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Scuba Diving in Nevis
The smaller of the two islands in the federation, a near-perfect volcanic cone rising from a calm Caribbean sea, ringed by reef and fringed by the sheltered bay of Oualie Beach on its north coast, the base for diving the channel between Nevis and Saint Kitts.
Why here
Nevis is a single green volcano sitting in warm, protected water, and the diving here trades big drama for calm, uncrowded reef. The signature site is Monkey Shoals, a wide reef a few miles out in the channel between Nevis and Saint Kitts, where ledges and coral heads draw turtles, nurse sharks, rays, seahorses and, in season, passing pelagics. Closer in there are gentle reef and shallow dives well suited to beginners and to divers who want to certify somewhere quiet, along with a scattering of small wrecks. Because so few boats work these sites, it is common to have a reef to yourself. The island's dive base sits on the sheltered north coast at Oualie Beach, so entry and exit are easy and surface intervals come with a view back up to the cloud-capped peak.
Best months
Diving is a year-round activity, with the calmest conditions and best visibility generally from about April to September. Oualie Beach on the north coast is sheltered, so shore and boat entries are straightforward. Monkey Shoals sits offshore in the channel and is a short boat run, best dived on lighter wind days; inshore reefs stay diveable in most weather and work for newer divers and snorkellers.
Getting there & around
Nevis is reached by a short ferry or sea taxi from Saint Kitts to Charlestown, or by small plane to Vance W. Amory airport. The dive operation is based at Oualie Beach on the north coast, a short drive from Charlestown and the ferry, and runs boat trips to Monkey Shoals and the inshore reefs. Book directly; groups are small and the same base handles courses, fun dives and snorkelling.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (1)
Scuba Safaris Nevis
OutfitterScuba Safaris is a PADI 5-Star Dive Center based at Oualie Beach on the sheltered north coast of Nevis, with more than thirty years diving the reefs and channel around the island. It runs boat trips to the offshore reef at Monkey Shoals, along with gentler inshore reef and snorkelling sites, and teaches the full range of PADI courses from beginner to professional. It also runs fishing charters and is the single dedicated dive centre on Nevis.