Scuba Diving

Antigua's diving is varied and very approachable: warm water year-round, visibility often in the 15 to 30 metre range, and a mix of shallow reef, deeper walls, and a handful of wrecks. Most dive centres are based on the south coast around English Harbour and Falmouth, with others on the west coast, and they run trips for everyone from first-timers doing a Discover Scuba session to certified divers and full course students.

Signature sites include Cades Reef, the long barrier reef off the southwest with healthy coral and abundant fish, and the Pillars of Hercules, a striking series of eroded rock columns just outside the entrance to English Harbour, below Shirley Heights. Other favourites are Sunken Rock, a dramatic chimney dive, and various patch reefs and shallow wrecks suited to newer divers.

Marine life is typical of the eastern Caribbean: hawksbill and green turtles, southern stingrays, nurse sharks, barracuda, moray eels, lobster, and clouds of reef fish. Lionfish are present, so never touch anything on a dive.

Plan to dive early in your trip and remember not to fly within 18 to 24 hours of your last dive. If you only want surface time, the same reefs reward snorkelers, and a catamaran day cruise can combine both. Always check that your travel insurance covers scuba diving.