The Best Places to Learn to Dive in the Caribbean

1. Andros, Bahamas

Andros, a 26-island strong archipelago in the Bahamas, is just a hop, skip and a jump from the capital of Nassau - but it couldn't be more different. Relaxed, romantic and relatively under the radar, divers can learn the tricks of the trade at Small Hope Bay. This luxury lodge is conveniently close to some of the best dive sites in the Bahamas, with a mix of healthy reefs, walls and plenty of shark action.

2. Little Cayman, Cayman Islands

Most people who venture to Little Cayman do so for the diving, meaning the island has a buzz that is sure to get burgeoning divers excited about their underwater adventures. Almost all the diving is done in Bloody Bay Marine Reserve, which boasts beautiful shallow reefs in calm, bath-like water: ideal for newly certified open water divers.

3. Grenada

Next up on our list of the best places to learn to dive in the Caribbean is Grenada, a beautiful island surrounded by shallow, varied dive sites. These spectacular sites include the Caribbean's first underwater sculpture park, fascinating wrecks, healthy coral gardens and abundant marine life. On top of all that, the best dive centre on the island is located right on the beach, just a few sandy footsteps from Mount Cinnamon, so diving really couldn't be easier.

4. Provo, Turks & Caicos

The visibility in Providenciales  (or Provo, if you're in the know) is consistently excellent. Dive into the crystalline waters for views that stretch as far as 30+ metres, which is perfect for beginners. Newly qualified divers can marvel at the healthy reef life in Princess Alexandra National Park. Here, commercial and sport fishing are banned, so the reef remains pristine, and divers can tick off sharks, turtles, stingrays and barracuda - to name but a few.

5. Bonaire

Known as the 'shore diving capital of the world', there aren't many places easier to learn to dive than Bonaire. With shallow coral gardens and interesting marine life, from moray eels to groupers and turtles, the island really is a haven for all kinds of divers. On top of the fantastic diving, newbies are bound to find like-minded buddies, united by a shared passion for all things underwater.

6. Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands

The laid-back island of Cayman Brac has some of the best diving in the Cayman Islands. Newly qualified divers can spot reef sharks, nurse sharks, yellow rays, tarpon, groupers, schooling fish and other reef inhabitants across sheer walls, sandy slopes and sloping reefs.

7. St Vincent and the Grenadines

Private island paradise Petit St Vincent has its own Jean-Michel Cousteau dive centre, so you know you're in good hands. The island is surrounded by a wealth of shallow, varied dive sites, including (but not limited to) beautiful marine parks, healthy reefs and even a local wreck for budding divers to explore.

9. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Last (but definitely not least) on our list of places to learn to dive in the Caribbean is Grand Cayman. Here, you'll find a good selection of beachfront hotels hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the centre, with excellent house reefs to learn the tricks of the trade. Cobalt Coast even offers unlimited house reef diving, so you can continue to hone your skills even after you've passed your course.