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The islands offer a wealth of relatively new,
untouched dive sites. More than 400 ships sank here
between 1493 and 1825, but only a dozen or so have
been identified to date. The western (Caribbean) side
of the island is well protected and visibility off the
shores is usually in the 60 - 100 foot range. There are
opportunities for divers of all levels of experience, and
most dive locations are within an easy boat trip from
the shore.
Some of the more popular diving locations
include:
Black Coral Reef
The dive for people searching for rare black coral. Ask the divemaster to point it out, as it is
difficult to recognize underwater. The reef begins at 40 feet and descends to 70 feet.
Blood Bay Reef
Colorful, healthy, plentiful coral, lots of purple and dark anenomes, yellow sea fans and rust
colored bristle worms. Fisherman fish for snappers in this area, and the bait sometimes attracts
sharks, which run away as divers approach. There are several small caves in the area. Depth 60
- 80 feet.
Booby Island
In the St. Kitts - Nevis channel. Fish life is abundant here with large schools of jacks and
snappers.
The Caves
Lying 40 feet under the west coast of Nevis, just north of
Charlestown, the caves are a series of coral grottos. These
grottos, a well-kept secret, allow divers to swim through holes
in living reef without ever being more than a breath away from
open water. Excellent visibility and the shallow depth allow
divers to explore the caves until the tanks are almost dry.
Thousands of fish are found here varying from squirrel fish to
lobsters to barracuda. Depth approximately 40 feet.
Coconut Tree Reef
One of the largest reefs in the area and good for both novice and expert diver alike. The reef
begins at 40 feet and plunges to a depth of 200 feet.
Grid Iron
In the channel that separates St. Kitts & Nevis, this undersea shelf rises to within 25 feet of the
surface. It contains a multitude of shallow water corals, sea fans, sponges and large numbers of
angelfish.
Monkey Reef
Well off the western coast of St. Kitts' southeast peninsula, The Monkey is a flat reef of soft
and hard coral with a circular rent in its surface, where the soft brown sand is exposed.
Visability is excellent and the edge of the reef offers lobster, nurse sharks, sting ray and lizard
fish. It takes approximately one hour to circle the sandy area which lies at a depth of 50 feet.
Nags Head
For experienced divers, due to the stong current where the Atlantic and the Caribbean meet.
The reef is colorful, plunging dramatically to 80 feet. Here you will find stingrays, turtles, squirrel
fish and sea urchins, along with assorted large reef fish.
Redonda Bank
An extensive, relatively unexplored area of reef with a large variety of hard and soft corals and
sea life.
River Taw Wreck
A large wrecked freighter 144 feet long by 70 feet wide. Sunk about 10 years ago, the wreck is
in excellent condition and only 50 feet deep, making it a wonderful dive for novices. Encrusting
coral and large numbers of reef fish can be observed.
M.V. Talata Wreck
This freighter sank in 1985 and is in excellent condition in 70 feet of water. A good dive for
those with more experience. It's hull has become home to a large assortment of reef fish.
Beached Tug Boat
Lying partly above water, and resting at a depth of only 20 feet, this site is a must for new divers
and snorkelers. The water affords excellent visibility and harbors a variety of fish life, including
jacks, grunts, hind and an occasional ray.
Sandy Point Bay
Coral reef featuring brown, soft coral and giant basket
sponges along with eel and other fish. Depth of about 50 -
100 feet.
Brassball Wreck
Shallow water wreck dive, lying in 25 feet of water. Good
snorkeling and a novice diver location.