Caribbean Scuba Diving: Why Is It So Amazing?

Caribbean scuba diving is an amazing experience for many reasons, its natural wealth, the diversity of its sea bed, ancient remains, the warmth and transparency of its waters. It´s an endless list.

Since Caribbean scuba diving is a unique spectacle in the world, it is not surprising that many people have their first contact with diving in Caribbean waters. Meanwhile, others, conquered by its beauty, make an annual pilgrimage to enjoy Caribbean wonders.

In this article, we will explain what circumstances converge in its waters to make Caribbean scuba diving a dream come true.

Caribbean Scuba Diving Means Enjoying Its Warm and Transparent Waters

The Caribbean Sea, also known as the West Indies Sea, bathes the shores of 21 countries. From the United States to Venezuela, this 2,763,800 km² (1,063,000 square miles) body of water is full of life. As if all that was not enough, its waters are warm, clear, and transparent.

The water temperature is perfect all year round to practice Caribbean scuba diving. During 365 days, the temperature range is between 78.8ºF (26ºC), in winter, and 87.8ºF (31ºC), in summer. You will hardly suffer any body heat loss practicing Caribbean scuba diving.

On the other hand, Caribbean scuba diving water offers great visibility. How is this possible? How can the Caribbean Sea be so transparent having such great biodiversity? This is the explanation.

One of the causes of the water becoming cloudy is the erosion produced by the river basins. These carry sediments to the sea and reduce the penetration of light. However, by practicing Caribbean scuba diving even only once, you will realize that light penetrates the water to incredible depths.

The orography of the terrain allows for this phenomenon. In the Yucatan Peninsula, there are almost no rivers, and the same is true in other areas. When it rains, water filters through the porous surface and accumulates under the ground. When underground water reaches the sea, it is completely filtered and transparent.

We cannot forget that this phenomenon creates cenotes. They are another great attraction for Caribbean scuba diving lovers.

As if this were not enough, the waters of the Caribbean Sea have very little phytoplankton in suspension to cloud them.

The Mesoamerican Reef and The Caribbean Scuba Diving

If there is no phytoplankton to feed marine life, how come Caribbean scuba diving is such a natural spectacle? Because of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS).

MBRS is the second largest barrier reef in the world, almost 1,000 km long.

The reef interacts interdependently with a wide variety of ecosystems (seagrass beds, natural lagoons, mangrove forests). All of them work together for the proliferation of underwater fauna and flora. Some habitats provide food and other breeding grounds in a symbiotic community.

At the same time, all this richness makes Caribbean scuba diving an unforgettable experience for the fans of this sport. Steep walls, gentle drops, and fabulous coral pinnacles present themselves to divers in a burst of color. More than 60 species of stony corals, sponges, sea fans, gorgonians, are the scenery where unique animal species live.

Biodiversity: The Great Attraction of Caribbean Diving

The MBRS is home to 350 species of mollusks and more than 500 species of fish.

Here there are some of the most important calls to come to practice Caribbean diving.

– The Caribbean Sea is home to the nesting habitat of the four known sea turtles.

– In the summer months, the largest concentration of whale sharks in the world occurs in its waters.

–  Bull sharks migrate to reproduce from November to February to Playa del Carmen.

– The seagrasses are the habitat of the Caribbean manatees.

– The great attraction of Caribbean diving is the possibility of seeing animal species impossible to find in other places of the planet.

Besides species like rays, sharks, barracudas, morays, lobsters, parrotfish, etc.  you will have the opportunity to see unique species like the orange filefish, the batfish, the spotted cornetfish, or the impressive Cozumel splendid toadfish.

Ancient and Modern Remains Await You Under the Waters of The Caribbean Sea

If natural wealth is not enough to convince you to come and enjoy Caribbean scuba diving, here we give you another reason. Its waters are full of wrecks that you will love.

Caribbean ocean currents, rocky reefs, and tropical storms have created a trail of Caribbean wrecks that you can dive on. On the other hand, some wrecks have been voluntarily submerged to offer an even greater tourist attraction.

Marine life thrives around these wrecks, turning them into artificial reefs. Fish, plants, and other marine creatures conquer the old surfaces from bow to stern. They turn the cabins, masts, and decks into improvised underwater gardens.

You can learn more about some of these wrecks in the Top 7 Caribbean Shipwrecks That Scuba Divers Shouldn’t Miss

Now you know why Caribbean scuba diving is so amazing. The next question to answer is: When are you going to come and see for yourself?