The year round
good weather and clear blue waters surrounding Antigua are ideal for Scuba
Diving with the best dive sites being between 40ft - 75ft.
There are 2
fantastic reef dives south of the island; Cades Reef and Pillars of
Hercules.
Cades Reef is a
nice beginner dive on the southwest coast of Antigua. It is situated at a
depth of 30-65 feet (10-20 meters) and often experiences visibility in
excess of 100 feet (30 meters). Despite being ideal for beginners however,
the site can be slightly rough with high waves if the conditions are not
right. In this situation it is possible to dive the more sheltered sections
of the reef.
Nurse Sharks are
regular visitors to Cades reef and year round you can see barracuda, moray
eels, eagle rays, lobsters and reef sharks. The site is quite popular with
American tourists, many of whom are inexperienced divers so make sure you
get buddied up with an experienced diver or you will be surfacing in 35
minutes after your partner has sucked dry his/her tank.
The award for the
site with the most dramatic name has to go to "Pillars of Hercules". Located
in English Harbour off the south coast of Antigua and 150 feet (45 meters)
below the surface, this dive site has been touted by Carlo Williams on one
influential dive site as "definitely Antigua's best dive site!!". He goes on
to talk about swim through valleys, coral encrusted boulders and lots of
small marine life.
Carl Hughey, on
the same website claims (unverified) to have seen Tritons Horn, a rare
shellfish at the dive site.
If you wish to
partake in a spot of diving during your holiday in Antigua, all of the major
hotels and resorts will be able to put you in touch with a reputable and
qualified dive school. Just ask at the front desk.
