Jamaica?

[pelan-pelan]

I have conflicting comments from divers about Jamaica. Is there any good diving there? Suspect that it may be very much knowing exactly where to go. What consititutes good diving? We like small stuff, clean, live coral. We don't need to see masses of big pelagics. But a few sharks are always welcome!

Can anyone provide any answers? And any recommendations for dive operators.

 

[ibj40]

We've been to Jamaica twice, once in 2003 and again in 2008. Both times we have stayed at the resort: Couples Negril. The first time we dove with the on-site (which did one tank in the morning, and then a second tank in the afternoon). We prefer to get our diving out of the way early, and prefer two tank trips, so the second time we went, we dove with SUNDIVERS NEGRIL JAMAICA. They picked us up at the resort and took us to their shop.

One thing we noticed between 2003 and 2008 was the vast improvement of the reef populations due to some local management practices. We were amazed at how much better the diving was, more fish (although nothing really big, but schools in lieu of singles and pairs), a shark or two, etc. We plan to go back in 2013 and will dive with Sun Divers again, and are really hoping that we see as much improvement over that five years as we did the first time.

 

[pelan-pelan]

Thank you - I don't know if there is any way to nominate best post of the year but I think this is up there.

Firstly - this is great news - to hear of improvement through management. I know that it has been achieved in a number of places and it is motivational to get feedback that says it works.

Secondly your post helps to explain the conflicting reports. We now have Negril as a possible destination for future years.

But does anyone know of some better locations in Jamaica that have somehow escaped degradation?

 

[ReefHugger]

Jamaica was never a main stream diving destination, but then it was never ever marketed as such. Diving was like, just another activity, competing with tours, tennis, golf, reggae, .....

The island is large enough and with a large central mountain region offers a variety of enviroments. This topside topography extends into the sea. The south coast tends to be on the flattish side, while the north coast is mostly walls and sea mounts. Especially on the north coast, there is underwater topography that will stand comparison with anywhere. The coral, parcticular near shore - is not immune to the world wide rise in sea temperatures and acidity - is not at its best and largely algae covered.

However, many of the deeper dives (90'+) still has incredible healthy sea fans, sponges, and soft and hard corals. Unfortunately, many of these areas are not resort. Even sites in resort areas may be visited only rarely because dive operators are catering to divers generally not competent enough. Maybe this explains your 'conflicting comments'.

 

[bubbles01]

We loved the diving in Jamaica as everything was so laid back and easy BUT it may not suit more experienced divers.

 

[Blueraven]

I leave tomorrow for my 6th year. I always stay in the Cliff area as the beaches are a hang out for al the hagglers, most of them non Jamaican immigrants . The Cliff area is where real jamaica lives. If you stay at the LTu which has now been taken over by one of the most enchanting places on the island , Catch-A-Falling-Star if you are on a budget or stay at Catcha if you are not ! Diving right from the cliff area and taking the trips that you can book right at the desk at either LTU or Catcha. Then enjoy being able to walk around in safety all day and all night alone or not. The West-end is a great place. I have never been ripped off and I usually open both the french doors and even sleep with them open day and night no safe needed. I stay at the boutique hotel La Mirage and it was just remodeled the room go for 100.00 a night but call them first and remember you can always talk them down a little. 120.00 is the advertised rate but they will always go 100.00 and it is right on the water. NEGRIL IS A SUNSET FACTORY !!! You will have a blast. sit on the cliff and flag down a glass bottom boat going by and take a ride!!! don't forget to eat at the smallest and bestest food on the island at Ras Rody's ask around and you will find it!!!

 

[CDNScubaMoose]

I just got back from a week in Ocho Rios. This was my first time in Jamaica but found it decent. Vis was anywhere from 50' (when the ocean was kicking up) to 150' on the better days. Not much in the way of big stuff and compared to Roatan or Curacao (my last two trips), there wasn't a massive amount of macro stuff either. However, for a cold water wreck diver - it was a nice change. The one thing that surprised me was the number of Lionfish - on the first dive I got to see one in about 5 mins into the dive. Since I do some photography I was thinking it was my lucky day but after doing 10 dives, just about every dive had multiple sightings of them ... in other words after about my second dive, I came to fully understand how big a problem Lionfish actually are.

 

[SeaSoulSelf]

Click on the link in my signature for some photos & video of diving at Couples Negril.

Some sites are recovering nicely -- some (like Shallow Plane) have seen better days.

Have been diving in Negril since about 2005.

 

[ibj40]

Click on the link in my signature for some photos & video of diving at Couples Negril.

Some sites are recovering nicely -- some (like Shallow Plane) have seen better days.

Have been diving in Negril since about 2005.

Great video, made us want to book a return trip tomorrow!

Do you dive with the on-site, or a local dive op?

 

[SeaSoulSelf]

We dive with the Couples Negril Dive team... we love them -- they are family to us.

Have heard good things about Sundivers as well, but we prefer taking advantage of the included diving at Couples.