowning.
In addition to the amazing marine life, most of Belize’s most impressive dive sites have sections which are perfect for inexperienced divers who can confidently explore the shallow coral gardens and low-lying reefs at their leisure.
The ideal diving conditions make it one of the best places to scuba dive in the Caribbean for beginners.
Experts will also come away thoroughly entertained and astounded at all the stunning sights they’ve seen.
Ambergis Caye is one such dive site; swimming amidst the abundant marine life is an unforgettable experience as barracuda, rays, and sharks can all be found either hidden amongst the coral or circling lazily through the beautiful, clear waters of the reef.
Shoals of fish flit back and forth, and blissfully gliding through the water, you could be forgiven for believing that life really IS better under the sea!
One of the most popular diving sites in Belize, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is another fascinating place which will enthrall beginner divers. The protected area is now home to a plethora of fish ranging from jacks and groupers to snappers and lizardfish.
Alongside seagrass beds and mangroves is Shark Ray Alley; here, you can get up close and personal to the rays and sharks that flock here. This alone makes Belize a candidate for the best place to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean.
The most famous site in Belize is the Blue Hole which is renowned around the world. The site is spectacular to dive but unfortunately a bit hard for beginners, so we’ll refrain from tempting you too much and lay off the descriptions!
Though with whale sharks, loads of beautiful reef, bull sharks and more on offer, let’s just say that you’re going to want to learn how to dive as quickly as possible!
Above water is equally intriguing (who are we kidding, nothing can compare to the underwater kingdom!) as Belize has loads of amazing scenery in the shape of its thick jungle, and ancient Mayan ruins can be found amidst the undergrowth.
Scuba Diver Cruising over Ambergis Caye with Nurse Shark
While it is one of the more expensive countries in Central America, it is, however, cheaper than a lot of Caribbean islands. You can often find deals where signing up to learn to dive earns you drastic reductions on your hotel stay.
Dive Season and Dive Conditions in Belize:
The best diving in Belize is to be had during the dry season, which runs from February to May. This is because you get better dive conditions and greater visibility.
On average, the water temperature is between 25 and 29 degrees and the visibility is often up to 30 meters. Now if that doesn’t make it the best place to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean, then I don’t know what does!
The Diving Squad Scuba Camera of Choice
- HERO6 Black automatically sends your footage to your phone where the app turns it into a QuikStory-an awesome edited video
- Captures super smooth footage, whether it’s handheld or mounted to your gear
- Waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a housing
- Features touch zoom and updated the 2-inch display, making it easy to frame shots, change settings and play back footage
Bonaire
Known as the ‘shore diving capital of the world’, Bonaire is very much a Mecca for divers.
It is ideal for beginners as the whole island is diveable and almost everything is geared towards divers.
Lying just off the north coast of Venezuela, Bonaire is renowned for its amazing dive.
Because the government has long protected its marine resources, there is an abundance of marine life and flourishing coral reefs, with many of them lying just offshore.
Widely reputed to be one, if not the best place, to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean, the whole island is dive crazy (woohoo!) and you’ll get to meet loads of other dive fanatics from around the world.
It’s shrimpossible to think of a place more obsessed with diving than Bonaire; dive shops are everywhere you look and you’ll often see pick up trucks driving around the island as literally everywhere is diveable and you really can dive 24/7!
It is this incredible access that really sets Bonaire apart as a destination. The fact that all of the island is a marine park only adds to its allure.
The rich marine life is complemented by amazing shipwrecks that are submerged in the deep and, as the dive sites are protected from currents; it really is ideal for beginners looking to learn how to dive.
You can either waddle like a lost penguin into the surf from the island’s beaches or take a boat out and explore some of the other dive sites.
There is so much to see and do underwater here that it really is a treat for inexperienced divers.
Among the many highlights is Salt Pier. The pier’s pillars look stupendous, as colorful coral coats them and huge shoals of fish weave their way between them, transfixing you with their beauty.
An easy dive site that is one of the best places to scuba dive in the Caribbean for beginners, Salt Pier is one of the most famous dive sites on the island. It is also a great place to take some amazing photos as there is so much marine life on offer and the visibility is so good.
