Diving in Anguilla

Explore diving in Anguilla

Diving in Anguilla is a journey through vibrant marine life, fascinating shipwrecks, and pristine coral reefs—all set in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Known for its tranquil, warm waters, Anguilla is an ideal destination for both beginner and seasoned divers. The island boasts over 20 reef sites and seven wrecks, each with its distinct features and stories, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

One of the most notable dive sites is the wreck of El Buen Consejo, a historic Spanish galleon that sank in 1772. This underwater museum is one of Anguilla's most captivating sites, with cannons, anchors, and remnants of the ship lying at an accessible depth, surrounded by flourishing marine life. While currently closed to the public, plans are underway to reopen this iconic wreck in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, and the Anguilla Tourism Board.

Anguilla’s reef dives are equally breathtaking, with sites like Shoal Bay Reef, Sandy Island Reef, and Authors Deep offering colourful coral formations and a diverse array of fish, turtles, rays, and other sea creatures. Advanced divers can enjoy deeper dives and unique underwater formations around the island’s offshore keys, such as Scrub Island and Dog Island, where wall diving adds to the adventure.

Anguilla’s dive conditions are generally favourable year-round, with visibility often exceeding 80 feet and gentle currents, making it a relaxing and rewarding experience for all. Dive operators on the island are dedicated to sustainable practices and marine conservation, adding an educational element to each dive. The diving culture here is intimate and friendly, as divers are welcomed into a close-knit community that shares a passion for preserving Anguilla’s underwater treasures.

Whether exploring coral reefs, historical wrecks, or simply taking in stunning marine biodiversity, diving in Anguilla offers a uniquely serene and unforgettable experience that connects divers to the island’s rich maritime heritage and natural beauty.

When to dive in Anguilla

Diving in Anguilla is possible year-round, thanks to its consistently warm climate and inviting waters. However, there are a few seasonal factors to consider that might enhance your diving experience depending on what you're looking for:

Best Times for Diving:

December to April (Peak Season): This period is Anguilla's dry season, with less rain, lower humidity, and cooler temperatures (mid-70s to low-80s °F). It’s also the high tourist season, so the island is livelier. Visibility is often excellent, reaching over 80 feet, and sea conditions are calm, making this an ideal time for all levels of divers.
May to August: These warmer months bring fewer crowds, more availability, and typically still favorable diving conditions. The water temperature can reach the mid-80s °F, perfect for those who prefer diving in warmer waters. Visibility is still good, though occasional rain showers may occur.
September to November: Anguilla’s hurricane season falls within this window, so there’s a higher chance of storms and rougher sea conditions. That said, many days still offer good diving opportunities with fewer tourists around. Dive shops are open, but it’s best to monitor the weather forecast closely and consider travel insurance if you plan to visit during this time.

Water Temperatures:

Winter (December to February): Around 78–80°F (25–27°C)
Summer (June to September): Around 82–86°F (28–30°C)

What You Can See:

Marine life around Anguilla is vibrant year-round, but certain migratory species like rays and turtles may be more commonly seen in the warmer months. Wreck dives, like El Buen Consejo, and coral reefs offer consistent, colorful marine experiences no matter the season.

For the best all-around experience, December to April is the top choice, but May to August can also be wonderful if you prefer quieter, warmer diving conditions.

Book your diving in Anguilla

More Information

Reaching Anguilla, a serene Caribbean destination, typically involves a connecting flight, ferry, or charter. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to get there:

1. Via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten

From St. Maarten to Anguilla by Ferry: Once at SXM, you can take a short taxi ride to the ferry terminal in Marigot, St. Martin, for a 20-minute public ferry ride to Anguilla’s Blowing Point terminal. Ferries typically operate every 45 minutes, and reservations are usually not required.
From St. Maarten to Anguilla by Private Boat Shuttle: Private, high-speed shuttles like Funtime Charters or Calypso Charters run directly from SXM to Anguilla. This option is convenient but should be booked in advance, especially during peak seasons.

2. Direct Flights to Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA)

From the U.S.: New direct flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to AXA make it easy to reach Anguilla in about three hours, typically with American Airlines.
From Puerto Rico: Cape Air and Tradewind Aviation offer direct flights from San Juan (SJU) to AXA, which is a great option for those connecting from mainland U.S. cities or other Caribbean islands.

3. Through Antigua and Barbuda

Regional carriers like LIAT and Winair offer flights from Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) to Anguilla, ideal for travellers connecting from Europe or the Caribbean.

4. Charter Flights

For a quicker or more exclusive experience, private charter flights can be arranged from several nearby islands directly to Anguilla, though costs are higher than commercial options.

5. Through Saint Kitts or Other Caribbean Islands

Flights and ferries are also available from islands like St. Kitts, making it easy to incorporate Anguilla into a multi-island Caribbean vacation.

Once you arrive, Anguilla’s main attractions, beaches, and accommodations are all within easy reach, with taxis and car rentals readily available for exploring.

Time Zone

UTC-04:00

Phone

+1264

Currency

USD

Voltage

110 V

Pressure

Pounds/square inch (psi)

Plug

A, B

Languages

English

1st Stage

INT / Yoke / K

International airports

Wallblake Airport (AXA)

Thanks, from PADI.

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