Diving in St. Kitts

Explore 39 dive sites in St. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in St. Kitts

The warmest water temperatures in St. Kitts occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • February: 27.1°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • March: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • April: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • May: 27.1°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • August: 27.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 27.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • November: 27.1°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • December: 27.1°C (air: 25.9°C)

Marine Life in St. Kitts

Home to 393 recorded species including 318 reef fish, 27 hard corals, 11 other, 7 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 6 crabs & lobsters.

Dive Site Difficulty in St. Kitts

St. Kitts has 8 beginner, 8 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for St. Kitts

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°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 St. Kitts

  • Sandy Point Reef - Other Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • St Marys - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Marine Management Area - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to St. Kitts - Nearest Airports

  • F. D. Roosevelt Airport (EUX), Oranjestad - 7 km away, approx 23 min travel time
  • Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB), Basseterre - 27 km away, approx 45 min travel time
  • Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), Sint Maarten - 68 km away, approx 89 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving conditions like in St. Kitts, including visibility and water temperature?
St. Kitts offers pleasant diving conditions with water temperatures consistently around 27.12°C during its best months for diving. While specific visibility data is not provided in the current context, the Caribbean generally boasts excellent clarity. Divers can expect comfortable conditions for exploring the diverse underwater landscape of St. Kitts.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving in St. Kitts?
While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, St. Kitts features numerous reefs and wrecks. These types of dive sites are typically vibrant ecosystems, suggesting divers can expect to encounter a variety of tropical fish and other marine creatures common to the Caribbean. For more general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
What are considered the best dive sites in St. Kitts, especially for wrecks and reefs?
St. Kitts is renowned for its diverse dive sites, offering excellent options for both wrecks and reefs. Notable wreck dives include the intermediate-level Double Wreck, Charles L. Brown, and HMS SOLEBAY. For vibrant reefs, divers can explore intermediate sites like Tent Reef Deep and The Pinnacles, or beginner-friendly options such as Coral Nursery.
Is St. Kitts suitable for beginner scuba divers, or is it more for experienced divers?
St. Kitts is highly suitable for both beginner and experienced scuba divers, offering a range of sites for all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy accessible dives like the Ladder Labyrinth Red cave or the Coral Nursery reef. More experienced divers have a wealth of intermediate options, including numerous wrecks and deeper reefs.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in St. Kitts to avoid hurricanes and get the best conditions?
Based on the provided data, the best conditions for scuba diving in St. Kitts, in terms of water temperature, are during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when temperatures average a comfortable 27.12°C. Information regarding hurricane season to specifically avoid is not detailed in the current context. For general guidance on when to dive, you can consult our when to dive section.
How do you get to St. Kitts for a diving trip, and what are the travel options?
Details on specific travel options and how to get to St. Kitts for a diving trip are not included in the provided data context. We recommend checking general travel resources for flights and transportation to St. Kitts & Nevis. There are 3 dive centres available to assist with your diving needs once you arrive.
Are there any unique or unusual dive features in St. Kitts, such as volcanic vents or specific coral formations?
St. Kitts offers unique dive features, notably its "volcanic formations" around the main island, which create interesting underwater landscapes. Additionally, divers can explore fascinating cave sites such as the beginner-friendly Ladder Labyrinth Red and the intermediate Hole in the Corner. These natural features add a distinctive element to the diving experience in St. Kitts.
What are the typical currents like at St. Kitts dive sites, and is drift diving common?
Information regarding the typical currents at St. Kitts dive sites and whether drift diving is common is not specified in the provided data context. It is always advisable to check with local dive centres for up-to-date conditions before your dive. Understanding local conditions is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.