Diving beneath the pier amongst the swirling parrotfish, darting barracuda, and trunkfish that flit too and fro is a mesmerizing experience and definitely worth checking out when in Bonaire.
Suitable for both beginners and experts, the 1000 steps dive site is another alluring spot which you’ll find hard to turn down (so don’t!).
Thankfully, the limestone staircase has nowhere near 1000 steps, so you’ll be able to plunge into the sea in no time at all.
Beneath the turquoise waves, you’ll find loads of lovely coral formations and a happy healthy reef.
This is home to playful sea turtles and such elegant angelfish that you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven.
In addition to the stunning marine life and plethora of incredible dive sites, Bonaire is a fun island on which to spend some time.
There’s a pumping night life for the party minded Squad Members amongst you, as well as exquisite restaurants and sight seeing to be had.
It is so dive focused and once you gain your license, you can go night diving in its warm waters.
Apart from the diving, there are some lovely salt ponds which are worth checking out, as well as some flamingos that you’ll come across now and again.
Meh. We know that the divings what you really come for!
Dive Season and Conditions in Bonaire
One of the many things that makes Bonaire the best place to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean is the fact that there is pretty much year round diving on offer.
The average water temperature is usually around 26 degrees, although this can drop down to 24 during the colder months. Visibility varies slightly but is usually between 15 and 30 meters.
Dive into the Squads' Favourite Read
ATTENTION! Diving Squad Member – Do you love a great book? Yarp!? We already know you love diving…
Dive Atlas of the World, offers a beautifully photographed and professionally detailed tour of the worlds best dive sites, including both classics and new discoveries.
This stunningly presented book covers everything from Wrecks to Reefs, Muck Dives to Macro Photography, Blue Holes to Epic Walls and adrenaline soaked Drift Dives.
Get inspired, learn something brand new and prepare for your next diving adventure.
This is hands down the most informative, stunningly presented and all encompassing scuba diving book known to Diving Squad.
Grand Cayman
Dive briefing No. 3, here we come! Regulator on? Tanks full? Not lost your dive buddy? Perfect!
Very popular amongst divers, Grand Cayman has loads to offer beginner divers.
Mysterious wrecks lie amidst beautiful coral reefs and the huge amount of biodiversity means there is always something new and interesting to see.
A world-class diving destination, Grand Cayman’s glorious white sandy beaches, beautiful weather, and crystal clear waters make it an idyllic spot. For many, it is the best place to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean.
Located off Cuba’s southern coast, the island’s accessible shoreline means that it is very easy to roll out of bed, keep rolling, and end up in the sea at a pristine dive site.
As there is hardly any current, beginners will feel at ease almost immediately. While some of the beautiful coral reefs hug the coastline, others are a boat trip away or, in the case of the North Wall, almost a submarine trip away – it drops to a depth of more than 1800 meters!
The island has loads of dive shops and resorts for you to choose from. These offer an amazing array of diving opportunities and you really can’t go wrong as the marine life is so abundant and the Cayman’s have some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean.
In fact, a coral wall surrounds Grand Cayman, and with dive sites that cater to all levels, the breathtaking underwater scenery needs to be seen to be believed.
One of the most famous dive sites in Grand Cayman is Stingray City where – yep, you guessed it…
…. you can find hundreds and hundreds of friendly and almost tame stingrays!
It truly is a magical experience looking up at them as they swim above you with the sun glinting through the water.
There aren’t many better or more memorable dive sites in the world for beginners than Stingray City.
Devil’s Grotto is another popular site which is again ideal for beginners. It is an easy dive with a lot to see. With beautiful coral formations as well as delightful overhangs and huge schools of fish, diving at Devil’s Grotto is a devilishly great experience and there are loads of fantastic photo opportunities on offer.
There really is a huge amount to see; there are lots of shallow reefs, so you’ll also come across a plethora of nudibranchs and anemones, in addition to the wealth of tropical fish that are everywhere you look.
Grand Cayman has long been a popular holiday destination and is a lively place with some of the best living standards in the Caribbean.
Alongside its stunning beaches, George Town is worth checking out, as is the Cayman Turtle Centre and Dolphin Discovery – cos, well, if you have to spend time above water, you might as well learn a little bit more about the marine life below it!
