Why Dive in March?
March is an excellent time for a scuba diving holiday in the BES Islands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The weather is generally warm and dry, visibility is often impressive, and the sea is inviting without feeling uncomfortably hot. For anyone keen to swap grey skies for coral reefs, this corner of the Caribbean offers a rewarding change of scene.
Each island has its own character beneath the surface. Bonaire is famous for easy shore diving and well-protected reefs, while Sint Eustatius combines relaxed diving with fascinating volcanic scenery. Saba is the choice for adventurous divers who enjoy dramatic pinnacles, steep walls and a more remote atmosphere.
Bonaire Shore Diving
Bonaire is one of the Caribbean’s best destinations for independent divers. Many of its sites are reached directly from the shore, so you can plan a morning dive, enjoy lunch in town, then return to the water later in the day. The island’s famous yellow-painted site stones make it simple to find your chosen entry point.
March conditions are well suited to exploring Bonaire’s shallow reefs, where parrotfish, angelfish, turtles and busy schools of reef fish are regular highlights. The water is usually clear enough for excellent photographs, and the calm, manageable conditions suit both experienced divers and those building confidence after a break.
Sint Eustatius Reefs
Sint Eustatius, often called Statia, feels wonderfully unhurried. Its underwater landscape includes coral gardens, lava formations, old anchors and slopes that descend into deeper water. March is a comfortable month to discover these sites, with warm sunshine between dives and plenty of time to enjoy the island’s quiet pace.
Keep an eye out for hawksbill turtles, rays, reef sharks and large tropical fish. Local dive guides know where conditions are best on the day and can help you experience the island’s marine life safely, whether you prefer gentle reef dives or deeper sites with more striking topography.
Saba’s Dramatic Sites
Saba offers some of the most memorable diving in the region. The island’s protected marine park is known for towering pinnacles, deep walls and unusual underwater rock formations. Descending beside these structures in clear March water can feel like entering a natural cathedral, with fish moving through the blue around you.
Most diving is organised through local operators, and that is part of the appeal. Guides match sites to experience, weather and currents, helping you make the most of Saba’s spectacular underwater scenery. It is a particularly good option for confident divers who enjoy variety and a sense of discovery.
Planning Your Dive Holiday
Book your accommodation and dive trips ahead, especially if you are travelling during a popular spring escape. Bring certification details, travel insurance and reef-safe sun protection, and allow time between flying and diving as recommended by your operator. A mixed itinerary works well, combining shore dives, boat trips and relaxed island sightseeing.
After the final dive, enjoy a waterfront meal, a quiet beach or a walk through historic streets. With warm weather, approachable diving and three very different islands to choose from, March is a brilliant time to experience scuba diving in the BES Islands.