The Best Reef Sites for Diving in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is a paradise for beginner and expert divers and families looking to have fun snorkeling in one of the planet's most diverse areas of marine flora and fauna.

Here are some of the favorite spots for divers from around the world looking to enjoy the underwater natural beauties of the select Caribbean region. This 50-kilometer-long island in the Mexican Caribbean is a paradise for expert divers or visitors eager to enjoy marine life by snorkeling. Its crystal-clear waters give divers more than 30 yards of visibility to enjoy extraordinary sea landscapes and a large ecosystem that lives on fabulous coral reefs.

Here divers find the second largest coral reef in the world, including the Colombia Reef, Palancar, Punta Sur, Santa Rosa, and Paso del Cedral, among others. El Cielo Bay is one of the most spectacular places to admire a large colony of giant starfishes.

Among the great diversity of marine life that divers and snorkelers can see in Cozumel are puffer fish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, barracuda, ray, and even nurse sharks. Divers must be accredited, and those who are not can apply for certification courses from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). It is essential to know that Cozumel reefs are protected by authorities to prevent damage to the ecosystem, so they are sometimes closed to visitors. In addition, sunscreens and tanning oils used by some tourists are toxic elements for the coral itself and species such as anemones, among others.

In addition to having beautiful beaches, these great islands of the Dominican Republic are ideal for divers and snorkelers who find a series of fun tours throughout the year to enjoy the tremendous underwater nature that lives in the surroundings of beautiful coral reefs of which the majestic Wall of Catalina stands out.

This place, with an average temperature of 87.8 degrees, is home to beautiful species of flora and fauna, such as sponges, turtles, and a variety of tropical fish of intense colors, such as seahorses, starfishes, lionfish, parrotfish, porcupine fish and thousands of sponges, among many others. Isla Saona has options for experienced divers and beginners with different experiences. The island's western side has shallow reefs, ideal for families looking to snorkel. On the other hand, the eastern side is more profound, allowing more experienced divers to find much larger fish species.

This fabulous area has sea pastures, mangrove forests, wrecks, cliffs, and caverns with tunnels for the fun of divers with complete preparation. PADI Adventures offers excursions to the most exciting sites with expert guides who guarantee the enjoyment and safety of visitors.