Hey, I'm just back from a week in Anguilla... not normally thought of as a prime diving destination in the Caribbean, but I figured I would post something, since I did have a great time! If you are going there for other reasons (such as a non-diving travel companion, etc...), it is definitely worth checking out the underwater scene. Anguilla seems to be more famous for VERY nice (fancy, pricey) dining, pretty beaches and exclusive resorts, although there were some more reasonable accommodations and restaurants for those on a budget.
The wreck diving that I did was actually very good, certainly accessible for all levels of divers. I went with three different dive outfits over the week.
Doug Carty is probably the best known dive organizer on the island. He has a great reputation and it seems to be well deserved. He is popular with long term visitors, locals, and those with experience diving in Anguilla. One of his customers that I met (a restauranteur from Toronto) leaves all his gear with Doug for months at a time, and dives during his frequent visits to the island. Apparently, Doug used to run a dive shop, which closed in 2000, but he continues to run dives and charters off his boat, the Desha. More info at www.dougcarty.com.
Anguilian divers (www.anguilliandivers.com) was very helpful in coordinating dives ahead of time by email. I only went out with them once, but the did pick me up at my hotel beach (good service if you don't have a car). I also went twice with Matthew Billington of Shoal Bay Scuba (www.shoalbayscuba.com). He was very helpful and accomodating - willing to go out even if the weather/vis wasn't great, but being very up front with people to make sure that they didn't go without knowing the forecast.
Didn't get the greatest photos this week, but a few came out OK... more time and better vis would have helped: http://homepage.mac.com/mikerothschild/SCUBA/PhotoAlbum312.html
Take care..!
Mike
The wreck diving that I did was actually very good, certainly accessible for all levels of divers. I went with three different dive outfits over the week.
Doug Carty is probably the best known dive organizer on the island. He has a great reputation and it seems to be well deserved. He is popular with long term visitors, locals, and those with experience diving in Anguilla. One of his customers that I met (a restauranteur from Toronto) leaves all his gear with Doug for months at a time, and dives during his frequent visits to the island. Apparently, Doug used to run a dive shop, which closed in 2000, but he continues to run dives and charters off his boat, the Desha. More info at www.dougcarty.com.
Anguilian divers (www.anguilliandivers.com) was very helpful in coordinating dives ahead of time by email. I only went out with them once, but the did pick me up at my hotel beach (good service if you don't have a car). I also went twice with Matthew Billington of Shoal Bay Scuba (www.shoalbayscuba.com). He was very helpful and accomodating - willing to go out even if the weather/vis wasn't great, but being very up front with people to make sure that they didn't go without knowing the forecast.
Didn't get the greatest photos this week, but a few came out OK... more time and better vis would have helped: http://homepage.mac.com/mikerothschild/SCUBA/PhotoAlbum312.html
Take care..!
Mike
