Divers enjoy more good sites than snorkelers.

The surging Atlantic and placid Caribbean meet at St. Kitts' southern tip called Nags Head. As you'd expect, the currents can be strong, but they also bring in big fish and deep-water creatures like sharks, turtles and rays.

Monkey Reef off the island's southern peninsula is a flat reef with a circular sandy area that lies in 50 feet of water. Looks for lobster, sharks and stingrays at the edge of the reef. A site shared with Nevis divers, this low-profile reef in the spur and groove configuration with lots of tube and basket sponges and the chance to come upon southern stingrays.

Snorkeling

Many sites are better suited for divers than snorkelers because they start below 25 feet. Two exceptions are off the beach near Old Road Town north of Basseterre on the main coastal road and in Dieppe Bay, which has a black sand beach in the northern part of the island.

The best beach snorkeling is off Turtle Bay Beach on the Southeast Peninsula. It's the only place with a bar/restaurant and where you also can rent snorkel equipment. Also try the snorkeling at Major's Bay and Banana Bay at the end of the peninsula. An old sailing ship and cannons were uncovered not long ago in White House Bay.

 Dive Operators

Regulators and BCs are readily available for rent but not computers or cameras. Not all dive operators accept credit cards.

Kenneth's Dive Centre, Bay Road East, Basseterre; 869/465-2670 or 869/465-7043.

Ocean Terrace Inn Dive Centre, Ocean Terrace Inn, Basseterre; 869/465-2754.

Pro-Divers, Fisherman's Wharf and Turtle Beach, Fortlands; 869/465-3223 or 869/469-9086.

St. Kitts Scuba, P.O. Box 1023, Basseterre; 869/465-1189; fax 869/465-3696.

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