10 Best dive locations in the Caribbean: Discover aquatic wonders with a luxury scuba yacht charter

With warm, turquoise waters, infinite isles, and an underwater landscape that has it all – steep ridges, vibrant coral reefs, forgotten shipwrecks and an abundance of tropical marine life – the Caribbean is the indisputable premier diving region for yacht charters.

On a scuba diving yacht charter, you can hop in the tender to reach remote dive sites and explore a technicolour world beneath the waves before resurfacing for an indulgent afternoon or evening back onboard.

Plus, with dive experts on hand, your crew can cater your dive itinerary to suit, whether you’re a party of seasoned divers, have a variety of skillsets onboard or are looking for an unforgettable family adventure.

The 10 best dive locations in the Caribbean for a luxury scuba yacht charter

Here is our pick of the top dive sites in the Caribbean that are best reached by superyacht. 

1. Cayman Islands – Dramatic wall dives and Stingray City

Situated in the western Caribbean, this trio of isles is a favourite among divers due to its famously crystal-clear waters, pristine reefs and daring wall drops.

One of the highlights of a Cayman Islands diving adventure is Grand Cayman’s North Wall, which drops away to great depths and offers opportunities to see eagle rays and sea turtles.

Stingray City, also on Grand Cayman, is a good option for less experienced divers as guests can ease themselves in by swimming with local stingrays in the shallows of a sandbar before advancing to deeper waters.

Back above water, with the world-class marinas, luxury spas and fine-dining restaurants of George Town, the Cayman Islands have plenty of yacht appeal for the non-divers in your group.

2. Bahamas – Shark diving, caves & blue holes

Guests on a Bahamas yacht charter can enjoy endlessly captivating coral gardens, a challenging network of caves, plus the very real possibility of shark encounters – the region is home to a wide variety of larger marine life, from reef sharks to hammerheads, grouper and dolphins.

The Andros Blue Holes national park is like a secret underwater world with intricate submerged cave systems and the largest number of blue holes in the world, many of which require special dive equipment.

More heart-pumping excitement is to be found at the Washing Machine drift dive in the Exuma Cays, where divers are dropped into a strong current that spins them through a narrow gap, catapulting them into a colourful reef. 

For more sedate exploration, the uninhabited isles of the Exuma National Park are perfect for calm kayaking expeditions, while the secluded anchorages and pristine beaches of the Bahamas make it an ideal destination for pairing diving adventures with private island experiences.

3. British Virgin Islands diving – Clear sheltered waters and excellent visibility

With its sheltered waters offering easy yacht access, excellent marinas and short cruising distances between its many islands, the BVIs are an excellent diving charter destination. The region’s clear waters are home to a rich variety of marine life, from tarpon and jacks to nurse sharks and turtles, while there are numerous ship wrecks to explore.

The haunting remains of the RMS Rhone wreck, in which 123 people lost their lives, is a poignant reminder on the unpredictable temperament of the ocean, while the Chikuzen wreck draws much of the region’s sea life, including sharks and pelagic fish.

Back onboard, freshen up quickly for a laid-back night at the Soggy Dollar where you can sip rum cocktails and feast on fresh lobster cooked straight on the grill. It’s what the Caribbean lifestyle is all about.

4. Belize Diving – Blue hole and Mesoamerican barrier reef

While the Bahamas may have the highest number of blue holes, Belize is perhaps where you’ll find the most famous. For the best diving in Belize, try the iconic Great Blue Hole, named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive spots in the world.

Renowned for its mesmerising near-circular shape, which is emphasised by its dark blue surface colour, framed by the white of the nearby sandbar, it’s not one for beginner divers, though there are plenty of easier dive sites on other parts of the huge barrier reef.

Alternatively, you can spend your days discovering heavenly remote cays and atolls that are only accessible by yacht, or ask your crew to arrange a visit to a Maya village for a cultural immersion on a deeper level.

5. Turks & Caicos Scuba diving – An underwater photographer’s paradise

With a rich coral reef ecosystem and walls that drop away into the deep (by as much as 2,000 metres), diving in Turks & Caicos is an exciting proposition.

Top dive sites include the Grand Turk Wall, French Cay, Northwest Point, and West Caicos Wall, where you may be lucky enough to see pelagics, spotted eagle rays, humpback whales (from January to March), and reef sharks.

