Home #WHERETONEXT Caribbean Plunge into Paradise and Explore Anguilla’s Underwater Haven

Plunge into Paradise and Explore Anguilla’s Underwater Haven

Anguilla Diving - photo courtesy of Veronica Gagliardi

Discover Anguilla, a paradise where the blend of bright turquoise seas and pristine white sands unveils a realm of marine marvels. Located at the core of the Caribbean, Anguilla invites both explorers and scuba enthusiasts to venture into its vivid marine environments and uncover the hidden treasures beneath. Set out on an underwater expedition in the crystal-clear waters of Anguilla to discover a mosaic of natural splendor and historical sites. From the grandeur of ancient shipwrecks to the vibrancy of flourishing coral reefs, come and dive into the mesmerizing underwater world that lies in the magical depths of Anguilla.

Atlantic Spade Fish, photo courtesy of Veronica Gagliardi

In the sections that follow, we delve into the why, where, and how of scuba diving in Anguilla, equipping you with everything you need to know for an unforgettable Caribbean diving adventure.

Why Dive in Anguilla?

Diving in Anguilla offers a truly unmatched experience for diving enthusiasts seeking both historical and natural beauty. With several marine parks surrounding the island, Anguilla’s commitment and efforts towards sea conservation ensure that its oceanic ecosystems remain clean and teeming with life for generations to come. From exploring the remains of large sunken ships like The Sarah to discovering other sunken treasures that have since been reclaimed into bustling artificial reefs, every dive promises a unique and fascinating adventure. With excellent visibility year-round and warm waters, Anguilla offers an amazing diving experience that combines natural charm with rich historical heritage, making each dive a feast for the senses.

Anguilla caters to each enthusiast with a plethora of mesmerizing dive sites that showcase captivating historic shipwrecks awaiting you along the seafloor, creating a haven for divers at depths ranging from 60 to 80 feet. Uncover the compacted remains of the Ida Marie on Sandy Island and the Meppel wreck, a heroic vessel rediscovered after playing a pivotal role in WWII evacuation efforts. Dive to the well-preserved ruins of the Osterdiep, teeming with oceanic fauna. Here, explorers are greeted by a kaleidoscope of interesting marine life from radiant coral to graceful stingrays and slithering eels. Finally, explore the grandeur of the Sara wreck, the largest among Anguilla’s wrecks at 232 feet. 

Frenchman Reef invites divers of all skill levels to explore its renowned coral gardens, where encounters with nurse sharks and barracuda are common occurrences. For those seeking a more adventurous dive, Anguillita Reef – located just off a rocky cay west of Anguilla – awaits with a maze of underwater caves, offering many opportunities to observe moray eels, lobsters, and other fascinating creatures. Meanwhile, Blowing Rock leaves all visitors amazed with its dramatic rock formations and teeming marine life amongst the temperate, crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or embarking on your first-ever underwater adventure, Anguilla’s diverse dive sites offer an unforgettable journey beneath the waves.

Tailored Dive Trips

When exploring Anguilla’s underwater wonders, diving with experienced and reputable guides ensures a safe yet memorable experience. Vigilant Divers, situated in the heart of Anguilla, offers personalized diving experiences aboard their 30-foot Boston Whaler ‘VIGILANT.’ With a focus on small group sizes and individual bookings, Vigilant Divers ensures that each dive feels like a luxurious private expedition, led by highly qualified instructors. 

Special D Diving & Charters provides another excellent option for divers seeking professional guidance and top-notch equipment. Anguillian-born Douglas Carty and his team share a passion for showcasing the best of Anguilla’s underwater realms. Special D Diving & Charters offers dive trips for all levels of experience, ensuring that every diver can explore Anguilla’s waves with confidence and comfort. Situated in the heart of lively Sandy Ground, Special D Diving & Charters’ convenient and accessible location makes renting equipment and getting into the water easy.

Located just minutes from Meads Bay, Scuba Shack Anguilla welcomes divers of all ages and levels to tour Anguilla’s subaquatic kingdom alongside highly qualified professionals. For children aged 8 and up, the Kids Scuba Play program offers a delightful introduction to diving in a pool or confined ocean setting. For those looking to brush up on their skills, the “Get Wet” refresher course ensures you’re dive-ready with an 8:30 am session before a scheduled 9:00 am dive. And for those eager to take their diving to new depths, the PADI Advanced Diver course offers a chance to refine your skills over five dives, aiding you in becoming a true master of the world beneath the waves. The Carimar Beach Club, in collaboration with Scuba Shack, is currently offering diving packages for two, bundled together with a seven-night stay in one of their immaculately appointed villas. Plan your next diving expedition in Anguilla and explore the alluring undersea attractions of this hidden pocket of paradise. From dazzling coral reefs to historic shipwrecks, Anguilla offers a diverse range of dive sites for everyone.

Discover more about diving in Anguilla and start planning your trip today at https://ivisitanguilla.com/explore-anguilla/