St Kitts Scuba Diving

Dive St. Kitts Dive Sites

M.V. River Taw
Everybody that dives in St. Kitts dives The Taw, a 144ft. freighter that went down in 1985. It sat perfectly upright on the bottom until Hurricane Hugo came through in 1989 and broke the wreck into two parts. This is the only site we feed the fish so bring a camera, they are going to be in your face. At 40� it's a great place for your first dive.

M.V. Corintian (the Tug)
The M.V. Corintian is fully intact tugboat sitting at 65 feet on a sandy bottom. Off the bow section of the tug is a reef system that tops out at 35 feet. A wreck and a reef on the same dive, what more do you want?

M.V. Talata
This freighter was just passing through but ended up taking on water as she waited outside Basseterre Harbor. The watch keeper was rescued but the ship was not. Talata is now broken up in 55' of water and holds some great appeal. There's even a volcanic vent to warm your hands.

Reef Dives

Coconut Tree Reef
A very pristine site that holds a lot of Barracuda in front of the mooring at 40' - 50' and a beautiful wall behind the vessel stepping down to 110'. Expect to see large schools of fish, Barracuda, spotted eels, and perhaps a turtle and nurse shark too.

Coconut Shallows
This extension of the Coconut Tree Reef offers an opportunity to see Green Moray, Barracuda, large schools of Blue Runner and Creole Wrasse. March 12, 2007 was a great day. Our crew purchased a nurse shark from a lobster fisherman for $20 and released it on Coconut Shallows.

Ponds Bar
A mini wall of 30' - 55', Ponds Bar is a nice reef top where you will get an opportunity to see hawksbill turtles as well as a very large Barracuda (which is always under the boat.) This site also holds a secret known only to Dive St. Kitts. After you see it, don't share it or it will be gone.

Green Point Drift
This drift dive is very tame. There is rarely much current and we like to have the boat drop us off and pick us up at the other end of the site. It is the site to see with large Sting rays, Hawksbill Turtles and more. Green Point Drift starts at 25' and dips down to 50' then back on top to 25' again.

Monkey Shoals (the Donut)
When the seas are calm we love to make the trek towards Nevis. This site is outside the narrows, so the currents not too bad, and offers some rarities such as Flying Gurnards and large Scorpion fish. This shallow site of 45' is largely comprised of limestone shelves covered in hard and soft corals, offering lots of hiding places for Lobster and Nurse Sharks.

Brimstone Shallows
A beautiful reef top at 50' with a curving wall stretching down to 110', this site offers a narrow sand shoot that opens up to a pool. This is a very nice to dive going single file with a wall of corals and sponge on both sides.

Bird Rock Reef
The reef around our hotel is a great shore dive going as deep as 35' within 100 yards of the shore. Diving off the boat a little further out offers a great shallow site where there are lots of hiding places for Octopus, Spotted Moray Eels and Lobster. Although rare and hard to spot, there are even some seahorses on this site. Spotted Eagle Rays or Hawksbill Turtles are also frequently spotted.

Explorer Ventures
The vessel departs Saturday's from either St. Maarten or St. Kitts. Itineraries include 5 1/2 days of diving; 2 to 2 1/2 days within the Saba Marine Park, a day within the St. Eustatius Marine Park, and 2 to 2 1/2 days at St. Kitts. 5 dives daily are normally offered, including night dives. The schedule also provides for up to 3 island tours during the week so there is ample time for our guests to explore forts, rainforests, duty-free shops and museums.

Pro-Divers Dive Sites

Unnamed Sites

Sites dived only by Pro Divers
Over the years we have discovered many sites that are virtually unknown and very rarely dived by anyone. We love to explore and discover and are always pleased when guests enjoy a great dive on what we consider our exclusive dive sites There are no mooring buoys or markers on these sites, we are the only operator that dives them. None of these sites have names, so we always have fun finding a name for your log book.

The River Taw Wreck
Easy Dive Max Depth 40ft
Sunk in 1981 as a wreck site, the RIVER TAW quickly became a popular stop for divers of all experience levels. This inter-island cargo ship lies on a flat, sandy bottom close to Basseterre harbor where octopus, stingrays and turtles have taken up residence in the many holes and passages. Lobsters and an abundance of fish life are an attraction. Good as a second dive. This is a great site for photographers.

The M/V Talata Wreck
Easy Dive Max Depth 55ft
This is a terrific old freighter that found its demise due to a nasty hurricane in 1983. The Talata rests on a reef, is totally upright and faces east across the harbor. Schools of squirrelfish and yellow tail snapper patrol from bow to stern. Oversized lobsters and a resident green moray will delight the photographer, as will the puffer fish and barracuda. If you are a wrecker, put this on the list.

Brimstone Shallows Reef
Moderate Dive Depth 60 - 150ft
Brimstone Shallows is located approx two miles due west of the shoreline and boasts pristine corals both soft and hard. The mooring depth is approx 45 - 50ft sliding down a wall to depths well over 100 feet. Schools of creole wrasse are common. Barracuda, turtles, lobsters and eels also reside here, and if you are lucky, the occasional reef shark will be spotted along the edge of the depths. Good first dive where fish abound.

