Bell Buoy is one of Barbados' most popular dive sites, a massive coral reef shaped like a bell. These forests of brown coral, which are near Rockely Beach, are home to angel fish, parrot fish and chromis, and it is known as a prime spot for underwater photography due to premium lighting conditions. This home of multitudes of gorgonian trees is about 20 to 60 feet underwater and appropriate for novice to intermediate divers.
Bright Ledge, near Heywoods Beach, has arguably the greatest variety of marine life on the island, including nurse sharks, manta rays, moray eels, jacks and French angel fish. The visibility is great here, and there is even a chance of seeing a Hawksbill turtle or two, an endangered species. At 50 to 200 feet, Bright Ledge is most suited for intermediate to advanced divers.
Dottins Reef, off of Holetown Coast, is home to many varieties of tropical fish and turtles. It is particularly known as a habitat for barracudas. The south side of Dottins is marked by an abundance of creole wrasse, yellow tail snappers and a small turtle. It has a reputation as the best place for night diving. The north side of Dottins is scattered with sand patches, where stingrays sometimes can be found among the many-colored corals and sponges. At 40 to 60 feet deep, Dottins is a good dive site for novice to intermediate divers.
Maycocks Bay, off the northwest coast near Checker Hall, comprises great hallways of water separated by coral reefs, like long passageways of a tropical maze. The only reef in the area that runs east to west, this site is home to beautiful coral formations, barracuda, parrot fish, creole wrasse and trigger fish. At a depth of 50 to 100 feet, it is a very highly recommended site for intermediate to advanced divers.
Silver Bank, which is inside Clarke's Reef off Brighton Beach, is another very popular dive site. Because the Atlantis submarine frequents this site and fish are fed frequently, there is a huge population of varied tropical fish here, including trigger fish, snappers and groupers. Sea fans and beautiful coral formations provide plenty to explore. At 60 to 80 feet deep, Silver Bank is best for intermediate divers.
The submerged Greek ship, the Stavronikita, forms an artificial reef and home for varied tropical fish. It was submerged in 1978 by the U.S. Navy and remains fully intact. Divers can explore the whole ship, which is partially covered in black coral and sea whips. Known as "The Stav" to locals, it is in Folkestown Marine Park at Holetown and is one of the world's top wreck dives. At a depth of 120 feet, it is great for intermediate to advanced divers.
