Scuba diving may be considered more of a sport for the grown-ups, but in the Caribbean, younger enthusiasts can learn the ins and outs of scuba, too, thanks to kid-friendly programs in multiple locales in the region.
“There are a few amazing places I strongly suggest for diving, especially for a child who’s learning,” said Ashley Les, luxury travel advisor and founder of Postcards From, an independent affiliate of Protravel International, Global Travel Collection in New York City. “It’s important to choose a resort and destination that has the best conditions, as it can make a huge difference in the experience. Grand Cayman is one of my favorite places to dive. The water is crystal clear, the sea life is abundant, and there are great shallower spots to learn.”
It’s important to choose a resort and destination that has the best conditions, as it can make a huge difference in the experience.
Choosing the right destination and dive operator is especially important, since not everyone offers family-friendly dive programs.
Vacationers with children may want to seek out courses recognized by PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Among the most popular offerings is the PADI Bubblemaker Program, which teaches kids 8 and older the basics of scuba diving in a pool or confined water area. For those looking for something more advanced, the PADI Seal Team and Master Seal Team programs are open to children ages 8 and up and combine basic scuba diving with activities such as underwater photography.
Young ones, meanwhile, can opt for Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth, or SASY. Named for its equipment — the surface-supplied air system, which is similar to a scuba unit but floats on the surface — the program allows younger children to partake in underwater excitement.
Here are several destinations around the Caribbean that allow kids to take a dip into the world of scuba diving.
Barbados
Operators offering kid-friendly scuba programs on Barbados include Barbados Blue and Dive Hightide, both of which offer a PADI Bubblemaker course.
Diving operators in Bonaire offer PADI and SASY programs for children.
Credit: 2023 Tourism Corporation BonaireBonaire
Among the dive operators in Bonaire is Buddy Dive, which offers a Buddy Kids Club for kids ages 5 to 10. The program provides an introduction to snorkeling and how to use SASY equipment. Kids ages 8 to 10 can sign up for the PADI Bubblemaker Program, while 10- to 15-year-olds can take junior open water courses — full PADI dive courses that include certification.
Cayman Islands
In the Cayman Islands, Divetech offers a SASY program for 5- to 7-year-olds, covering basics such as breathing and snorkel techniques. Meanwhile, 8- to 10-year-olds can opt for the Bubblemaker Program, as well as PADI Seal Team certification courses.
Puerto Rico
Discover Puerto Rico recommends several operators for kid-focused scuba diving. Dive Puerto Rico, for example, offers a PADI Seal Team program in a swimming pool in Fajardo, on the island’s eastern coast, while Neptunes Divers on the north coast offers Junior Open Water courses for kids 10 and older, as well as other educational activities for children of any age who are interested in scuba diving.
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St. Lucia
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in St. Lucia offers a family dive package that includes a total of six dives (three per day) that children ages 10 and up can join. Designed in partnership with The Perry Institute for Marine Science, the program includes educational presentations so that divers can better appreciate the local marine life.
St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort offers a family dive package.
Credit: 2023 Windjammer Landing Villa Beach ResortTurks and Caicos
Luxury resort Amanyara in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, offers private scuba outings for groups of up to six guests, including children ages 10 and up. In addition, non-certified divers can sign up for basic training through the property’s Discover Scuba Diving program. All dive activities at Amanyara take place in cooperation with Big Blue Collective, a local dive operator.
Also in Turks and Caicos is Beach Enclave, which partners with Surfside Ocean Academy to offer SASY programs for ages 5 and up and Bubblemaker programs for ages 8 and up.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The dive center at King Christian Hotel, located in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, provides programs designed for kids ages 10 and older, including one-day lessons and a full certification program that includes four hours of training and diving in waters up to 40 feet in depth.
