Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Anguilla

Quick Facts

  • Best season: Year-round (varies by region)
  • Typical visibility: 10-30m depending on location
  • Entry types: Shore diving, Boat diving
  • Highlights: Explore Anguilla's underwater world

Welcome to the ultimate guide for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving in Anguilla. With 14 documented dive spots across 4 regions, Anguilla offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious wrecks, from shallow snorkeling bays to deep freediving drops, discover what makes Anguilla a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Our community-driven platform provides real-time conditions, detailed spot information, and local insights to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.

14
Dive Spots
4
Regions

Regions in Anguilla (4)

Dive Spots in Anguilla (14)

Angel Reef

Angel Reef is located at a depth of 11 to 20 meters, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Divers can expect to see a large population of angelfish, along with stingrays, lobsters, and squirrelfish. The site features a variety of coral structures and abundant marine life.

18.2677, -63.0262

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Anguillita

Anguillita dive site is located off the west coast of Anguilla with depths reaching a maximum of 18 meters (66 feet). It features walls, ledges, and small caves, providing good visibility up to 30 meters (100 feet) and minimal current. Divers may encounter sea turtles, stingrays, spotted moray eels, and spiny lobsters.

18.1553, -63.1765

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Beacon

Beacon Reef in Anguilla features a diverse underwater landscape with a reef, steep cliffs, and small caves. The dive begins at a depth of 7 meters (22 feet) on a wide plateau with trenches that lead to a drop-off at 20 meters (70 feet), where you can explore the reef and observe various marine life, including small critters in the trenches.

18.2463, -63.0557

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Captain Turtle

Captain Turtle is a dive site primarily known for sea turtles and nurse sharks. The site features a depth range from 6 meters (20 feet) to 20 meters (65 feet), making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. Expect to see sleeping nurse sharks among the marine life.

18.2476, -63.0539

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Catheley H

Catheley H is a partially intact cargo ship wreck located at a depth of 18 meters in Crocus Bay, near Sandy Island. The 33-meter long steel structure has created a habitat for various marine life, including fish, spiny lobsters, octopus, and rays. The wreck was intentionally sunk in 1993 following a fire in 1992.

18.2125, -63.0967

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Frenchman'S Reef

Frenchman's Reef is located on the western end of Anguilla. The dive site features coral heads and rock formations with a flat area at 10 meters (30 feet) and a drop-off to 25 meters (80 feet). Marine life includes Southern stingrays, nurse sharks, lobsters, barracudas, yellowtail snappers, and various tropical fish.

18.2498, -63.0503

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Ida Marie

Ida Marie is a wreck dive site located northwest of Sandy Island, Anguilla. The wreck lies at a depth of 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet) and features marine life typical of the region. Visibility is around 15 meters (50 feet), making it suitable for divers with basic training.

18.2189, -63.1374

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Little Bay

Little Bay is a reef dive site located off the northern coast of Anguilla. The site features a depth of 6 meters (20 feet) with a water temperature of 25°C (77°F) and minimal current. Divers can expect to see various marine life, including young grunts, barracudas, yellowtail snappers, angelfish, trumpets, parrotfish, jewfish, blue tangs, and abundant lobsters among colorful corals.

18.2373, -63.0666

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Mv Commerce

The MV Commerce wreck is located at a depth of 45 meters and serves as an artificial reef. Divers can expect to see barracudas, hogfish, goatfish, spadefish, various types of rays, and large lobsters in the ship's structure. The ship's stern propeller is still intact, providing additional points of interest.

18.2564, -63.0795

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Mv Meppel

The MV Meppel is a wreck located at a depth of approximately 25 meters, suitable for advanced divers. The nearly 38-meter-long ship is largely intact and was sunk in 1990, lying outside Anguilla's reef system. Originally named 'Hilda,' it participated in the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II.

18.2510, -63.1266

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Mv Oosterdiep

The MV Oosterdiep is a 48-meter wreck located at a depth of 22 meters near Sandy Island, Anguilla. It was sunk in 1990 to create an artificial reef and is home to various marine life, including fish, stingrays, and turtles. This site is accessible to all levels of divers and offers good visibility alongside soft coral formations.

18.2083, -63.1544

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Mv Sarah

The MV Sarah is a wreck dive located at a depth of 25 meters, with the wreck's top at 10 meters. It measures 70 meters in length, remains upright, and is largely intact. The wreck was originally damaged by Hurricane Klaus in 1984 and was intentionally sunk in 1990 as part of an artificial reef initiative.

18.2582, -63.1371

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Sandy Deep

Sandy Deep is located off Sandy Island, reaching a maximum depth of 16 meters (52 feet). The site features abundant fish life, corals, and sea fans, making it suitable for divers of all levels. Diving is possible year-round, with water temperatures averaging 29°C (85°F) in summer and 23°C (75°F) in winter.

18.2076, -63.1216

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Shoal Bay Reef

Shoal Bay Reef has an average depth of 18 meters, making it suitable for Open Water divers and more experienced divers. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 meters, allowing good views of marine life like crayfish, eels, lobsters, and southern stingrays. The reef features a shallow area at 5 meters deep, providing a diverse structure to explore.

18.2605, -63.0316

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling good in Anguilla for beginners?
Anguilla offers various snorkeling spots suitable for different skill levels. Many locations feature calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners, while others provide more challenging conditions for experienced snorkelers. Check individual spot descriptions for difficulty ratings.
Where can I find easy shore entry freedives in Anguilla?
Anguilla has numerous shore-accessible freediving spots. Look for beaches, coves, and rocky points marked with "shore entry" in our dive map. Popular areas often feature gradual slopes and clear water, ideal for freediving practice.
What months have the calmest water and best visibility in Anguilla?
Water conditions in Anguilla vary by region and season. Generally, check local weather patterns and avoid monsoon or storm seasons. Our spot descriptions include seasonal visibility information to help you plan your trip.
Do I need a guide for diving in Anguilla?
Guide requirements in Anguilla depend on the specific location and your experience level. Some marine parks require guided dives, while many spots allow independent diving. Always check local regulations and consider hiring guides for unfamiliar or challenging sites.
What safety considerations should I know about when diving in Anguilla?
Key safety considerations for Anguilla include understanding local currents, boat traffic, and marine life. Always dive within your limits, check weather conditions, use proper signaling devices, and respect local regulations. Some areas may have specific hazards noted in spot descriptions.
What marine life can I expect to see in Anguilla?
Anguilla's waters host diverse marine ecosystems. Depending on the region and season, you might encounter tropical fish, coral reefs, larger pelagics, or unique endemic species. Check individual spot descriptions for specific marine life highlights.