As one of the visited islands in the Caribbean, it appears the common vacationer already is aware of Jamaica has loads to supply. The Caribbean’s third largest island boasts white, sandy seashores, eye-catching topography and a full of life tradition that you could’t assist however fall in love with. What lots of people don’t know is that the marine lifetime of Jamaica makes it a not-to-be-missed scuba diving vacation spot, too.
With its heat, tropical waters, wonderful visibility and in depth biodiversity, Jamaica is a perfect dive vacation spot for anybody wanting to combine trip enjoyable with time beneath the floor. Moreover, its number of dive websites, which cowl coral reefs, shipwrecks, wall dives and caves and caverns, imply there actually is one thing for each sort and stage of diver.
Just like the sound of diving in Jamaica? Listed here are a number of the coolest animals you would possibly see on a dive on this Caribbean paradise.
1. Noticed Eagle Rays
Noticed eagle rays are one of the mesmerizing marine creatures to come across — and Jamaica is a good place to see one. These winged fish are sometimes encountered gracefully passing by throughout a dive, and they’re simply recognized because of their stunning, name-giving recognizing and lengthy tails.
2. Dolphins
Whether or not you’re taking a ship tour or exploring the underwater world, it’s at all times price preserving your eyes open for dolphins. Jamaica gives guests the prospect to swim with one of many world’s smartest mammals, with a number of dolphin species identified to frequent the waters. Generally seen dolphin species embrace bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins and Atlantic noticed dolphins.
3. Seahorses
The seahorse you’re most most certainly to come across in Jamaican waters is the longsnout seahorse. These sizable-yet-slender seahorses can develop as much as a formidable seven inches lengthy. In addition they rely closely on their capability to camouflage inside their most well-liked alternative of habitats, that are seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove. Divers typically spot them anchored to the seafloor through their prehensile tail.
4. Stingrays
Along with noticed eagle rays, the marine lifetime of Jamaica contains a number of different species of stingray. One of many largest stingrays you would possibly spot is the southern stingray. They’ll attain as much as 1.8 meters (5.9 toes) throughout, making for a probably memorable encounter.
5. Nurse Sharks
A number of shark species are current within the waters surrounding Jamaica, however the one you have got the best likelihood of assembly is the nurse shark. In the course of the day, these nocturnal creatures can often be discovered resting on the ocean flooring earlier than turning into energetic at evening. These sharks additionally possess specialised enamel for chomping on their favourite meals — shellfish and small fish.
6. Hawksbill Turtles
Hawksbill turtles are probably the most generally encountered turtle species in Jamaica, despite the fact that they’re critically endangered worldwide. These turtles, that are identifiable because of their hawk-like look, spend plenty of their time round coral reefs. It’s right here that these omnivorous turtles feed on their favourite meals, together with sea sponges (an actual favourite), jellyfish, sea urchins, corals, mollusks, and crustaceans.
7. Rainbow Parrotfish
Whereas a typical sight at many dive websites, it’s by no means a foul dive once you see one in every of these rainbow-colored giants. These dazzling fish can develop as much as a formidable 1.3 meters (4 toes), making rainbow parrotfish the biggest herbivorous fish within the Caribbean. They get pleasure from a food plan of seaweed and algae and are most frequently seen utilizing their beak-like, fused enamel to scrape meals off coral.
8. Manatees
A uncommon, however not not possible, marine animal seen in Jamaica is the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). These sizable “sea cows” can reside in saline, brackish and freshwater. This implies it’s potential to satisfy one nearly anytime you’re near open water on the island. Nonetheless, as a result of environmental pressures, together with habitat loss, air pollution and vessel strikes, manatee conferences in Jamaica stay an unusual occasion.
Able to Uncover Jamaica’s Underwater Treasures?
Feeling impressed to get within the water and hunt down the perfect of what Jamaica has to supply? Get in contact with the consultants at PADI Journey for recommendation on how you can make your dream dive trip come true. Alternatively, for extra info on diving in Jamaica, click on the button under.