The island is quite expensive, so watch out when paying for stuff; the KYD is one of the highest valued currencies in the world.
Dive Season and Dive Conditions in Grand Cayman
While the diving is generally good the whole year round, the hurricane season – which runs from June to November – can make for choppy waters; this may ruin your experience above the surface as well as stop you from visiting dive sites that are further offshore.
The average water temperature is around 26 to 28 degrees and there is again generally good visibility on offer; you can usually see for 18 to 30 meters
The Ultimate Packing List for Scuba Divers in the Carribean
Listen up Squad! To get the absolute most out of your Scuba Diving Odessey in the Caribbean, there are several essential, must pack items:
Reef Safe Sunscreen – It’s a little known fact that some sunscreens contain products that are highly toxic to coral reefs. Dive responsibly, avoid burning to a crisp and use eco friendly sunscreen.
Reef Safe Body Wash and Shampoo – Many brands of body wash and shampoo also contain chemicals that are toxic to coral reef and fish. Dive responsibility whilst still not smelling like a Dead Whale.
Diving Camera – Any normal camera will break if taken diving – even if it’s waterproof it won’t be able to withstand high depth pressure and the focus will not be designed for underwater photography. To share your diving adventures with the world, make sure you have a proper scuba diving camera.
Full Face Snorkel Mask – In between dives, you’ll get countless snorkelling opportunities. For snorkelling, it’s much better to utilise a full face snorkel mask for maximum comfort and 180 viewing! The best ones have an attachment mount for GoPros.
Reusable Water Bottle – Having a durable, reusable and recyclable water bottle that’ll keep liquids cold is essential for both eco awareness and hydration = scuba success! We love the TankH2O – It is all of those things and looks like a scuba tank!
Microfibre Towel – Essential for getting all those bits of ocean off you. Microfibre towels are compact, dry quickly and lightweight. To look like a ninja of the sea, wrap around face.
The Absolute Best Places to Learn how to Scuba Dive in the Caribbean
Belize, Bonaire, Grand Cayman…They all sound pretty good right?! Well, as far as scuba diving holidays for beginners go, you really can’t beat them.
They all have their own unique qualities and the marine life at each of them is absolutely incredible. So what else do we need to think of when learning how to dive?
We each have our own priorities, budgets, and outlooks on life, and while one place may be perfect for one diver, another may be more suitable for a different person.
Again, the Caribbean is a pretty huge place, so to help you out (you’re welcome!) we’ve come up with the three best places for beginners to dive in LUXURY, ON THE CHEAP, and for the OVERALL LOCATION.
So, squad, it’s time to wetsuit up and get ready to explore what’s on offer.
The Ultimate Backpack for Scuba Divers?!
After trying and testing an ocean of backpacks, we’ve come to the coralusion that the Dometool Waterproof Dry Backpack is the number one backpack for divers! Why? Well:
- It’s completely waterproof and also floats.
- Front zip pocket for easy access, waterproof storage of your phone, wallet, etc.
- Equipment ring at one side, water bottle bag at the other.
- PVC tarpaulin materials = resistent to tearing, corrosion and aging.
The 3 Best Places to Learn how to Dive in the Caribbean in LUXURY
If cash is no concern and you’re looking to splurge while learning how to dive, then you may want to look into what luxury resorts are on offer. The Caribbean certainly has more than its fair share of them.
The resorts we’ve come up with are all top of the line and, unlike Dori, you certainly won’t forget your scuba diving holiday for beginners any time soon.
One is the eco-friendliest, another is situated in the best location and the last is where you head to if you REALLY want to be pampered!
So squad, let’s take a look at these three amazing luxury resorts and see what’s on offer.
(For pirates who are keen to learn how to dive but haven’t yet found their buried treasure, you may want to skip ahead to the diving on the cheap section!)
1) The Best Luxury Resort for Eco Diving in the Caribbean
Being concerned about the environment isn’t all about making your own soap, turning into a vegan for a month and forgoing all of life’s little luxuries. Itz’ana Resort in Belize is a prime example of how you can combine sustainability and luxury into one oh-so-luxurious package that you just can’t turn down.
