Antigua-

Both Antigua and Barbuda are almost completely surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs, walls, and shipwrecks. The southern and eastern coasts of Antigua and virtually the entire coast of Barbuda are surrounded by shelfs, providing excellent conditions for spectacular shallow diving and snorkeling. There is little or no current in most places, and the water temperature averages about 80 F (25 C). Underwater visibility ranges from 50 to 140 feet, and tropical marine plants and animals are diverse and plentiful. Snorkeling is possible at many of both islands' most beautiful beaches; one of Antigua's best-known offshore sites, Cades Reef, is now partly contained in a designated underwater park. Another popular destination is the wreck of the Andes, a three-masted merchant ship that sank in 1905 and now rests in less than thirty feet of water in (ironically enough) Deep Bay. Antigua's dive facilities are far superior to those available on smaller Barbuda, and so most of the sites that have been established as dive destinations are Antiguan. The southern and eastern coasts are considered to offer the most consistent diving; for more advanced divers, the ledge of Sunken Rock on the south coast is a popular site. Dive depths generally range from 25 to 80 feet and can reach 180 feet; distances from shore to site are in some cases no more than five minutes and at most 40 minutes away. There are no ship sponsored dive excursions for this port at this time.

* Recommended Dive Operation*

BIG John's DIVE ANTIGUA

Come dive with "BIG JOHN", and the CREW at Antigua's longest established, most experienced dive operation. Over 35 years of diving experience, more than 25 of them in Antigua's beautiful waters. We have the EXPERIENCE to know the best dive site for any given conditions and many sites not known to other dive operations.

40ft. Fully Equipped Dive Boat "White Knight"
PADI & NAUI certified instructors
Large Canopy for sun protection
Dive platform and ladder for easy boat entry
Cabin for dry storage
VHF Marine radio for communications and saftey
Satellite navigation system and computerized depth sounder for locating the best dive sites
Fresh water hose to wash dive gear and cameras
Instructor/dive guide accompanies you underwater for a safer, more enjoyable diving experience

Two Tank Dive - $72 includes tanks, weights and Boat

BC, regulator with computer - $21, 3mm Shortie - $8

The following email response from Dive Antigua:

Heritage Quay in downtown St.John’s where your ship will dock is about a 12- 15 minute taxi ride. We generally do not pick up from the dock unless it is a private charter. We carry a maximum of 8 divers on board. Our prices have changed, however, since we have quoted you the old price, we will honour that price quote. Our 2-tank dive is now US$79.00 per person. Rental of BC, Regulator w/computer and 3mm shorty wetsuit remains the same.

Our dives are on coral reefs with depths ranging from 30ft. to 60/70ft. Choice of dive spots will depend on the weather and the experience of the divers in your group.

Antigua Scuba Center -

The Antigua Scuba Center is friendly little dive center operating out of English Harbour on the beautiful south coast of Antigua. Antigua’s south coast is quite rugged: rocky cliffs plunge straight down into the ocean and that means….GREAT DIVING with drop offs and mini walls galore (click "Dive Sites" for more info). The favourable underwater landscape is only the beginning: The coral encrusted walls and jumbles of boulders you will see create a myriad of hiding places for all types of Caribbean reef fish which congregate in numbers! Larger marine life such as turtles, stingrays, barracuda, jacks, permit, nurse sharks and morays are regularly seen here. South Antigua's abundant marine life is truly one of the diving world's little surprises!

Scuba Diving Rates:

Two tank dive $75, includes BC, regulator, tanks, mask and fins (if needed)

Dive shop location is in English Harbor which is across the island from the ship dock. Transportion will be by taxi for a fixed rate. Four people or less - $25, six people - $40. This fee can be divided up among the divers. Still a very good deal!

Following email response from Antigua Scuba Center:

First, thank-you for checking with the AntiguaScuba Center, we are a small center and value each inquiry. You will be glad to hear that we have acquired a new 30 ft. dive boat. This boat is rated for 15 divers, but we will max it at 10 divers, so we can easily accomodate your group. Our dive center is located in English Harbour which has Antigua's BEST diving.....your group will be impressed. The bad news is that it is located clear across the island from the cruise ship dock. The good news is that it is only a 30 minute drive, you will get to see the island. Transportation to our dock is no problem, the English Harbour area is well known to all of the island's taxi drivers and we will find a taxi driver for your return. Time is not an issue as there will be plenty of taxis at the cruise ship dock when you arrive. Taxi rates are fixed in Antigua. For 4 or less, the flat rate is $25, a group of 6 would be $40.Lastly, our CruiseShip Package includes one-way transportion. For $75 per person we offer:

Two Dives
Snacks/Drinks
One-way Transportation to our dock. (Approx: $40 USD for you group). Please note that you must reserve ahead of time.

Deep Bay Divers -

Deep Bay Divers is Antigua's leading dive operation, located in the capital of St. John's, ideally situated for Cruise ship travelers and convenient for guests in the surrounding hotels. A dive with us will be the highlight of your vacation!
Sandy Island is the most frequently used spot. It is about fifteen minutes from our dock.
Cades Reef is about fifty minutes away and offers good visibility and sheltered sites if sea conditions are rough.
Ariadne Shoal is also about fifty minutes away. It offers excellent visibility and the chance of seeing larger animals.
Our comfortable 34 ft dive boat "Life of Riley" has room for up to 14 divers. Passengers are welcome space permitting. Water and drinks are available on board.

Less than 2 minute walk from the cruise ship docking area.

Two tank dive base rates - $74 (tanks & weights)

Two tanks dive with equip - $ 94.73