Anguilla's diving divides between two distinct areas: the varied reefs, walls and wrecks of Anguilla Main Island and Cays, and the more remote, current-swept sites around Dog Island. Wreck diving is a particular draw, from the accessible MV Oosterdiep to the deep MV Sarah, both serving as artificial reefs. Reef topography ranges from shallow, beginner-friendly structures at Shoal Bay Reef to complex cave and canyon systems at La Basse Espagnole. Across the sites, Nurse Shark and Great Barracuda are observed with striking regularity, while Green Sea Turtle, Spotted Moray, French Angelfish and Indian Lionfish round out a consistently rich fish life. Purple Sea Fan dominates the coral scenery on reefs throughout the region. Most sites require a boat.
2 areas
25Reef and wreck diving anchored by Nurse Shark and Green Sea Turtle sightings, ranging from shore-accessible shallows to a deep artificial reef.
7A remote Caribbean marine park off Anguilla with walls, drift dives, a wreck, and shallow reefs across seven sites.
Monthly water temperature across Anguilla's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature stays warm throughout the year, rising to its peak in late summer and early autumn, making those months particularly comfortable for longer dives. The histogram of favoured dive conditions points to May through November as the most productive period, with January through March also well regarded. Dog Island sites such as West Cay and the Dog Island wall are exposed to current, so conditions there can change quickly and suit divers comfortable with drift diving.
37 operators
George Hill, Anguilla
George Hill, Anguilla
Water temperature around Anguilla ranges from about 26°C in February to 30°C in September, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 30°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Anguilla; in the coldest months (about 26°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 32 sites in Anguilla (32 scuba diving sites and 6 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both), organised into 2 areas.
Anguilla's reefs are home to a wide range of observed species. Nurse Shark and Great Barracuda are encountered across the vast majority of sites, and Green Sea Turtle is very commonly sighted. Divers also regularly come across Spotted Moray, French Angelfish, Queen Angelfish, Indian Lionfish, Stoplight Parrotfish and Caribbean Spiny Lobster, alongside Purple Sea Fan on almost every reef.
Anguilla caters to a broad range of skill levels. Beginners are well served by sites such as Shoal Bay Reef, Crystal Reef, MV Oosterdiep and Blowing Rock, which are shallow and manageable. More experienced divers can head to La Basse Espagnole, with its caves and canyons and strong currents, or to the deep wreck of MV Sarah. The mix means divers at different stages can dive the same destination comfortably.
The main island area holds the greater number of sites, including shore-entry diving at Shoal Bay Reef and several sheltered reef and wreck dives. Dog Island is more remote and features exposed walls and drift diving, including West Cay and the Dog Island wall. The MV Oosterdiep wreck also sits near Dog Island. Expect longer boat journeys and livelier conditions at Dog Island compared with the main island sites.
Several operators are based in Anguilla and cover sites across both the main island area and Dog Island. These include Scuba Shack Limited, iDive 264, Open Seas Charters Anguilla, Vigilant Divers, Anguilla Watersports, Special D Diving and Charters, Liquid Glow and Shoal Bay Water Sports. With multiple operators available, it is straightforward to find guided trips suited to your skill level and preferred site type.