All of the resort’s business decisions are based first and foremost on whether they are sustainable. In many cases, they actually add to the nature on hand rather than merely balancing out their actions. The carbon neutral villas, locally produced food, and ‘artists in residence’ programme means that staying at Itz’ana Resort is a thought-provoking and spiritually soothing experience.
A special place, the resort has a marina, spa, and pools to keep you occupied and an adventure center where you can organize treks to see jaguars, fishing excursions, sailing trips and more. Everything is geared towards sustainability and replenishing your soul.
Oh yes, and there’s the diving too! Itz’ana Resort’s wonderful location along the Belize waterfront means that it’s not far from many of the country’s most famous dive sites. In no time at all, you’ll be peacefully swimming alongside whale sharks and winning staring competitions with moray eels.
A wonderful, harmonious place to stay, this unique resort is the perfect option if you care about the environment but wouldn’t mind a little bit of luxury!
How to Give up Plastic - A Crucial Guide
“It is one world. And it’s in our care. For the first time in the history of humanity, for the first time in 500 million years, one species has the future in the palm of its hands. I just hope he realises that that is the case.”
Sir David Attenborough
Broadcaster, Natural Historian and Knight.
Some 12.7 million tonnes of plastic enters the ocean every year, devastating the marine ecosystem by killing countless fish, seabirds, turtles, marine mammals and other creatures.
How to Give Up Plastic is the definitive guide to learning what you can do in your home, commune and workplace to start bringing about the end of our plastic dependent age.
It covers everything from easy wins such as using a reusable keep cup for your morning coffee, to lesser-known hacks like fixing a filter to your washing machine to catch some of the microfibres released from your clothes (microfibres are responsible for up to 30% of plastic in the ocean).
This is an essential overview of why we should all be working together no matter where we are in the world to reduce the amount of plastic being produce. Diving Squad is thoroughly committed to ending plastic pollution and marine conservation.
2) The Best Luxury Resort for Location in the Caribbean
This luxury resort isn’t a five-star resort for nothing: IT’S ITS OWN BLOODY PRIVATE ISLAND! As you may have imagined, a private island in the Caribbean doesn’t come cheap, so guests can only expect the best when staying at Cayo Espanto.
This really is the top of the line and its incredible location just off San Pedro in Belize makes it an idyllic scuba diving holiday for beginners. The only downside is that life will never be the same once you leave.
Each of the private villas is nestled away amidst the palm trees that cover the island. What’s more, each of them borders a small sandy beach and has a private jetty jutting out into the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Here, you can either lounge in the sun to your heart’s content or dive off into the warm waters that are home to such rich marine life.
There is absolutely loads to do here; if you’re not enjoying a world-class meal tailored to your tastes or reclining in the sun, you can head to the spa, go for a cruise on a yacht – or there’s this thing that you may have forgotten called scuba diving in all of the excitement over Cayo Espanto!
Everything this resort does is designed to be brilliant, so you are almost guaranteed that it’s the best place to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean for you. Some of the best dive sites in the world are just 15 to 20 minutes away, and with the second largest barrier reef on Earth nearby, Cayo Espanto is the obvious choice if you’re looking for a luxury resort with a breathtaking location.
3) The Best Luxury Resort for Being Pampered in the Caribbean
Now THIS is the life, squad! Nowhere does pampering quite like the Ritz Carlton, and the one in the Grand Cayman is conveniently located in a tropical paradise – just for your benefit.
The huge resort covers over 144 acres and everything about it screams luxury (not literally, of course, it’s a peaceful place). With six world-class restaurants on offer, a ‘La Prairie Spa’ (what even is that!? It sounds fancy!), a couple of outdoor pools and a waterpark, The Ritz Carlton really does have it all.
And that’s not even having mentioned the state of the art golf course, humongous ballroom, and plethora of watersports which you can enjoy.
Bordering the beautiful sands of Seven Mile Beach, the luxury resort is a dream to stay at while you learn how to dive; The Ritz Carlton will definitely set you up with the best dive schools and instructors around.
Grand Cayman is one of the best places to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean for beginners and you’re certain to come away raving not only about your experience at this truly special place but also about the magical times you spent underwater.
