Cades Reef

Overview

Cades Reef is a premier snorkeling and diving site located off the north coast of Antigua. It is renowned for its vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts.

Cades Reef is one of the best spots for snorkeling and diving in Antigua, known for its clear waters and rich biodiversity.

Snorkeling Diving Marine Life

Location

Address

Cades Reef, Antigua

Neighborhood: North Coast

Coordinates

17.108900, -61.796600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$20

Children

$10

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

December-April

Best Time of Day

Morning

Clear waters and calm conditions

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and sunny

• Calm waters
• Clear visibility

summer

Hot and humid

• Warm waters

autumn

Variable, hurricane risk

• Cooling waters

winter

Cool and dry

• Clearest waters

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book ahead
Check weather
Bring ID

What to Bring

essential

ID Swimsuit Towel

seasonal

Wetsuit Rain jacket

not allowed

Glass containers Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Dehydration
• Sunburn

Medical facilities: First aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Cards

Currency

Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

Typical Costs

entry $20

equipment rental $30

guided tour $50

Dress Code

Swimwear, Rash guard, Water shoes, Sharp objects, Glass bottles

Booking Tips

• 1 week
• Local tour operators
• 48 hours
• Available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Antigua Dive Guide

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Tide info, Booking

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Beach area

Charging Stations: Beach hut

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: V.C. Bird International Airport

Distance: 20 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes

taxi

$30 30 min

public_transport

$5 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 10 km

bus

$2 30 min

taxi

$15 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Pristine waters and marine life

Historical Significance: Local diving heritage

Insider Tips

Best spots at dawn
Local seafood nearby

Local Recommendations

• Try local seafood
• Ask for guide Mark

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Tank yew

where_is Weh

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main reef area

Best Time: Mid-morning

Tips: Underwater shots

Result: Vibrant marine life

#snorkeling #Antigua

Photography Rules

allowed areas Designated snorkeling areas

prohibited areas Protected marine zones

flash photography Not recommended

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Prohibited

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Dickenson Bay

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Beach

Jolly Beach

Distance: 5km

Walking: 1 hour