The Finger Reef
Advanced Dive Max Depth 150ft
Stretching out like a finger, this dive site just has the feel of excitement the moment you hit the water and look down. A ridge beckons from both sides as you swim along the top of the reef at about 60-70ft. Schools of creole wrasse, jacks and mackerel envelope you from the deep blue and what lies within. This is one of our favorites.

Coconut Tree Rocks
Moderate Dive Depth 35 - 80ft
Coconut Tree Rocks is a typical reef dive for this area, with an abundance of small fish, such as grunts, snapper and small groupers. A common ground for barracuda and spotted moray as well as lobsters and rays. The corals are in good condition and are highlighted by the many sand grottos spread throughout the reef.

Friars Bay Reef
Easy Dive Max Depth 50ft
Friars Bay reef is a favorite dive for newly certified and beginners. Located about a mile from the shoreline, it has become a popular site for many and will always provide a nice easy reef dive with plenty to see. Juvenile angelfish abound, as do big lobsters and spotted morays. Stingrays have found home in the sand along the edges of the reef and seem undisturbed by the curious diver.

Black Coral Reef
Moderate Dive Depth 35 - 80ft
The attractions here are the majestic black coral trees, which protrude from this mini wall. Creole wrasse and snapper frequent the wall's edge and lizardfish are always threatening to spoil the peacefulness by stalking the many grunt fish, which are common here. A very healthy reef that is full of surprises.

Frigate Bay Reef
Moderate Dive Depth 30 - 70ft
Located approximately � of a mile west of Frigate Bay Beach. Turtles, lobsters and eels call this home and in so doing have made this site particularly popular with newly certified and experienced alike. A very narrow reef which is almost custom-made for those who enjoy multi-level diving.

Green Point Reef
Moderate Dive Depth 35 - 80ft
A reef structure, which is abundant with tube sponges, barrel sponges, large sea fans and black coral trees. Grunts are seldom seen here but have been replaced with large angelfish, small grouper and dogtooth snapper. Lobsters are again ever present due to the many cracks and crevices that Green Point offers. The underwater architecture here is very volcanic with few hard corals, mostly of volcanic rock covered with soft corals.

Turtle Bar Reef
Easy Dive Depth 15 - 40ft
Located in a bay on the southern part of St Kitts. For those who tend to have a weak stomach, this is the site for you. The depth allows for long bottom times. This reef is a maze of volcanic rock with schools of fish at every turn. Turtles are common here, thus the name Turtle Bar.

Nags Head
Moderate Dive Depth 20 - 60ft
Located on the Southern most tip of the island of St Kitts, Nag's Head is a battered rock formation, which has fallen into the ocean and formed a mini-wall, perfect for all kinds of critters. Large volcanic boulders covered in fire coral and sponge fill the bottom. Plump, black sea urchins can be seen, menacingly hiding amongst the cracks. Eagle rays, which feed on the nearby grass beds, can be seen gliding down the wall.

Monkey Shoals
Moderate Dive Depth 30 - 120ft
The Monkey Shoals is an atoll of coral about 1 mile square, located directly between the sister islands of St Kitts and Nevis. This reef structure lies approximately three miles offshore, which allows for excellent visibility and increased fish life. Currents can, at times, be a concern and so drift dives are sometimes preferred. We list 4 favorite dive sites located within the area of Monkey Shoals.

Clyde's Reef
Moderate Dive Max Depth 45ft
Clyde is a 5ft green moray eel that has made this reef his home. Pure white sand banked by a reef gives the diver great color contrast. Schools of small fish, the occasional nurse shark, turtles and lobster make this a super dive not to be missed.

The White Hole
Moderate Dive Max Depth 40ft
Located on the shallowest point of the Monkey Shoals the White Hole is a nursery of marine life. A sand hole surrounded by shallow reef where sting rays, lobsters and every kind of tropical fish abound. Barrel and tube sponges come in all sizes.

The Ledge
Moderate Dive Depth 30 - 60ft
Aptly named, the Ledge is an overhang, which provides refuge for nurse sharks and green moray eels. Located on the western edge of the bank, this site is popular amongst those who like macro photography and video.

Coral Gardens
Moderate Dive Depth 50 - 80ft
Located on the west side of the Monkeys, where the shoals begin to slope away to the deep blue, the hard and soft corals are pristine in larger formations and there are bigger fish which are sure to impress.

The Vents
Moderate Dive Depth 33 - 110ft
A short boat ride from Pinney's Beach in Nevis, the Vents boast spectacular black coral trees, wire coral and hot water vents holes that make this a most unusual dive. Large lobsters, stingrays and barracuda can also be seen.

Devil's Caverns
Moderate Dive Max Depth 40ft
There are many swim-thrus that are thick with grunts and squirrelfish. Black durgons, Atlantic chub and snapper mixed with a variety of corals and fans make this a very attractive site. Good second dive due to depth.

