Diving and Snorkeling in Jamaica

Jamaica isn't a major dive destination, but you can find a few rich underwater regions, especially off the north coast. MoBay, known for its wall dives, has Airport Reef at its southwestern edge. The site is known for its coral caves, tunnels, and canyons. The first marine park in Jamaica, the Montego Bay Marine Park, was established to protect the natural resources of the bay; a quick look at the area and it's easy to see the treasures that lie beneath the surface. The north coast is on the edge of the Cayman Trench, so it boasts a wide array of marine life.

Thanks to a marine area protected since 1966, the Ocho Rios region is also a popular diving destination. Through the years, the protected area grew into the Ocho Rios Marine Park, stretching from Mammee Bay and Drax Hall to the west to Frankfort Point on the east. Top dive sites in the area include Jack's Hall, a 40-foot dive dotted with all types of coral; Top of the Mountain, a 60-foot dive near Dunn's River falls with many coral heads and gorgonians; and the Wreck of the Katryn, a 50-foot dive to a deliberately sunk 140-foot former minesweeper.

With its murkier waters, the southern side of the island isn't as popular for diving, especially near Kingston. Port Royal, which is near the airport, is filled with sunken ships that are home to many different varieties of tropical fish. Prices range from $45 to $80 for a one-tank dive. All the large resorts have dive shops, and the all-inclusive places sometimes include scuba diving in their rates. To dive, you need to show a certification card, though it's possible to get a small taste of scuba diving and do a shallow dive—usually from shore—after taking a one-day resort diving course, which almost every resort with a dive shop offers. A couple of places stand out.

The Negril Scuba Centre (Mariner's Negril Beach Club, Norman Manley Blvd., Negril. 876/957-0392. www.negrilscuba.com) has three locations in Negril. Along with the Marin's Negril Beach Club location, you'll find dive operations at Sunset at the Palms (876/383-9533) and Negril Escape Resort & Spa (876/957-0392).

Scuba Jamaica (Half Moon, N. Coast Hwy., Montego Bay. 876/381-1113. www.scuba-jamaica.com) offers serious scuba facilities for dedicated divers. This PADI and NAUI operation also offers Nitrox diving and instruction as well as instruction in underwater photography, night diving, and open-water diving. There's a pickup service for the Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay, and Ocho Rios areas.