6 of the perfect dive spots for rookies in Anguilla

Undisturbed and discreet, Anguilla sits within the jap Caribbean Sea and stuns with a uncommon stillness that permeates each above and under the water. While skilled divers could flock to the nice and cozy waters of the Red Sea or the cooler depths of Byron Bay to catch sightings of the colourful marine life in these locations, lately certified PADI divers ought to as a substitute hunt down the veritable paradise of Anguilla. Here, a tranquillity permeates that permits for true appreciation of the world beneath the floor, and also you’ll meet shoals of angelfish, swim alongside inexperienced turtles and would possibly even come head to head with a Caribbean reef shark or two.  

An island that feels untouched by the centuries, Anguilla has a serenity that extends deep inside its waters, which makes these websites the proper spots for brand spanking new divers to stretch their fins and develop their confidence amid the mild waves.  

1. Oosterdiep Wreck

Deliberately sunk in 1990 to type a synthetic reef, the Oosterdiep is a Dutch cargo ship that lies 80ft deep, northwest of Meads Bay. It’s one in all seven wrecks that may be discovered across the island and makes an important spot for rookies as a result of sheer breadth of marine life that makes use of the ship for shelter and refuge. As you float round its perimeter, anticipate to come back throughout backyard eels, stingrays, angelfish, Atlantic spadefish, groupers and probably even Caribbean reef sharks. It’s additionally incessantly visited by inexperienced sea turtles, which are likely to float slowly throughout its algae-slicked floor or relaxation in one of many hull’s discreet nooks. You want a Wreck Diver Certification to have the ability to dive inside shipwrecks, however a PADI Open Water Certification is ok to glide atop and round them.

2. Sandy Deep

Kaleidoscopic coral, billowing sea followers and an abundance of fish: Sandy Deep is the proper place for brand spanking new divers. Described as a ‘shallow’ website by locals, the reef presents a mixture of coral gardens and deeper ledges, ranging in depth from 15-60ft. It could be discovered on the southern fringe of the horseshoe-shaped plateau that surrounds Sandy Island, a small cay simply off Anguilla’s coast. From inexperienced turtles and barracudas to parrotfish, trumpetfish and lionfish, the coral heads present a great surroundings for fish to seek out meals and safety, in addition to to put their eggs, which means you’re sure to identify lots through the dive. Crabs and lobsters are likely to make appearances, too, so be sure you be looking out for claws amid the smooth, peachy hues.

3. Kathlee H Wreck

The solely non-intentionally sunken shipwreck on the island, the Kathlee H went down in 1993 after a hearth on board received uncontrolled. The freighter was left to burn itself out, and it sank simply exterior Road Bay. It lies at round 30-60ft under the floor. Upright and intact, the wreck now makes an important website for brand spanking new divers to roam the underwater world: it’s simple to discover, not too deep and is teeming with marine life. Be positive to look out for the orange arrow crabs that have a tendency to cover within the ship’s nooks and crannies, in addition to French angelfish, lobsters, clownfish, sergeant majors and eagle rays.

4. Deep South Reef

Just throughout the water from the Oosterdiep Wreck, you’ll discover a big, flat reef blanketed in onerous and smooth coral. This is Deep South Reef, a website with mild currents and nice visibility that reaches as much as 80ft in depth, and which makes an important spot for these with an curiosity in each marine life and distinctive topography. Beginners, who can dive with a information as much as 60ft, will really feel comfy floating throughout the flat construction whereas admiring the number of reef fish: angelfish, blue tang, barracudas, trumpetfish and nurse sharks are all frequent guests right here. What makes this website further particular, although, is its sandy backside, which serves as a feeding floor for southern stingrays, and also you’re virtually sure to spy them flapping gently close to the reef’s edge.

5. Anguillita

One for extra adventurous divers — however nonetheless appropriate for novices — Anguillita runs alongside the west aspect of a small cay at Anguilla’s western tip. It requires what the diving world calls a ‘drift dive’. This signifies that, somewhat than actively swimming, you’ll be carried alongside by a present, so it’s vital to equip your self with a sign flag or an inflatable marker tube with the intention to sign as soon as you start to ascend. The website ranges from 20-80 ft in depth, and is lined with small, damaged ledges that protrude from the seabed. It attracts a number of marine life, together with tarpons, stingrays and inexperienced turtles, in addition to each Caribbean reef and nurse sharks.

6. Captain Turtle

Just as its title suggests, this website is in style amongst travellers for one factor: an abundance of turtles. Both hawksbill and inexperienced sea turtles are likely to frequent this Shoal Bay website, as they’re drawn to the shallow water and seagrass mattress, good for foraging. Soft coral followers and sponges body Turtle Bay, which begins at round 20ft and reaches a most depth of 65. But it’s not simply turtles that you just’ll possible encounter right here. Most of Anguilla’s considerable marine life — from neon-hued parrotfish to electrical blue damselfish — get pleasure from these calm waters, too. The website can also be notably favoured by nurse sharks, who get pleasure from resting on the plateau, so make sure that to maintain a eager eye out.