Paradise Reef
Moderate Dive Depth 60 - 100ft
Located in Old Road Bay, this mini wall has lots of interest including old anchors, barracudas, turtles, lobsters, angelfish, rays and eels, just to name a few. The corals here have been well protected by the bay and show no signs of storm damage. This is a super dive site for divers of all levels.

Sandy Point Reef
Moderate Dive Depth 50 - 130ft
Considered by most to be the best reef dive in St Kitts, Sandy Point is located very close to shore and has spectacular coral formations that form deep canyons and swim-thru's. The reef is in magnificent condition and fish of all kinds are abundant. Garden eels and small turtles can also be seen. Old anchors from long ago finish off this wonderful dive site.

Grid Iron
Moderate Dive Depth 50 - 80ft
Located on the Atlantic side of St Kitts and Nevis the Grid Iron is a giant playground of fish and color. This is a paradise of staghorn coral, seafans and sponges carpeted by a colorful display of marine life. Large lobsters are common here and reef sharks can be seen cruising the many mini walls and valleys created by the reef.

Aquarium
Difficult Dive Depth 60 - 90ft
This is an advanced site for experienced divers with strong stomachs. Surface conditions are generally rough and currents can be unpredictable at times. Located on the Windward side of Nevis, the Aquarium is a truly virgin dive spot aptly named for its variety of fish. Pristine corals play host to schools of jacks and grunts. Nurse sharks and stingrays laze around the seabed and angelfish will follow your bubbles.

Wreck of the Corinthian
Easy Dive Max Depth 75ft
Divers visiting for a week will usually get to dive this wreck and reef more than once. Fish are fed here and will gladly eat just about anything although we have them on a strict diet. The wreck of the Corinthian is an old tug that sits totally upright at a depth of 72 ft. Largely intact, this wreck which was sunk in 1995 already boasts black coral trees. Clams can also be found.

Scuba Safaris Dive Sites

The Thermal Vents
This reef begins at a shallow 35 feet and plunges to 95 feet. This reef is covered with large 'Black Coral' trees that stem from the side of the reef. With overhangs and small canyons, this reef provides good hiding places for Spotted Drum, High hats Arrow Crabs and some of the largest Lobsters. Divers can visit the hot vent where 100 F water fizzes from the bottom.

Coral Gardens
This area begins at 50 feet and has extensive growth of tube sponges, sea fans, and anemones. Packed with hard and soft corals, this area seems to continue forever. This is home to schools of Atlantic Spadefish and large schools of Horse-Eyed Jacks that tend to love swimming between groups of divers.

The Monkey Shoals
This two square mile reef is located 15 minutes from shore. Because of the large area, a number of dives can be done on this reef without repetition. Some of these sites include The Basin, Doughnut, The White Hole and Hurricane Reef. The depth varies from a shallow depth of 40 feet to a depth of 100 feet. Visibility here is usually 100 feet plus. This is home to French and Gray Angelfish, Nurse Sharks, Reef Sharks (Black Tip), Flying Gunards, Glass-Eyed and Yellow Tailed Snappers and Much more. There are also many types of coral, such as, majestic stands of Pillar Coral, large Brain Coral and Elkhorn Coral. A definite thumbs up for the novice, intermediate and advanced divers.

Nags' Head
This reef has a beginning depth of 15 feet and plummets to 75 feet. Here the large boulders are stacked on top of each other making great hiding places for crustaceans, crinoids and Parrot fish. Here Eagle Rays cruise past divers in fighter jet formation.

Booby High Shoals
Named because of it's close proximity to Booby Island and located in the Narrows between the Islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, this 40 foot dive is explosive with life. This almost circular shaped reef is packed with lobster, French Grunts, Horse-Eyed Jacks, Southern Stingrays, and Hawksbill Turtles. The deep ledges provide some protection from the northeast currents that sometimes sweep through here, these ledges provide homes for some of the larger nurse sharks (10-12 feet).

Wreck of the River Taw
A large freighter, 144 feet long, sunk in 50 feet of water in 1985. This wreck is now divided into halves (thanks to Hurricane Hugo, Sept 1989). She is encrusted in coral and houses a large variety of fish, such as, Squirrel Fish, Glass-Eyed Snappers, Angelfish, rays and much more.

Devil's Caves
This 40 foot dive is located at the southern most point of Nevis. Divers navigate through caverns and around overhangs that are riddled with marine life such as, Glassy Sweepers, Blue Tangs, Chubb, Nurse Sharks, Stingrays, lobster and the occasional Black Tip Reef Shark may cruise by.

Fish Bowl
This 70 foot site has a sandy circular indentation in the coral bed; it makes a habitat for the illusive Flying Gurnard. Here shoals and shoals of fish (Grey and Yellow Snapper, Angelfish, Grunt) swim among our divers. This is also a place for viewing of lobsters, which tend to align themselves along the cracks in the coral bed.

Turtle Bar
This site is located off the western coast of St. Kitts. The depth is 20-55 feet. An out cropping released by volcanic action, makes great hiding places for the endangered Green Turtles and the Hawksbill Turtles. Divers can navigate between these boulders searching for different crustaceans and Sea Horses.