Jamaica diving?

[fire_diver]

The family is looking at taking a cruise next September. The first port is probably going to be Jamaica (If we book this ship). Are there any dive ops anyone can recommend? Or do most people stay away from Jamaica for diving? I prefer booking my own trips rather than go through the ship.

Thoughts? Rants? Suggestions? should this be a poll? (just kidding, I would do that)

Comrade Stroke

 

[njd3rph]

The diving in Jamaca is very poor at best. I have dove there once, and that was enough.

 

[nipi]

Jamaica is a big island - which port will the ship be docking at?

 

[mike_s]

The diving in Jamaca is very poor at best. I have dove there once, and that was enough.

Where did you dive there?


As nipi says, it's a big island. I found the diving north of Negril to be pretty good. I was even surprised as people told me it would be bad. I've never heard of great diving anywhere else on the island though, but some folks dive Mo Bay area.



The cruise boats will go into either Mo Bay or Ocho Rios.

If Montego Bay, then maybe dive. but don't expect much.

If Ocho Rios, I'd just to the waterfall tour or the 'beach break'. (or don't get off the ship).



Get some 100% Blue Mountain Coffee while you're there. Best Damn coffee you can buy. The Appleton Rum is pretty good also.

 

[Willar]

There are two big-ship docks - Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The diving should be warm, clear water. I don't know dive ops in those areas. The diving is not "World's Best" in Jamaica but it sure is good, warm, wet fun! You should see some good corals, fish, rays, and turtles.

 

[fire_diver]

The ship we are looking at booking, docks at Montego Bay.

If the diving is nothing great, then we may just plan to do something else.

Comrade Stroke

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

Dove in Ocho Rios. Lots of small fish. Reef in poor condition. Its better than being dry but not much. On a scale of one to ten I would rate it a two or three. IMHO below average Caribbean diving.

 

[Willar]

My ratings:
Bimini Bahamas 8
Cozumel, MX 8.5
Bonaire, NA 9.0
Mud bottom lake in Illinois 2.0
Negril, Jamaica 7.0

If it's warm, clear water with pretty colorful fish and creatures and corals, then I'm happy. I guess my dive buddies and I are easily satisfied 'cuz we enjoy diving Jamaica as a part of a diverse vacation. However, I would not consider Jamaica as a pure diving destination.

So, if I have a few stops on a cruise ship and I have a chance to dive in Jamaica, I'm strapping on the gear!

 

[fire_diver]

Ok, so what dive ops out of Mo Bay would you recommend?

Comrade stroke