Scuba Diving in Barbados: The Ultimate Guide
Barbados is a great place for an amazing scuba dive experience! With crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life, Barbados offers divers of all levels a world-class scuba diving experience. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about scuba diving in Barbados, from the best dive sites to the best time of year to visit.
Where to Dive in Barbados
Barbados is home to some of the most stunning dive sites in the world, including coral walls, shipwrecks, shallow reefs, and an array of different marine life. The South Coast has some of the best diving spots in Barbados.
Popular dive sites include Carlisle Bay, which is a great spot for beginners; Shark Bank, where you can swim with nurse sharks; and Sunken Rocks, where you can explore a variety of colorful corals and sponges. For experienced divers looking for an extra adventure, Scherzer’s Reef is a must-see!
Top 9 dive sites in Barbados
- Carlisle Bay
- Shark Bank
- Sunken Rocks
- Penguin Bank
- Cross Roads
- Wreck of the RMS Stavronikita
- Ship Cove & Quicksands Reefs
- North Point Reef
- Scherzer’s Reef
Carlisle Bay is arguably one of the best dive sites in Barbados, as it is a great spot for beginners and experienced divers alike. The bay offers beautiful corals, an abundance of tropical fish, and sea turtles.
Shark Bank is another popular spot because you can swim with nurse sharks. It has depths of between 20 and 30 meters, making it an ideal spot for experienced divers.
Sunken Rocks is a beautiful reef with many colorful sponges and corals. It features depths of up to 40 meters, so you can explore the deeper parts of the reef as well.
Penguin Bank is great for shallow dives, as it has depths between 0 and 15 meters. It is full of tropical fish and colorful sponges.
Cross Roads is an interesting site because it is home to a variety of coral formations as well as many species of reef fish.
The Wreck of the RMS Stavronikita is one of Barbados’ most popular dive sites. It is a sunken ship that has been there since 1977, and it can be explored by divers of all levels.
Ship Cove & Quicksands Reefs are two of the best spots for drift diving. These reefs have an abundance of marine life, including turtles, moray eels, and colorful corals.
North Point Reef is a great spot for experienced divers looking for an extra adventure. It has a maximum depth of 40 meters, so you can explore the deeper parts of the reef.
Scherzer’s Reef is one of Barbados’ most unique dive sites. Here you can explore crystal-clear waters, colorful coral walls, and a variety of marine life. It is also home to a sunken airplane, making for an exciting dive!
When to visit
The best time to visit Barbados for scuba diving is between April and August. During this time, the waters are clear and visibility is excellent. The currents can be strong during this period, so you may want to consider taking a course in drift diving if you’re an inexperienced diver. Weather-wise, Barbados offers warm weather year-round, with temperatures ranging from 25 °C (77 °F) in the winter months to 29 °C (84 °F) in the summer.
Marine life in Barbados
Barbados has an incredible array of marine life, ranging from colorful corals and sponges to sea turtles, moray eels, rays, and an abundance of tropical fish. You can also find dolphins and whales in the waters surrounding the island.
Are there sharks in Barbados?
Yes! Barbados is home to a variety of different shark species, including nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and bull sharks. While it is not uncommon to see them while diving, they are generally harmless and will only approach divers if provoked.
Reported shark attacks in Barbados
According to Florida Museum, there aren’t any reported shark incidents in Barbados since 1900. Most small Caribbean islands in that region haven’t reported any attacks. More commonly, shark incidents occurred in Puerto Rico and nearby Caribbean islands north of Barbados.
What you need when scuba diving in Barbados
Before you jump into the crystal-clear waters of Barbados for a scuba dive adventure, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, you will need to obtain your PADI Open Water Certification or equivalent. You will also need to bring your own scuba gear, including a mask, fins, snorkel, and wetsuit.
Overall, Barbados is a perfect destination for scuba diving enthusiasts looking to explore some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean. With its crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life, you won’t be disappointed!
