How to SCUBA Dive in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios in Jamaica is a port in the Caribbean known for a large number of waterfalls and excellent scuba diving opportunities. Translated from Spanish, Ocho Rios means "eight rivers," which reflects the diversity of the land. This area is home to gorges, cliffs and beaches which attract scuba divers from around the world. Scuba diving takes place at diverse sites in Ocho Rios, which are geared for beginners, explorers, advanced and expert scuba divers.

Instructions

  1. Scuba Diving in Ocho Rios

    • 1
      Scuba equipment is rented at the hotel's scuba dive center.

      Inquire about scuba diving facilities at your hotel. All inclusive resorts in Ocho Rios have on-site scuba dive centers, which make diving arrangements for guests. These resorts include Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Jamaica Beach and Villa Resort, ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios and Royal Plantation Resort. The hotel can arrange for certification courses and dive trips, and also make recommendations and provide pricing given your level of interest. Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification is offered, and classes range from beginner to rescue scuba diving.

    • 2
      A PADI Beginner Scuba Course provides an overview of scuba diving basics.

      Take a PADI Certified Scuba Diving Course. Whether learning to scuba for the first time, brushing up on your skills or seeking to advance your abilities, there are numerous courses offered through Ocho Rios. All inclusive resorts and private companies in Ocho Rios offer these courses. At Scuba Caribe Watersports located at ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios, students range in age from youngsters to adults. Scuba Caribe also offers single or two tank trips, which include equipment and return trips to the hotel. The Beginner Discover Scuba Diving Course through Scuba Caribe starts at $95 and includes lunch. Garfield Diving Station and Resort Divers are Ocho Rios scuba diving companies that also offer certification courses.

    • 3
      Ocho Rios is home to a coral reef filled with exotic and colorful marine life.

      Choose Your dive site. Based upon your experience and interests, there are many dive sites in Ocho Rios to choose from. Expert divers enjoy Devil's Reef, located within Dunn River Falls. Runaway Bay is a reef filled with tropical fish, stingrays and snapper. The Canyon is a dive site located within Runaway Bay that has 20-foot parallel rock walls, providing a dramatic landscape for scuba diving. Jack's Hall is a reef with brain, finger and star coral specimens, as well as lettuce sea slugs. Wreck diving takes place at the Wreck of Kathryn site, which features a 140-foot steel hull that sank in 1991. Top of the Mountain is an underwater plateau brimming with sea rods, coral, squirrel fish and glass-eye snappers.