Diving in Negril

Explore 10 dive sites in Negril, Jamaica. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Negril

The warmest water temperatures in Negril occur in January, averaging 27.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • February: 27.5°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • March: 27.5°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • April: 27.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • May: 27.5°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • June: 27.5°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • July: 27.5°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • August: 27.5°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • September: 27.5°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • October: 27.5°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • November: 27.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • December: 27.5°C (air: 26.1°C)

Marine Life in Negril

Home to 211 recorded species including 178 reef fish, 19 hard corals, 3 sea urchins, 2 other, 2 jellyfish, 2 whales & dolphins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Negril

Negril has 1 beginner, 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Negril

Based on average water temperature of 27.5°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Negril

  • Ocho Rios Marine Park Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Montego Bay Marine Park - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Bogue Islands Lagoon - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Negril Marine Park - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Discovery Bay Fish - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Palisadoes- Port Royal Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Portland Bight Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Palisadoes- Port Royal - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Portland Bight Wetlands and Cays - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Galleon Harbour - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Oracabessa Fish - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Three Bay Area - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category VI)
  • Galleon - Black River - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bluefields Bay - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Orange Bay - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Peak Bay - Forest Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Salt Harbour (revised) - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • The Fairy Hill - Port Antonio, Portland, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Black River Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bogue Lagoon Creek, St. James, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cabarita Point, St. Catherine, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Glistening Waters, Trelawny, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Negril Environmental Protection Area - Environmental Protection (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ocho Rios Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • The Amity Hall, St. Catherine, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • The Long Island, Clarendon, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • West Harbour-Peake Bay, Clarendon, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)

Getting to Negril - Nearest Airports

  • Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Montego Bay - 90 km away, approx 114 min travel time
  • Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), Kingston - 147 km away, approx 175 min travel time
  • Antonio Maceo International Airport (SCU), Santiago - 350 km away, approx 396 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility like for scuba diving in Negril?
Diving in Negril offers wonderfully warm water conditions, with average temperatures around 27.49°C during the best months, making for comfortable dives. While specific visibility data isn't provided, the Caribbean is generally known for clear waters, allowing for excellent exploration of its shallow reefs and cliffs. These inviting conditions are perfect for enjoying the diverse underwater landscape.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving in Negril?
The provided data for Negril does not specifically detail the types of marine life divers can expect to encounter. However, the region's shallow reefs and cliffs typically host a variety of Caribbean reef fish and invertebrates. For general information on marine species, you can explore our wildlife database.
What are considered the best dive sites in Negril, and what makes them stand out?
Among the notable dive sites in Negril, the Deep Plane offers an intriguing intermediate-level wreck dive, while the Throne Room provides a unique cave diving experience for intermediate divers. For those just starting out, the Shallow Plane wreck is an excellent beginner-friendly option. These sites, along with others like ATALANTA and MARIA ROSA, showcase the diverse underwater landscape of Negril.
Is Negril suitable for beginner scuba divers, or is it more for experienced divers?
Negril is well-suited for both beginner and experienced scuba divers, offering a range of sites to accommodate various skill levels. Beginners can enjoy the accessible Shallow Plane wreck, specifically designated for novice divers. More experienced divers will find challenges and exploration opportunities at intermediate sites like the Deep Plane wreck and the Throne Room cave.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Negril, considering weather and marine life?
Based on the provided data, the best time to go scuba diving in Negril, considering water temperature, is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water consistently averages a comfortable 27.49°C. While specific seasonal information on weather patterns or marine life migrations is not detailed, these months offer ideal conditions for comfortable diving. For more general guidance on dive seasons, visit our when to dive page.
How do you get to Negril for a diving trip, and what are the transportation options from the main airports?
The provided data for Negril does not include specific information on how to get there or transportation options from main airports. For travel planning, it's advisable to consult general travel resources for Jamaica, which typically detail routes from major international airports. You might also consider reaching out to one of the 3 local dive centres for their recommendations on getting around.
Are there any specific wreck dives or unique underwater formations to explore in Negril?
Indeed, Negril boasts a remarkable collection of wreck dives, including the Deep Plane and Shallow Plane, alongside other intriguing sites like ATALANTA, MARIA ROSA, and VEGA. Beyond wrecks, divers can explore unique underwater formations such as the Throne Room cave, offering an intermediate-level adventure. The region is also characterized by its beautiful shallow reefs and cliffs, providing diverse exploration opportunities.
How do seasonal changes, like the rainy season, affect diving conditions and visibility in Negril?
The provided data for Negril does not include specific information on how seasonal changes, such as a rainy season, affect diving conditions or visibility. However, water temperatures remain consistently warm, averaging 27.49°C during the identified best months for diving. For detailed seasonal insights, it's best to consult local dive operators or broader Caribbean weather patterns.