Having won a string of awards for being fabulous, the Ritz Carlton is where you want to head to if you want to be pampered.
The 3 Best Places to Learn to Scuba Dive in the Caribbean on the Cheap
Ah, now that’s more like it! For those of us who are diving mad but unfortunately have this annoying expensive habit that we just can’t kick, these diving schools are much more friendly on the wallet.
As we all know, it can be all too easy to spend way too much on diving because, well, it would be ridiculous NOT go to Stingray City if we could right? And the Blue Hole does sound pretty good too. And Devil’s Grotto and Ambergis Caye and, well, you get the idea!
While the Caribbean can get pretty expensive – and fast too, there are loads of scuba diving holidays for beginners which aren’t prohibitively so. The more money you save on your dive school, the more money you can spend on your passion.
Again, everyone is different in terms of what they are after, so here are the best places to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean if you after the best social scene, a quiet spot amidst nature and eco-diving.
While they may be cheap, squad, we promise that you won’t turn up to a run-down shack with a broken boat and a gruff, intimidating instructor who may not even know how to dive. (Disclaimer: diving squad cannot be held accountable for any scenarios which you may or may not end up in following the advice of this article. We only accept praise. Thank you!)
1) The Best Cheap Dive School for Social Scene in the Carribean
There’s nothing quite like diving while still feeling queasy from the night before, is there squad? The more party oriented divers amongst us would probably even go as far to say that learning how to throw up underwater is a real test of whether you’ve got your PADI Open Water qualification!
Combining the best of what Belize’s stupendous underwater riches have to offer with an inclusive price and a great social scene, Frenchie’s Diving is the one for you if you’re serious about diving but want to have fun at the same time.
The staff are very professional, well organized and welcoming; as such, it really is the best place to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean if you’re after a fun time and serious set-up.
Accompanied by your instructor, you’ll see the most amazing marine life and coral reefs. Some of the dive sites will leave you breathless because you’ve stayed down there too long, and the Lighthouse Reef is just one of the many highlights you can expect to visit.
With a fun and welcoming social scene to boot, Frenchie’s Diving is a cheap option if you’re looking for scuba diving holidays in the Caribbean for beginners.
2) The Best Cheap Dive School for a Quiet Location in Nature in the Caribbean
If you’re looking for a secluded spot in the Caribbean which is both affordable and awesome for diving, Compass Point Dive Resort in the Grand Cayman is what you’re after.
Everything about Compass Point is about diving, so the whole resort is geared to show you the most amazing sights of the underwater world. For this, it really is considered by many to be the best place to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean for beginners.
One amazing feature is that you can complete much of your PADI Open Water certificate online through an eLearning portal; this is obviously ideal as you’ll spend next to no time at all in the classroom and as much time as possible in the water. Obviously, the diving part you can’t do online.
The location is absolutely incredible and it is not by accident that it is so far away from the airport, the capital of the island and any nightlife at all. No. Diving is what you came for and diving is what you’ll get in this idyllic spot. There are two swimming pools on site and the condos are located right on the beachfront bordering a protected lagoon.
A very environmentally conscious dive school, Compass Point is an award-winning resort for a reason. With some of the Grand Cayman’s best dive sites nearby, beginner scuba divers are certainly in for a treat.
3) The Best Cheap Dive School in the Caribbean for Eco Diving
A cozy place that is one of the most affordable in the Caribbean, Bruce Bawker’s Carib Inn will make you feel at home right away. In Bruce, you have a hilarious and friendly fountain of knowledge who can tell you all there is to know about where the best dive spots are hidden away beneath the ocean’s depths.
Located on Bonaire, Carib Inn is very eco-friendly. Great care is taken to ensure that everything is done sustainably and that the reef is both protected and preserved for future generations. Indeed, Bruce philosophizes that eco-tourism is about education, respect, concern, and care for our environment. We couldn’t agree more.
Located right next to the sea, Carib Inn is perfectly set up to welcome divers of all levels. Most of the rooms come with kitchens, so you can save a lot of cash by whipping up your own meals of the fish you’ve sneakily managed to pluck from the sea on your dives.
