Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Barbados Offers Numerous Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Sites

The waters off the island of Barbados are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. Barbados is surrounded by coral reefs that support all types of marine life, different species of thriving sea sponges and colorful coral. All of the reefs are beautiful and unique. The island is surrounded by barrier reefs that are between half and two miles from the island’s shore. The reefs are filled with countless colorful fish, turtles, and all sorts of coral. Closer than one mile to shore are “patching” reefs that are very impressive. They are filled with much more plant life than the reefs farther out and they also support the lives of many types of fish, sea horses, and eels. It’s exciting to experience the marine life in Barbados’ waters during a scuba diving or snorkeling expedition near one of the island’s artificial reefs. There are about 200 ships that have sunk near the coast of Barbados (some because of accidents, some on purpose). Anyone can scuba dive or snorkel in Barbados’ waters at any time of the year because the temperature of the water is usually around 80 degrees, but the summer months are optimal. For non-experts or anyone who wants a little guidance, there are many places to rent scuba diving or snorkeling equipment. In addition, there are local companies that offer diver operators to provide tours of the natural and artificial reefs. Using a dive operator is a way to ensure that a scuba dive or snorkeling experience will be educational and successful.

Barbados Ship Wrecks and Artificial Reefs

Most of the artificial reefs in the vicinity of the island were created by old ship wrecks. While some of the wrecks were sunk on purpose in order to create artificial reefs, many of the wrecks are historical in nature and over the years have created incredible homes for all sorts of marine life.

SS Stavronikita

The SS Stavronikita sits on the west side of the island. The ship was sunk on purpose so that an artificial reef could form. Originally, the ship was Greek and about 365 feet long, but now is now under about 100 feet of water. The old ship is now home to fish and coral formations.

Friars Crag

This ship ended up at the bottom of the sea in 1984 and is under about 55 feet of water. It’s located near two of Barbados’ natural coral reefs, so the individual sites can all be visited during the same scuba or snorkeling trip.

Carlisle Bay

For some reason, numerous ships have sunk in this general area and have created many artificial reefs. Four of the ship wrecks have produced spectacular homes to many types of tropical fish and other marine life. This is a good location for people wanting to snorkel or for beginner scuba divers.

Pamir

Pamir is another spot good for the beginning scuba diver. It sits in about 60 feet of water and is on the northern side of the island.

Barbados’ Natural Reefs

Some describe Barbados’ waters as the “dive secret” of the region. Barrier reefs surround the island and because of the water’s currents, the reefs are able to support very healthy marine life. Many of the dive spots must be reached by boat, but are well worth the trip as the sights to be seen under water are unique and magnificent.

Bell Buoy

This reef is located on the southwest side of the island and is famous for the presence of brown coral. The reef is only 60 feet down at its deepest point, and parts of the reef are only 20 feet under water.

Shark Bank

The name, “Shark Bank” should not worry the diver. The reef is not inhabited only by dangerous shark. The site contains many beautiful fish and sea turtles. The dive down to this reef is about 140 feet.

Maycocks Bay

For anyone who enjoys viewing rays and barracudas, this is the perfect reef to visit. The coral areas in this reef are divided by white sand – a sight unlike any other!

Dottins

This is a very popular dive site, located on the west side of the island. It's home to all the types of marine life popular in coral reef areas.