Coral reefs are the most important marine natural resource for Jamaica and most Caribbean islands, providing the bulk of fisheries catches and marine bio-diversity, the source of sand for the beaches on which the tourism economy is based, and protecting the shore from erosion by storm waves.
More species of hard corals can be found in Jamaica’s crystal waters than anywhere else in the Caribbean.
I will give some examples of different reefs found in Jamaica. These are reefs found in Montego Bay. Mo Bay as it known locally, is the home of the second of two International Airports on the Island. Being on the western tip, the main tourist area of Jamaica, it is the gateway through which most tourists enter. Montego Bay features a DC-3 aircraft to dive and a Reef conservation area. There is some wall diving and scattered areas of coral reefs. Montego Bay is the second largest city and is known for its beautiful waters, its marine park, mountains and plantations.
It stretches from the east end of the airport to the Great River and contains three major ecosystems, seagrass bed, mangroves and coral reefs.
These are some examples of the reefs found here are:
Name: Basket Reef
On the edge of the reef you find an abundance of basket sponges in all sizes, as well as sea fans and finger coral, to name a few of the coral types found here. A healthy fish population includes black durgeons, parrot fish, rock beauties and schools of creole wrasse. Sometimes even turtles and dolphins visit this very popular dive site.
Name: Black Coral Alley
A narrow alley with depths ranging from 40-65ft., covered with thick black coral trees divers may see tubeworms, sea worms, crabs, urchins and an occasional hiding octopus. Visibility is almost always good.
A narrow alley with depths ranging from 40-65ft., covered with thick black coral trees divers may see tubeworms, sea worms, crabs, urchins and an occasional hiding octopus. Visibility is almost always good.
Name: Airport Reef
A delightful little reef just off-shore by the Donald Sangster International Airport, with pretty and very interesting marine life in just 8 meters (24 feet) of water and beautiful coral caverns and crevasses at 10 to 12 meters (30-40 feet). Definitely for "reef- crawling". Very suitable for the novice and experienced diver.
Name: Doctors' Cave Reef
A shallow boat dive across from Doctor's Cave Beach with depths averaging a mere 25 ft., making it a perfect dive site for beginners. Visibility ranges from 40-60ft. The reef is filled with brain coral, star coral heads and “elk horn clumps.” Miniature reef fish are plentiful. Very few currents.
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