Top 10 Islands for Diving Holidays in the Caribbean: Your Ultimate Underwater Paradise Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of floating weightlessly above vibrant coral gardens while a curious sea turtle gives you the side-eye, then diving holidays in the Caribbean should be at the top of your bucket list. With crystal-clear waters that make swimming pools look positively murky, year-round warm temperatures, and marine life more colorful than a Caribbean carnival, it’s no wonder the region is considered one of the world’s premier diving destinations.

But here’s the thing: with over 7,000 islands, cays, and reefs scattered across the Caribbean Sea, choosing where to take your diving holidays in the Caribbean can feel more overwhelming than trying to equalize at 30 meters. That’s where we come in. We’ve done the hard work (yes, someone had to dive all these incredible spots) to bring you the top 10 islands that’ll make your underwater adventures absolutely unforgettable.

Why Choose the Caribbean for Your Diving Holiday?

Before we dive into our top picks (pun absolutely intended), let’s talk about what makes diving holidays in the Caribbean so special. The region boasts water visibility that often exceeds 30 meters, water temperatures hovering between 26-29°C (78-84°F), and an embarrassment of riches when it comes to marine biodiversity. We’re talking about over 500 species of fish, pristine coral reefs, dramatic wall dives, and enough shipwrecks to keep history buffs happy for years.

Plus, unlike some exotic diving destinations that require three connecting flights and a donkey ride, most Caribbean islands are relatively accessible, with direct flights from major cities in North America and Europe. Your biggest challenge? Choosing just one island to visit.

1. Bonaire: The Shore Diving Capital

Let’s kick things off with Bonaire, the island that takes shore diving so seriously it should probably be called “Bonaire: The Island Where You Can Literally Drive to World-Class Dive Sites.” This Dutch Caribbean gem offers over 80 marked dive sites, and the best part? Most are accessible right from the beach.

Bonaire’s waters are protected as a marine park, meaning the reefs are pristine and the fish are so friendly they’ll probably photobomb your GoPro footage. The visibility regularly exceeds 30 meters, and the easy shore access means you can dive whenever you want – no boat schedules, no problem. If you’re planning diving holidays in the Caribbean and want freedom and flexibility, Bonaire is calling your name.

Must-dive site: Hilma Hooker shipwreck – a 72-meter freighter sitting upright in just 30 meters of water.

2. Cayman Islands: Where Stingrays Become Your Best Friends

The Cayman Islands might be famous for offshore banking, but trust us, the real treasure here is underwater. Grand Cayman’s Stingray City is probably the most famous shallow dive in the Caribbean, where dozens of southern stingrays will literally eat out of your hand. It’s like a petting zoo, but wetter and with more impressive wildlife.

But don’t let the tourist-friendly rays fool you – diving holidays in the Caribbean’s Cayman Islands offer serious diving too. The dramatic walls of Grand Cayman and the pristine reefs of Little Cayman (home to Bloody Bay Wall, consistently rated one of the world’s best wall dives) will blow your mind and empty your camera’s memory card.

Must-dive site: Bloody Bay Wall – a sheer drop from 6 meters to over 1,800 meters that’ll give you the best vertigo of your life.

3. Cozumel, Mexico: Drift Diving Done Right

Technically part of Mexico rather than a Caribbean island nation, but Cozumel is so good we couldn’t leave it off this list. The currents here are strong enough that most dives are drift dives, meaning you’ll glide effortlessly along walls and reefs while barely kicking a fin. It’s basically the lazy river of diving, except with eagle rays, sea turtles, and massive coral formations.

Cozumel’s reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. The visibility is typically 30+ meters, the water is bathwater-warm, and there are dive sites suitable for everyone from beginners to technical divers. For diving holidays in the Caribbean that combine easy logistics with world-class underwater scenery, Cozumel delivers.

Must-dive site: Palancar Reef – a series of massive coral formations with swim-throughs, caves, and enough marine life to make David Attenborough weep.

4. Dominica: The Nature Island’s Underwater Secrets

Dominica calls itself “The Nature Island,” and they’re not kidding. While everyone else flocks to the beach resorts, Dominica quietly offers some of the most dramatic and unspoiled diving in the entire Caribbean. Volcanic underwater topography creates incredible rock formations, pinnacles, and walls, plus you’ve got hot springs bubbling up from the seafloor – yes, underwater hot tubs are a thing here.

The island is also one of the best places in the world for diving with sperm whales, though you’ll technically be snorkeling rather than scuba diving for those encounters. For diving holidays in the Caribbean that feel genuinely off the beaten path, Dominica is your spot.

Must-dive site: Champagne Reef – where volcanic vents create streams of bubbles that make you feel like you’re swimming through champagne (minus the hangover).