Offering a wide array of PADI courses, it’s certainly one of the best places to learn how to scuba dive in the Caribbean for beginners; two daily boat trips take you to some of the most fantastic coral reefs you’ll ever see.
With Bonaire’s many marine wonders tantalizingly nearby and a personable, welcoming and friendly team of staff to help you, Carib Inn is a great option if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly diving trip.
3 Best Places to Learn to Scuba Dive in the Carribean for Overall Location
Now if you don’t give a fish’s shit about luxury, cheap blablabla and are mostly interested in the idyllic Caribbean island life, this is the section for you.
After all, why not lounge on golden sandy beaches and dive into pristine turquoise waters if you can, amirite?!
With so many fantastically beautiful places hidden around the Caribbean, you really can’t go wrong – although that isn’t to say that some places aren’t more special than others.
The location of each of the three diving schools we’ve chosen really needs to be seen to be believed. You’ll probably need to spit and clean your mask numerous times before you actually come to terms with the beauty before you.
So start mustering up that saliva squad – here are the best luxury, cheap (plus social scene) and mid-range (plus eco-friendly) dive schools for their incredible locations.
1) Best Dive School in the Caribbean for Location & Luxury
Jiminy Jillickers! Now this is a scene that you’ll want to see again and again, and again and again until it’s literally lost all meaning.
Blackbird Caye Resort in Belize. Wow.
The highest rated resort in Belize, this luxury resort is tucked away on the edge of 4000 miles of dense jungle, overlooking the most beautiful turquoise lagoon you’ve ever seen. It is totally worth the bags with dollar signs on that you throw their way.
Situated on Turneffe Atoll, staying at Blackbird Caye Resort is one scuba diving holiday for beginners that you won’t forget in a hurry; the stunning scenery will indelibly be etched in your memory. While that may sound painful, it is definitely worth it.
This untouched spot is blessed with unforgettable views over the Caribbean and the dramatic walls of the atoll are just a stone’s throw away from the resort. The lagoon’s tranquil waters are protected by the reef’s rim so beginners can confidently take to the water straight away.
With some of the most stupendous diving spots in the Caribbean just five to ten minutes from Blackbird Caye Resort, it really is a tropical paradise both above and below the water’s surface, thanks to its breathtaking location.
2) Best Dive School in the Caribbean for Location & Party Scene
Dive Friends how adorable! Dive Friends of Bonaire on Bonaire is one of the cheapest out there. It has seven fantastic dive centers scattered around the island, with their Yellow Submarine center located at Kralendijk being the primary one.
All the dive schools are situated either right next to an incredible dive site or just a short boat trip away from untold underwater riches and, if you hadn’t guessed it, there’s a lively social scene too, so you’ll get to hear loads of great dive stories while sharing your own about that time you almost got eaten by a whale.
For beginners who are after a stupendous location, Dive Friends is certainly the best place to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean.
While their amazing locations are very appealing, it is also a very welcoming place and the staff will certainly help you out with anything you need.
They are very well organized so you’ll maximize the amount of time you’re in the water and won’t have to faff around wondering when you’re actually going to get the boat which was meant to be there three hours ago.
Bonaire has so many lovely dive sites and Dive Friends can certainly help you to see many of the best ones, all while learning how to dive. Sounds perfect, right!? In addition to this, they are very eco-friendly which almost makes Dive Friends too nice. Hmm, suspicious…
Nah just messing, the cleanup dives they run alongside the recycling programmes and talks on the importance of keeping the reef clean is one of the reasons why Bonaire’s underwater riches are so untouched and unspoiled and make for perfect diving.
Definitely check them out if you want a fun, friendly and social start to your scuba diving life!
Best Dive School in the Caribbean for Location & Eco Diving
A perfect mid-range option if you’re not looking to break the bank or slum it camping on an island under a tree, Sunset House on Grand Cayman is probably the place for you. What’s more, it’s run by and for divers.
The ocean-front resort is located on the west of the island. Some of Grand Cayman’s most stunning sites lie just offshore and, as there are six boats on offer, you’ll never be left marooned yelling ‘WILSSOOOONNNNNN!’ to your deflated volleyball friend.