With a luxury marina at Providenciales that can accommodate superyachts, plus direct yacht access to many of the walls from the area’s anchorages, Turks & Caicos is gradually gaining a reputation as one of the best dive locations in the Caribbean.

6. Bonaire & Curaçao diving – Shore diving capital of the Caribbean

For those looking for a gentler introduction to diving in the Caribbean – perhaps for guests on a family yacht charter – then this part of the Caribbean is a great option.

Bonaire diving consists of soft corals and sponges, and boasts calm waters that are both shore accessible and offer lots of chances to see marine life, from seahorses to frogfish, moray eels to parrotfish and turtles.

Meanwhile, Curaçao diving is defined by its healthy reefs, protected marine park, wrecks, caves and coral diversity – best exemplified in the Mushroom Forest which takes its name from its giant mushroom-shaped coral.

After a day’s diving, head to Willemstad’s historic harbour for dinner at Fort Nassau where you can indulge in panoramic views, classic cocktails and the restaurant’s signature Dutch mussels served three ways.

7. Diving in the Grenadines – The unspoiled wonder of Tobago Cays

The protected marine park of Tobago Cays, renowned for its green turtles, stingrays, and nurse sharks, make it an iconic yacht anchorage. Divers will find lots to keep them occupied here, from the tranquil and glistening waters of Horseshoe Reef to regular ray encounters at World’s End Reef.

Eco-minded guests should pay a visit to Baradal Turtle Sanctuary, while the turquoise lagoons and deserted islets throughout the region create a real paradise-found atmosphere that is perfect for embracing the barefoot luxury vibe.

8. Scuba Diving in Grenada & Carriacou – Underwater sculptures & wreck capital of the Caribbean

Scuba diving in Grenada tends to centre on the vibrant reefs and the underwater sculpture park of Molinere. However, some also consider it the ‘Wreck capital of the Caribbean’ and few places are better to get a sense of the haunting atmosphere of these submerged ruins than the wreck of Bianca C (considered the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’).

With boutique marinas, spice-island charm, and uncrowded anchorages, a diving charter in Grenada & Carriacou feels like a natural pairing.

9. Diving in Dominica – Volcanic underwater terrain and bubbling waters

Such is the pure, untampered appeal of Dominica that it’s been labelled ‘The Nature Island.’ Highlights of a dive here include the Champagne Reef, where bubbling geothermal vents create a magical, fizzy atmosphere, and Scotts Head drop-off, where you can swim with lobster and shrimp amid the crater of an old volcano.

Make sure you spend at least some time out of the water and explore the interior of the island too, where lush rainforest walks bring you to hidden waterfalls that seem straight out of Paradise.

10. Dominican Republic scuba diving – Humpback whale diving at Silver Bank

The Dominican Republic is one of the world’s best places for humpback whale encounters – with the graceful giants gathering at the Silver Bank Sanctuary from January to March.

Though you can’t dive here, snorkelling is allowed, and floating along the sea’s surface peering at the congregating whales in peace is a sublime experience. Plus, once you’ve had enough of seeing them from this perspective you can get back onboard for a front-row view from the sun deck with a number of yacht accessible spots, open to those with the appropriate permits.

For guests looking to get their dive fix between whale sightings, the Astron shipwreck near Punta Cana attracts lots of marine life, and afterwards you can head to one of the nearby beach bars in the luxury resort town. 

Planning your scuba yacht charter in the Caribbean with Edmiston

Edmiston’s team of specialists are experts in planning Caribbean yacht charters and can help devise the perfect diving itinerary for you, whether you are looking for advice on the best places to dive in the Caribbean, or simply want to ensure you hire the right yacht for your needs.

SOPHIA yacht is a sensational charter yacht well suited to dive charters, with full dive gear and a dive compressor onboard. In addition, her hull doors allow the launch of her custom tenders for dive expeditions without disturbing other guests, who may decide to unwind in the expansive beach club instead of heading out to sea.

Meanwhile, LADY VICTORIA yacht packs a lot into her sub-50m frame, including an extendable swim platform, ideal for diving adventures, while the onboard Scuba instructor will ensure a safe underwater excursion for all.

And finally, after a busy day trying out the diving gear onboard, spend a relaxing evening at the cinema under the stars aboard AMIGOS yacht.

For an expert steer on the yachts in our fleet for your preferred region, speak with an Edmiston broker and start planning your Caribbean scuba yacht charter today.