Courtesy of Department of Fish & Wildlife Services

The west coast is home to one of the healthiest reef systems and the clearest waters in the Caribbean, yet it is virtually unknown as a dive destination. Scuba diving at Desecheo Island boasts 100-150ft visibility consistently. The sites here are a wonderful place to practice your underwater photography or just relax and enjoy the scenery! The depths at Desecheo Island range from shallow (beginning at 20-30ft) to deeper, more advanced dives (dropping off to over 100ft). The majority of our sites at Desecheo Island are conducive for all levels of diving.  

The sites around Desecheo vary from the typical coral reef habitats (soft and hard corals) to gardens of sea fans. Rocky reef habitats are also located closer to the island, as well as large swim-through arches and caverns. Sitting away from the island, on the northwest side, is a dramatic pinnacle rising from over 100 ft up to 20 ft. On the east side of the island is an underwater ravine, starting in approximately 40 feet and dropping down sheer walls to over 100 ft.

Desecheo Island sits approximately 14 miles offshore and covers roughly 360 acres. It is a relatively small island that juts out of the Mona Passage. The uninhabited island is managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Services. It was named a National Wildlife Refuge in 1976. The surrounding waters are a marine reserve.  

Other links to desecheo :
http://www.fws.gov/southeast/Desecheo