How's the diving in Ocho Rios, Jamaica?

[Big Red Bill]

This next spring break (1st week April '05) I can go to either the Marriott Resort @ Key Largo, FL or the Marriott in Ocho Rios, Jamaica using hotel points.

Is there good diving in Jamaica? I'm familiar w/the Keys and had a great time there a few years ago but know nothing about Jamaica.

Any advise on the dive quality there, good specific dives, restaurants in Ocho Rios, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Bill

 

[elease]

i was there last october. the diving isn't great, but if you stay at sandals or beaches all-inclusive, the diving and equipment is free! i just couldn't find anything bad about that!! i've got pics if you're interested.

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

Jamaica diving is mediocre at best. I dove at the Sans Souci Lido in Ocho Rios. On a scale of one to ten with my local quarry being a one and Bloody Bay Wall being a nine I would put Jamaica at a two or three. They have destroyed their environment with overfishing. Go to Key Largo and dive the Spiegel. Much better time.

 

[munkispank]

The 'vibe' in jamaica for spring break would be much more fun than Key largo, so if you want the party atmos with a few dives on the side, hit jamaica- if you want more of a dive trip with less of a spring break thing- then do key largo again. Ocho Rios diving only has a couple of sites- they are not great - I did them about 14 years ago, and they were showing wear then-I did them again recently and now they are more degraded. That being said, if you are on a trip for other reasons and were just going to add a spot of diving, don't be put off. It's not a dive only destination, but the dives are nice enough and will be a fun way to spend a coupple of dives- just don't expect anything pristine.