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Antigua and Barbuda wins 12 scuba diving awards in 2027 Readers’ Choice
Antigua and Barbuda has been awarded 12 honors in Scuba Diving magazine’s 2027 Readers’ Choice Awards, showcasing the island’s appeal to beginner divers, experienced divers and underwater photographers. The awards were announced on 11 November 2026 and target the island’s tourism sector and diving community.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Antigua and Barbuda received 12 honors in the 2027 Readers’ Choice Awards
- Timing
- Announcement made on 11 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Divers, dive operators and tourism marketers in Antigua and Barbuda
The details
- Announced by
- Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Recognition and Awards
Scuba Diving magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards, now in its 34th year, attracted nearly 11,000 reader votes. The voting results gave Antigua and Barbuda twelve honors across categories such as Beginner Diving, Advanced Diving, Wall Diving, Wreck Diving, Underwater Photography, Big Animals, and Cavern, Grotto and Cave Diving.
- The awards highlight the island’s ability to cater to a wide range of diving skill levels.
- International recognition is expected to raise the profile of local dive operators.
Dive Site Highlights
The western coast’s Cades Reef offers shallow, coral‑rich environments ideal for beginners and photographers. In contrast, the southern waters near English Harbour feature deeper rock formations, the Sunken Rock site at about 130 feet (40 m), and wrecks that attract experienced divers.
- Cades Reef suits divers developing basic skills and underwater photography.
- Sunken Rock and nearby wrecks require advanced certification and local knowledge.
Implications for Tourism
The awards provide a marketing boost for Antigua’s tourism industry, encouraging diversification beyond beaches and sailing. Dive centres, boat operators, hotels and restaurants can leverage the accolades to attract visitors seeking underwater experiences. Sustainable growth will depend on converting the recognition into bookings while protecting marine ecosystems.
- Operators are urged to promote the award‑winning sites in their packages.
- Conservation practices are emphasized to maintain reef health.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing dive bookings can highlight the award‑winning sites in their itineraries.
- New visitors may prioritize Antigua as a dive destination based on the recent recognition.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced by the awards.
- Standard dive certification and insurance continue to apply as usual.
What you need to do
- Divers should verify that chosen operators are PADI‑affiliated and meet certification requirements for each site.
- Tourism marketers are encouraged to incorporate the award titles into promotional materials.
Who this affects
-
Beginner divers
Cades Reef was highlighted as a suitable site for those developing underwater skills.
-
Advanced divers
Deeper sites such as Sunken Rock and wrecks received awards in advanced categories.
-
Underwater photographers
Underwater Photography was one of the award categories recognizing Antigua’s marine scenery.
Frequently asked questions
What scuba diving awards did Antigua win in 2027?
Antigua and Barbuda earned twelve honors in Scuba Diving magazine’s 2027 Readers’ Choice Awards, covering categories from Beginner Diving to Underwater Photography.
When were the 2027 Readers’ Choice Awards announced?
The awards were announced on 11 November 2026 by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
Which dive sites in Antigua are best for beginners?
Cades Reef on the western coast offers shallow coral formations and calm conditions, making it ideal for beginner divers and photographers.
Do the awards affect dive certification requirements?
No new certification rules were introduced; divers must still meet the standard PADI or equivalent requirements for each dive site.
How can dive operators use the award recognition?
Operators can promote the twelve award titles in marketing materials to attract visitors seeking recognized dive experiences.
