Whether you are already the proud owner of a shiny new c-card, or if you're still in the process of learning to dive, you're probably wondering where to go to enjoy world class dives that aren't at all difficult. Everyone - even all of us at Just Gotta Dive (JGD) - started out somewhere; and we want to make it easy for you to get out and enjoy the sport we love. That's why we've compiled this collection of fantastic dive destinations for beginners, this time focusing on the Caribbean, where clear blue water and an abundance of marine life add up to unforgettable dives that leave you wanting more. Ready for some fun? Let's get started.
Bonaire
Many experienced divers will tell you that Bonaire remains much like the Caribbean once was, before tourism was so popular. Located in the south Caribbean, it offers calm, clear water, with visibility which frequently exceeds 100 feet; in addition, it is diveable all year.
While there are many places here for newer divers to explore, some of the best novice level diving is to be had at the Bonaire Marine Park, which extends all the way around the island, from from the high water mark all the way to the sixty meter depth contour. Everywhere you look, you'll find yourself surrounded by incredible coral growth, including lots of staghorn coral, and plenty of marine life; Bonaire is counted among the world's best places to encounter diverse, healthy fish and other aquatic life forms.
The reefs here typically begin at the water's edge, then shelve off to a depth of just about 10 meters. This reef terrace is from 20 to 200 meters wide, and taken all together, it offers novice divers unlimited area to explore. While you're in Bonaire, watch for beautiful blue tangs, lots of angelfish and wrasse, goatfish, butterflyfish, and many other creatures - even dolphins, rays, nurse sharks, and whale sharks are encountered here on a fairly regular basis.
Cayman Islands
While expert divers love the Caymans for their spectacular drop offs, tunnels, swimthroughs, and walls, newer divers thoroughly enjoy the shallow reef systems which surround the islands. Covered in colorful coral and home to countless marine species, these reefs typically offer depths up to about 20 meters, though many sites here are even shallower; for example, Stingray City, a well-known gathering place for Southern Stingrays, is just about 4 meters deep in some places, yet it is one of the most popular dive sites the islands have to offer. Wherever you go, you're certain to enjoy great visibility up to about 30 meters.
Bahamas
Whether you're planning to learn to dive while vacationing in the Bahamas, or if you are already certified, you're certain to have a great time and see some spectacular things underwater. If you can, try to get to the Andros Barrier Reef - it's one of our favorite destinations for new divers visiting the Bahamas. This reef stretches for more than 100 miles along the island's east coast and is the third largest barrier reef in the world; it is also one of the healthiest. Dive sites here are between 3 and 30 meters deep on average, offering incredible coral formations that create a picturesque backdrop for turtles, rays, small reef sharks, and thousands of fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates in every color of the rainbow. In addition, whether you're diving Andros or another of the Bahamas' beginner friendly dive sites, you're almost certain to encounter larger fish including amberjacks, massive groupers, and the occasional tuna.
Turks and Caicos
Located just off the southern tip of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos offer some of the most pristine dive sites on the planet; expert divers love the steep walls that plunge away into the abyss some 7,000 feet below the surface! Luckily, there's no shortage of shallow sites suitable for new divers; many multi-level sites here begin in just about 10 meters of water. Lovely hard and soft coral is present in abundance, and the marine life is fantastic. Due to the extreme depths nearby, you have a better than average chance of encountering large pelagics; watch for the manta rays which are often seen in the vicinity, and keep an eye out for the occasional reef shark, too. Besides the big guys, healthy populations of octopus, lobster, and other reef occupants are well represented - once you've been diving at Turks and Caicos, you'll understand why this is one of our favorite destinations - these clear waters offer world class diving at its best.
St. Croix
St. Croix has much to offer all divers - maybe that's why it is such a popular destination. Some of the best dive sites here are suitable for novice divers; for example, one site not to miss while you are here is the Frederiksted Pier, which is renowned as one of the top macro life sites on the planet. If you've never been night diving, this is a great place for a first night dive; while the creatures inhabiting the underside of this pier are beautiful by day, they put on an incredible show once the sun goes down. The pier's columns are encrusted with vibrant coral and sponge growth, and batfish, frogfish, and even sea horses are encountered here on just about every dive.
St. Croix also offers reef diving; in fact, you'll find the reef and its occupants are among the most vibrant and healthy in the Caribbean. While more experienced divers in your group will love the thrill of flying along walls that drop thousands of feet into the abyss, you'll thoroughly enjoy getting up close and personal with fish, invertebrates, and crustaceans of all kinds. Look for moray eels, juvenile reef sharks, turtles, and thousands of other creatures as you explore - the experience is certain to be one you'll never forget.
Last, but certainly not least, Scuba Divers Travel Network recommends these Caribbean destinations to new divers because the dive infrastructure - and the topside attractions - are very well developed. Dive operators here offer classes to expand your skills and help you grow as a diver, plus they're well equipped, with plenty of rental equipment. Environmental practices tend to be solid, and dive operators in the Caribbean take diver safety seriously. For unlimited fun and amazing underwater vistas, look no further - there are enough beginner-friendly dive sites at these locations to keep you busy into your golden years.