Spectacular scuba diving holidays in Jamaica

Scuba diving holidays in Jamaica are becoming more popular as diving enthusiasts and travellers are discovering the underwater delights that the Caribbean island has to offer within specially designated marine parks across Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio.

With all year round warm weather, pristine white sandy beaches, and a laid back culture, Jamaica is often considered as a destination for relaxation and unwinding from the stresses of life. But for some travellers, there is no better way to relax than swimming along with an array of tropical fish and colourful coral.

Until recently, travellers looking for scuba diving holidays in the Caribbean would usually head for Cancun, home to the world's second largest reef, St Lucia, the Cayman Islands or Dominica.

However, scuba diving holidays in Jamaica are becoming increasingly popular as a number of diving sites are being unveiled by the media and travel and tourist organisations.

Negril is situated on the west coast of Jamaica and provides excellent conditions for divers as it is protected by the waves and strong winds and has calm waters. Negril also offers divers and snorkelers eight miles of white sand beach where they can relax after a day of exploring spectacular coral and marine species.

Ocho Rios is famous for the Dunns River Falls where divers can enjoy the sights between waterfalls and pools. Devils Reef is located just half a mile offshore where more experienced divers can delve into the unknown and catch sightings of spadefish, snapper, barracuda, wrasse and reef encrusted with black-ball sponges and staghorn corals.

Montego Bay is one of the island's most popular tourist destinations and home to a reef conservation area and Montego Bay Marine Park which was established in1989. The park stretches is made up of three ecosystems; mangroves, sea grass bed, and coral reefs. Experience dive teams can guide travellers through the underwater world but divers are not allowed to touch anything.

Port Antonio features soft and hard coral reef walls and divers of all levels enjoying scuba diving holidays in Jamaica can explore a number of sights where colourful plants, fish and coral can be spotted.