When thoughts of clear water, smooth and cool against your skin, prevent you from focusing on the work in front of you, it’s time to head off to the Caribbean again.
Diving and snorkeling are two of the top water sports that the crystal warm waters of the Caribbean offer. There are thousands of great spots to explore for the advanced and novice divers alike. Ship wrecks from ages past and coral reefs teeming with fish beckon divers from around the world. Underwater caves and lava flows call for the adventurous at heart to come and see their hidden treasures.
For the novice divers and for great snorkeling, start at Grand Cayman. Rent a snorkel mask and fins for under $20 and head out from the beach to water so clear it almost seems as if you are swimming in air. Look closely at the sharp volcanic rock below to spot spiny urchins and starfish. Watch closely for fish with royal blue stripes to streak by as they check you out. When snorkeling the Cayman’s we found the deeper the water, the more colorful the fish we spotted.
More great, uncrowded spots can be found off the island of Montserrat in the West Indies. The Bat Cave is perfect for snorkelers and divers, offering beautiful fish in a secluded cave setting. Be sure to check out the endangered fruit bats that line the cave walls and ceilings. When you enter the cave their chirps, thousands of them, will welcome you.
Montserrat also has great diving on the southern half of the island. Due to Soufriere Volcano, which erupted in 1995 and again in 1997, this half of the island is uninhabited. However, the volcano tossed huge boulders into the waters and lava flows made ridges and crevices, creating a haven for divers to explore.
For those seeking dives with natural wonders, try Curacao in September or October. A week after the full moon the coral spawn begins. This is an amazing site to behold, with tiny round objects by the millions being released to float to the surface. These packages, if they are lucky, will produce polyps that become the next coral reefs.
Advanced and adventurous divers will not want to miss an opportunity to explore Punta Sur’s Devils Throat. This tunnel, dark, deep and made of coral, is the stuff dreams and nightmares are made of. Be sure to have your camera ready.
Divers who have a little experience and want to enjoy some unusual sites should check out Palancar Reef in Cozumel. In addition to all the fish that occupy this famous reef, lucky divers may spot a Splendid Toad Fish hiding in the cracks and crannies. This fish can suck in another fish in a fraction of a second, way faster than the eye can see it happen.
Great diving and snorkeling is available at anytime and almost anywhere in the Caribbean. Come and explore our hidden treasures.
