Let’s be honest — if you want to go diving, it’s the Caribbean or bust. Whether it’s the unmatched sea life, easy access to dive sites or the sheer brilliance of the waters of the Caribbean Sea, the region is the top diving destination for a reason. Of course, there are some great places to stay when you’re not in the water. Here’s our list of the top 10 dive resorts in the Caribbean right now (although it should be noted that all of these hotels are equally terrific for snorkeling). Is there one you think should be on the list? Let us know!
Sunset House – Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is one of the Caribbean’s leading dive destinations, with almost 250 dive sites in total (and growing). Whether you’re heading to dive at the world-famous Stingray City or taking part in one of the resort’s night dives, it’s all here for divers at the hotel, which bills itself as “for divers, by divers.”
Buddy Dive Resort – Bonaire
One of a pair of resorts on this list from the Caribbean’s diving capital, Buddy Dive is located on the western side of Bonaire, just across the water from Klein Bonaire. Both Bonaire and its tiny neighbour have a nearly unlimited number of dive sites. Buddy Dive also unique in that it has what is the only drive-through air/nitrox fill station that we know of – anywhere.
Lions Dive & Beach Resort – Curacao
Home to an Ocean Encounters dive shop, the eco-oriented Lions Dive offers diving both right off the property’s beach and sites like Klein Curacao, Mushroom Forest and Tugboat.
Scuba Club Cozumel – Cozumel
The Caribbean coast of Mexico is home to some pretty spectacular diving, and Scuba Club Cozumel is the at the top of the pack. Scuba Club has a fleet of seven dive boats and access to 17 dive sites. (Of course, you can always dive on the shore just a short walk from your room.
Captain Don’s Habitat – Bonaire
This resort was founded by the legendary Captain Don, the man almost single-handedly responsible for turning Bonaire into the dive destination it is today. The PADI five-star Gold Palm resort has three boat departures each day to more than 70 dive sites.
Magdalena Grand Beach Resort – Tobago
The Magdalena Grand, located on the Tobago Plantations Estate, is the newest resort on this list, having opened in the summer of 2012. But it offers a combination of leisure and great diving, with a five-star PADI dive centre and is very close to the wreck of the M/V Maverick ferry.
Turneffe Island Resort – Belize
Located on a private island off the coast of Belize, Turneffe Island offers access to more than 70 dive sites, including the stunning Elbow. The hotel has its own dedicated dive programme, which includes 15 dives per week.
Anthony’s Key Resort – Honduras
Located on Roatan’s Sandy Bay, Also a PADI Gold Palm five-star resort, Anthony’s Key Resort has a fleet of 10 dive boats and access to sites near and far, including in the “Front Porch” reef.
Anse Chastanet – St Lucia
Anse Chastanet is all about nature, and the diving is up to the task, with the resort being home to Scuba St Lucia on the south end of Anse Chastanet beach. Diving at the Anse Chastanet reef begins about 10 yards beyond the edge of the water. And the property also has three dive boats of its own.
Bohio Dive Resort – Turks and Caicos Islands
Grand Turk offers a plethora of dive sites on its western coast, and Bohio is the perfect launching point. Visibility is all the way to 100 feet on average, and the hotel emphasizes a “valet” diving experience — including being picked up just a few steps from your room.