Diving Directory: Dive Sites in Jamaica

Jonathan Timianko

Apr 29, 2024 — 2 min read

Jamaica, with its vibrant culture, stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, offers some fantastic scuba diving opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels. Here are a few notable scuba diving sites in Jamaica to check out from private boat slip rentals.

Montego Bay Marine Park

Photo: Wikimedia/Kydd Pollock/CC by SA 2.0

Located off the coast of Montego Bay, the Montego Bay Marine Park has a diverse range of dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. Explore underwater caves, tunnels and coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. The marine park is known for its abundant marine life, including eagle rays, moray eels and barracudas.

Negril

Photo: Pexels/Oleksandr P

Negril is famous for its beautiful Seven Mile Beach. Its underwater world is equally captivating to visit from private boat lifts for rent. Diving off the coast of Negril, you'll encounter impressive coral formations, walls and vibrant marine life. Popular dive sites include The Throne Room, a deep underwater cave system, and Mary's Place, which is known for its dramatic swim-throughs and marine biodiversity.

Ocho Rios

Photo: Wikimedia/Matthew T. Rader/CC by SA

From shallow reefs to deeper walls, Ocho Rios offers a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels. The underwater landscape features colorful coral gardens, swim-throughs and a rich array of marine species. One of the highlights is the wreck of the SS Kathryn (or Catheryne), a former minesweeper sunk intentionally to create an artificial reef. It’s now home to a wide array of marine life.

Runaway Bay

Photo: Wikimedia/Soliagur/CC by SA 3.0

Situated between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Runaway Bay is known for its calm waters and excellent visibility, making it an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling from private boat slip rentals. Dive sites here feature vibrant coral reefs, swim-throughs and encounters with marine creatures such as nurse sharks, stingrays and turtles.

Port Royal

Photo: Pexels/Harvey Clements

For those interested in maritime history and wreck diving, Port Royal, near Kingston, offers a fascinating experience. Known as the "wickedest city on Earth" during the 17th century, Port Royal sank into the sea following a massive earthquake. Today, divers can explore the submerged ruins of this once-bustling pirate haven, including shipwrecks and remnants of the sunken city.

Add a few of these sites to your dive itinerary the next time you’re visiting a marina or private boat dock rental in Jamaica.

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