5. Turks and Caicos: Wall Diving Paradise

Turks and Caicos might have some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, but the real action happens where those white sand beaches drop off into the deep blue. The islands are surrounded by walls that plunge thousands of meters, creating spectacular diving opportunities with excellent visibility and pristine coral coverage.

The marine park system here is well-managed, meaning the reefs are healthy and teeming with life. Expect to see everything from reef sharks to eagle rays, plus macro critters that’ll keep underwater photographers happy for hours. When it comes to diving holidays in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos offers luxury above water and adventure below.

Must-dive site: The Wall at West Caicos – a dramatic drop-off with huge barrel sponges, black coral, and pelagic visitors.

6. Roatan, Honduras: Affordable Excellence

Let’s talk money for a moment. Roatan offers world-class Caribbean diving at prices that won’t require selling a kidney. The island sits on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, blessed with incredible biodiversity, healthy reefs, and consistent visibility. There’s a reason the island has become a major dive training center – it’s got ideal conditions for learning combined with enough variety to keep experienced divers interested.

The West End and West Bay areas are particularly popular with divers, offering easy beach access and numerous dive operators. For budget-conscious divers planning diving holidays in the Caribbean, Roatan delivers premium experiences without the premium price tag.

Must-dive site: Mary’s Place – an incredible crack in the reef wall where you can swim through narrow canyons with light streaming down from above.

7. Saba: The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret

Tiny Saba (just 13 square kilometers) punches way above its weight when it comes to diving. This volcanic island rises dramatically from the sea, and its underwater topography is equally impressive. The entire island is surrounded by the Saba Marine Park, one of the Caribbean’s most successful marine conservation areas.

The diving here features pristine reefs, dramatic pinnacles, and an impressive variety of marine life. Because Saba sees fewer visitors than many Caribbean destinations, the reefs feel wonderfully unspoiled. If you want diving holidays in the Caribbean with a “we have the dive sites to ourselves” vibe, Saba is your island.

Must-dive site: Third Encounter – a seamount rising from the depths with swirling schools of fish and visiting pelagics.

8. Belize: Blue Hole and Beyond

The Great Blue Hole might be Belize’s Instagram star, but this Central American country (yes, technically not an island, but its cayes absolutely count) offers so much more. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason – it’s the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere.

Beyond the Blue Hole, you’ve got incredible wall diving, shark encounters at Shark Ray Alley, and pristine reefs around the outer atolls. The variety here is outstanding, making it perfect for diving holidays in the Caribbean that combine iconic bucket-list dives with exploratory adventures.

Must-dive site: The Great Blue Hole – because you can’t come to Belize and not dive this 300-meter-wide, 125-meter-deep sinkhole.

9. Curacao: Caribbean Diving with European Flair

Dutch Caribbean Curacao combines European charm with Caribbean diving excellence. The island’s leeward coast is sheltered and calm, with over 65 dive sites accessible from shore. The underwater topography features gentle slopes, dramatic walls, and even a few wrecks, including the famous Tugboat – probably the world’s most photographed wreck dive.

Curacao’s dive sites are well-marked and easily accessible, making DIY diving straightforward. The capital, Willemstad, is UNESCO-listed and gorgeous, so your non-diving surface intervals will be equally memorable. For diving holidays in the Caribbean that blend culture, cuisine, and coral reefs, Curacao ticks all the boxes.

Must-dive site: Mushroom Forest – an otherworldly landscape of massive coral formations shaped like, you guessed it, mushrooms.

10. St. Lucia: Volcanic Underwater Landscapes

Saving one of the most unique for last: St. Lucia’s volcanic origins create dramatic underwater topography you won’t find elsewhere in the Caribbean. We’re talking walls, canyons, ridges, and caves formed by ancient lava flows. The island’s southwest coast offers the best diving, with healthy reefs and good visibility.

While St. Lucia might not be as famous as some other Caribbean dive destinations, that’s actually a plus – you’ll find fewer crowds and a more intimate diving experience. The island also offers plenty of topside attractions (hello, Pitons), making it ideal for diving holidays in the Caribbean where not everyone in your group is a diver.

Must-dive site: Anse Chastanet Reef – a vibrant shallow reef perfect for all skill levels, right off a beautiful beach.

Planning Your Caribbean Diving Holiday

When to Go

The Caribbean diving season runs year-round, but the sweet spot is typically December through April – dry season with calm seas and excellent visibility. That said, diving holidays in the Caribbean during the summer and fall can offer better deals and fewer crowds, though you’ll need to watch hurricane forecasts.

What to Pack

Most Caribbean dive operators provide tanks and weights, but bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel if possible. A 3mm wetsuit or even a dive skin is usually sufficient given the warm water temperatures. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and your certification card!

Certification Requirements

Most Caribbean dive sites are suitable for Open Water certified divers, though some walls and drift dives may require Advanced certification. If you’re not yet certified, many islands offer excellent dive training facilities – learning to dive in the Caribbean is definitely not a bad way to get started!