As friendly and welcoming as it is organized and professional, Sunset House is one of the best places to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean for beginners. After exploring the house reef’s rich marine life, you can quickly progress on to the Kittiwake Wreck and Stingray City.
It is very eco-friendly and in addition to attaining your fins, you’ll also come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the ocean after having visited their coral nursery and made friends with their resident turtles and manta rays.
As it is run by divers, you’ll find everything is geared towards you having the best time underwater ever; they also put a bit of effort into making your above water stay special too. Located not far from George Town, you can go out and enjoy yourself or simply relax in the pool and jacuzzi and take in the stupendous views out over the sea.
With its eco-friendly approach and wealth of amazing dive sites, Sunset House is a bargain for all that it has to offer.
Diving Squad Debriefing
Well, squad, you’ve done it! Congratulations, you’ve now got your PADI Open Water qualification! Wait. What’s that?
You mean to say they haven’t even started yet? You mean we’re congratulating them on finishing the article and they actually have it all still to do?!
Well yes, yes we do!
It was a long, in-depth read but you’ve completed it, so well done! As you can see, there are just so many incredible places in the Caribbean just waiting for you to discover them and, well, we’re excited at how much fun you’re going to have exploring the amazing marine life that is out there.
The Caribbean is a fantastic place to head to if you’re looking to learn how to dive and there really is the perfect place out there for you.
Now that you know everything there is to know about the best place to learn to scuba dive in the Caribbean, it’s time for you to spread your fins and elegantly flipper away.
Until next time! Diving Squad out.
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Help Diving Squad with Marine Conservation
EPIC FAIL HUMANITY:
- Over 18 billion pounds of plastic enters the World’s Oceans every year. That’s enough trash to cover every foot of coastline around the world with five full trash bags of plastic (Every. Year).
- As well as containing it’s own toxic chemicals, like BPA, plastic absorbs even more potent toxins from other pollutants in the Ocean such as oil, untreated sewage and radioactive waste.
- Plastic is indestructible and never degrades. Instead it simply breaks down into smaller pieces which accumulate together, en masse.
- Today, each square mile of ocean has over 45,000 pieces of plastic floating in it.
- Plastic is mistaken for food and eaten by marine animals. Because it can’t be digested, it fills their stomachs and causes them to starve to death.
- For those “lucky” individuals that don’t eat plastic, the toxic chemicals present in every part of sea water from plastic, wreck havoc throughout the ecosystem causing changes in animals behaviour, immune systems and reproduction.
- There are 200 known ‘dead zones’, or areas deprived of oxygen and devoid of life, (area between 1 and 70,000 km²), in the world ocean, due to plastic: this number has doubled every decade since 1960.
- Chemicals in heavily polluted waters can make their way back to us and cause serious health issues like reproductive problems, hormonal problems, kidney damage, and nervous system damage.
- It’s estimated that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish (by weight). AND IT’S GETTING WORSE
The Time to Act is NOW
To Diving Squad, the grizzly stats above are appalling, tragic and completely UNACCEPTABLE. That’s why we are working hard towards combating plastic pollution in the ocean.
How do we do this? Through spreading awareness, providing informative guides on eco friendly diving and donating 10% of all profits that we make towards combating plastic pollution in the Ocean.
So, how does Diving Squad make money? Through You! Every time you click on one of our painstakingly, yet lovingly researched liveaboard, gear or insurance links and spend money – we earn a % commission thanks to affiliate partnerships.
We then donate 10% of this towards Marine Conservation Schemes that target plastic pollution.
What does this mean? It means that if you book a Liveaboard through a Diving Squad link – some of that money goes directly towards Marine Conservation.
Buy a piece of Gear through a Diving Squad link? Nice! You’ve just contributed money towards Marine Conservation. Booked yourself Diving Insurance through Diving Squad? Go, go Marine Conservation!
So help us…help you…help the Ocean. Together, we can do this.
To which Marine Conservation charity do we donate, you might ask? Our squad is already hard at work selecting the ideal candidate. The winner will be announced at the end of 2019. Have a suggestion? We’d love to hear… If we pick your suggestion, there just might be something in it for you…
Contact us at: Alex Hatton: [email protected] (Grand Admiral at Diving Squad).
