These are just several of the islands that I am considering for the next dive trip. Planning on spending 7 nights and diving 2/day. Was just considering Dominica, but thought that I might as well get some ideas on these other less frequently visited islands. My wife and I would be looking at diving, topside and ease of getting there. I know most require an overnight from where we live and that's ok if the experience is worth it. Appreciate any experiences and thoughts.
Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent, Statia?
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Damselfish
Contributor
St Vincent diving is very nice, there's variety in the sites and lots of interesting critters to be found. We've been there at least 3 times land-based and once on a liveaboard. I think there's some nice sightseeing and hiking to be had, but we've mostly only seen the island from the water because we're either diving or too content in our nice resort to leave it. But it's sort of a pain to get to, they've got a lousy runway, no jets and small planes with luggage restrictions. Used to be somewhat better air service but AFAIK currently the only scheduled air is LIAT which doesn't exactly have a stellar rep (and is one of the only 2 times we have lost baggage in many dive trips - only found due to the persistence of the folks at Young Island resort - so I'm extra biased.) If they ever finish (start?) the new airport we'd be there more, though I suppose it will change the place.
(Bequia is a really neat little island with some more good diving, harder to get to than St Vincent even, but a good add on if you're already there. Ferry runs regularly between the islands. I'm not sure I would do both in only a week, but keep it in mind if you like places less visited. It's very popular with the sailing crowd, so it's sort of off the beaten path, but with restaurants.)
Grenada is a very interesting island to see and not too bad to get to. I'm thinking of going back there. But we only did a couple dives there from a liveaboard, and it wasn't enough to form a opinion on the diving there in general.
I've always heard pretty good things about the diving in Dominica, and less good things about getting there. I've never really considered Statia as it doesn't sound like there's enough of interest to make it suitable for a dive intensive (3-4-5/day) trip, and even 2 a day for a week seems like it might be a stretch. But I haven't been to either place so take all that for what it's worth. There's certainly been occasional mentions of both places on this board, if you haven't found them yet.
(Bequia is a really neat little island with some more good diving, harder to get to than St Vincent even, but a good add on if you're already there. Ferry runs regularly between the islands. I'm not sure I would do both in only a week, but keep it in mind if you like places less visited. It's very popular with the sailing crowd, so it's sort of off the beaten path, but with restaurants.)
Grenada is a very interesting island to see and not too bad to get to. I'm thinking of going back there. But we only did a couple dives there from a liveaboard, and it wasn't enough to form a opinion on the diving there in general.
I've always heard pretty good things about the diving in Dominica, and less good things about getting there. I've never really considered Statia as it doesn't sound like there's enough of interest to make it suitable for a dive intensive (3-4-5/day) trip, and even 2 a day for a week seems like it might be a stretch. But I haven't been to either place so take all that for what it's worth. There's certainly been occasional mentions of both places on this board, if you haven't found them yet.
Golden Rock Divers
Registered
Hello,
My Name is Glenn Owner of Golden Rock Dive Center on St. Eustatius or Statia, I was looking at your post on SB and wanted to take a minute to invite you to our little island myself. If you are looking for good quality diving with lots of diversity on sites and marine life with short boat rides and on shore surface intervals I don’t think you can find anywhere to compare to Statia. We have 8 distinct ecosystems to dive with more than 30 total sites and everything from the smallest blennies to sharks, turtles and stingrays. Just last night I led a night dive and we had 10 turtles most of which were adults and as big as they get!! If you want shopping, night life, beaches and jet skiing you should probably look elsewhere, but if you want great diving with a laid back style with fun people take a minute to check us out. Hope to see you in Statia!
Glenn
My Name is Glenn Owner of Golden Rock Dive Center on St. Eustatius or Statia, I was looking at your post on SB and wanted to take a minute to invite you to our little island myself. If you are looking for good quality diving with lots of diversity on sites and marine life with short boat rides and on shore surface intervals I don’t think you can find anywhere to compare to Statia. We have 8 distinct ecosystems to dive with more than 30 total sites and everything from the smallest blennies to sharks, turtles and stingrays. Just last night I led a night dive and we had 10 turtles most of which were adults and as big as they get!! If you want shopping, night life, beaches and jet skiing you should probably look elsewhere, but if you want great diving with a laid back style with fun people take a minute to check us out. Hope to see you in Statia!
Glenn
Thanks for the input. I am looking for spots that don't attract the big crowds. So, I know that they will take a little effort to get to. The 2 posters have given great information. Any one else have input on these or other islands in the Lesser Antilles?
I should have included St. Kitts/Nevis. Is there anyway that I could visit more than one in a week's time?
I should have included St. Kitts/Nevis. Is there anyway that I could visit more than one in a week's time?
Golden Rock Divers
Registered
If you are looking for a two island combination trip there is an opportunity to see two very different islands. Close together and easy to go between, both especially attractive to divers. I suggest Statia for the diversity of dives, and Saba for the underwater pinnacles. They cater to dive travelers and have interesting topside if you like history and hiking, small island charm and friendly locals. You have to get to St. Maarten to get to either island and there are flights between them only 8 minutes, Michele my wife can book your hotel and diving on both islands if you want, on Saba we normally use Sea Saba and Juliana’s hotel. As for St. Kitts there are flights to Statia from there but they do fly through St. Maarten and it could take some time. I would also say St. Kitts is not particularly known for its diving as there is a large population with uncontrolled fishing, large hotels and “Cruise Ships”. If you aren’t sure how to split your time between the islands keep in mind Sabas pinnacles are spectacular but there is much more diversity of diving on Statia. I hope this is helpful if you need info on cost please email Michele at grdivers@gmail.com with your dates and number of dives and she will give you a quote.
