See full version: 5 Best Caribbean Islands to Live On; and 2 to Avoid
It wasn’t always like this. Back in the U.S., Donna and Timm’s busy careers in the software industry involved three-hour commutes and 16-hour days. “We’d say, ‘This can’t be what life is all about. We should move to the tropics and have a little place on the beach,'” says Donna. “That was our guiding light.”
Like other expats who live there for all or part of the year, these stars often think of the Bahamas as a paradise—an upscale group of islands with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Bahamas are friendly to newcomers, there’s no foreign language to cope with, crime is relatively low, and the islands are positioned just off the Florida coast.
“The country is a mini-continent, with a wide variety of terrain, from oceans to the highest mountains in the Caribbean, and everything in between,” he says. “The climate is wonderful. It is close to the U.S. and is economical. Weighed in the balance, it is the ideal country for me.” [links]
To reach the Turneffe Atoll, you can book a tour where you’ll hop on a dive boat. Due to its popularity, there are multiple dive shops near the atoll that offers regular trips. You can also choose the famous Turneffe Island Resort, which occupies the eponymous island. here
In relation to the regulations in the area, only a few liveaboards operate in Silver Bank. You should book as early as possible to prevent hassle during your visit. here
A: Yes, non-swimmers are allowed to scuba dive, but with very strict limits. If you want to get a diving license, you need to learn how to swim. You also need to master dive skills before you’re given the permit to scuba dive. From there, you can secure advanced certifications to dive into deeper depths.
Located in the Dominican Republic, there’s no doubt that Silver Bank is an exciting dive site. This is the perfect place to swim and dive with humpback whales in the entire Caribbean. It’s suitable for all diver levels since the whales are used to being surrounded by humans. here
The best scuba diving in Caribbean for beginners will give you an unforgettable experience. Despite its shallower waters, you can still spot stunning marine life. It’s the first step toward exploring deeper and better spots in the future.
The best way to experience Thailand and get loads of diving under your belt is to dive from a liveaboard. To find out more about Thailand liveaboards please search the window below or follow one of the links:
Florida Keys is one of the best places to scuba dive for beginners as it has crystal clear blue waters, exotic marine life, and historic dive sites. With 192 kilometres (120 miles) of Florida Keys to dive, starts with Key Largo known as the Diving Capital of the World, all the way down to Kay West.
The reason why Bonaire offers the best scuba diving in the Caribbean for beginners is its reputation for having the best shore diving in the world. Bonaire has been voted ‘Best Shore Dive Destination‘ by the readers of Scuba Diving Magazine for 23 consecutive times, no less!
To find out more about Bahamas liveaboards please search in the window or follow one of the links:
I’d love to hear from you. Tell us about your adventures of diving and snorkeling, in the comments below. Please also share your photos. Either from your underwater cameras or videos from your waterproof Gopro’s!
Many of these dive sites are perfect for beginner scuba divers too. With visibility from 18-30 metres (60-100 feet). Plus the waters are tropical and warm between 26-28°C (79-82°F). [links]
More than two-dozen dive sites attract scuba divers to the reefs and wrecks off Holetown on the island’s west coast and Carlisle Bay in the south. Barbados’ calm waters are also ideal for snorkeling. On the west coast, Dottin’s Reef is easily accessible from shore—especially from the beach at Folkestone Underwater Park & Marine Reserve, where divers can explore marine life some 40-60 feet down and snorkelers can follow an underwater snorkeling trail and swim with giant sea turtles. Carlisle Bay, a natural harbor surrounded by Garrison Historic Area south of Bridgetown, conceals a half-dozen shipwrecks close enough together to explore on a single dive, along with submerged anchors, cannons, and cannonballs.
A dramatic underwater landscape lures scuba divers to the “Nature Island”—one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world, according to PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Dominica has three marine reserves: Cabrits National Park Marine Section in the north; Salisbury Marine Reserve off the central west coast; and Soufrière-Scotts Head Marine Reserve at the island’s southwestern tip, which arguably has the best dive sites. Soufrière Bay is actually a submerged volcanic crater with vertical drops ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet. Pinnacles and canyons are everywhere—along with some active underwater fumaroles. Especially for snorkelers, the geothermal activity at Champagne Reef—home to seahorses, parrotfish, and colorful soft coral and sponge gardens—provides a unique opportunity to snorkel through warm, bubbly water above an active volcano. here
Due to their dramatic underwater topography and exceptional visibility, the Cayman Islands have become one of the Caribbean’s (if not the world’s) leading dive destinations. More than 200 dive sites, many close to shore, include soaring pinnacles, precipitous walls, beautiful coral-encrusted caverns and grottos, swim-through arches, and fascinating wrecks. Grand Cayman’s North Wall plunges more than 6,000 feet, for example, while coral reefs (with little or no current) offer shore diving and snorkeling opportunities. Little Cayman’s Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park has dramatic drop-offs, walls, and swim-throughs, along with vibrant underwater colors that reflect the park’s name. And divers and snorkelers of all abilities enjoy exploring the reefs around Cayman Brac—where divers can also inspect the MV Capt. Keith Tibbets, a 330-foot Russian frigate purposely sunk in 1996. more
Divers like to explore the intriguing coral formations and rather spectacular shipwrecks found in Aruba’s shallow waters, including the World War II-era, 400-foot German cargo ship Antilla that lies on its side in about 60 feet of water. Parts of the wreck are close enough to the surface for snorkelers to get a good look at the ship and the octopus, moray eels, groupers, and schools of fish that call this place home. Divers and snorkelers alike will find walk-in opportunities at beaches with shallow water (perfect for youngsters), fascinating corals and sponges, and lots of colorful fish—especially at Baby Beach and around Boca Catalina and Malmok.