5 Best Beginner Dives in the Caribbean

Learning to scuba dive is as thrilling as it is challenging. From learning the hand signals to nailing neutral buoyancy, there’s plenty to worry about on your first few dives without the conditions being harsh. The best sites for beginners are those with low currents, reasonable depth and not too much to navigate (like narrow caverns or winding corals). But just because you’ll want to start at novice-level dives doesn’t mean they have to be boring! Here are our five favorite beginner dives in the Caribbean:

CAÑO ISLAND – COSTA RICA

This marine reserve is located about 10 miles from Punta Llorona on Península de Osa. This island boasts multiple dive sites with crystal clear waters, gorgeous reefs and plentiful marine life. Divers will enjoy the turtles, rays, eels and reef fish that frequent this area, with opportunities to see the occasional shark or dolphin. If you go at the right time (July to October), you may even see humpback whales migrating from Antarctica to Costa Rica for the season!

KLEIN BONAIRE – BONAIRE

Bonaire is known as the Shore Diving Capital of the World with over 60 dive sites that are easily accessible by shore and bursting with beautiful marine life. Many of the dive sites are protected from any currents, making this the perfect location for beginner divers. Crystal-clear waters and healthy coral reefs abound. Klein Bonaire is accessible by boat and well worth the short trip as the coral reefs are bursting with color and teeming with tropical fish.

AMBERGRIS CAYE – BELIZE 

Teeming with vibrant fish and packed with corals, Ambergris Caye is an exciting spot for novice divers. You’ll be able to take in Belize’s famous barrier reef in all its glory, including staghorn, elkhorn and brain corals. With up to 150ft of visibility, you’ll also be able to enjoy the colorful reef fish, turtles and reef sharks that often pass through. The most unique part of this dive? The opportunity to see a whitespotted toadfish, which is endemic to Belize. These patterned sea creatures can often be seen peeking out from under rocks, so keep an eye out!

THE THRONE ROOM – JAMAICA

This wide cavern dive can be found in Negril, Jamaica. Covered with giant, orange elephant ear sponges, the stunning underwater topography is a thrilling experience for divers. You can also expect to see eels, turtles, rays and (if you’re lucky) even an octopus or two. But the main attraction is on your way out of the cavern—a large elephant ear sponge formation in the shape of a throne! (Don’t tell Daenerys).

STINGRAY CITY – CAYMAN ISLANDS

If you want a guarantee you’ll see rays on your dive, Stingray City in the Cayman Islands is an ideal spot. Located in the middle of North Sound, you’ll need to join an excursion or hire a boat to get to this site. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a shallow sandbar full of friendly stingrays. They’re very used to people, as this is a popular tourist attraction, so don’t be surprised if they swim right up to you. But rays aren’t the only marine life in this area; you can also expect to see snappers, jacks, tangs and more. The clear blue waters, with a depth of just 12 feet, make this spot perfect for beginners looking for a thrill!