Snorkel· Ocho Rios· Other Caribbean
Discovery Bay Reef & Back-Reef Snorkel
18° 28.4′ N · 77° 25.0′ W · approximate
The fringing reef across the mouth of Discovery Bay is one of the most-studied coral reefs in the world. UWI's marine laboratory has worked on it since 1965, and its shallow western back reef is fed by submerged freshwater springs.
Practical
Coordinate approximate, placed seaward of the UWI Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory (OpenStreetMap 18.4685N, 077.4152W) at the western side of the bay mouth; Virgintino's entrance waypoint is 18 28.40N, 077 24.40W. UWI: most back-reef sites are shallow and suit snorkellers. The lab keeps permanent moorings on the West and East Fore Reef at about 17 m (56 ft) for its own diving; ask the lab before using them. Student groups report octopus in the turtle grass in front of the lab, spotted eagle rays on the reef, and shallow passages through the reef crest to deeper outer reef (2009-2016 trip blogs). Anchor in the bay per the Discovery Bay entry and dinghy over in calm weather; stay well clear of the bauxite-terminal ship berth at Port Rhoades on the west side.
Best for
Calm-day reef snorkel at a famous research reef
Season
Calm trades
Nearby
- Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory & Hyperbaric Chamber (UWI)0.2 NM away
- Discovery Bay Anchorage0.5 NM away
- Rio Bueno Harbour2.3 NM away
- St. Ann's Bay Hospital11.9 NM away
- St. Ann's Bay Anchorage (Lee Reef)12.5 NM away
- Falmouth Harbour (Bush Cay)13.1 NM away
- Dunn's River & Mammee Bay Reefs (Ocho Rios Marine Park Zone B)16.2 NM away
- Dunn's River Falls16.2 NM away