If you’re in St. Thomas, or any of the
Virgin Islands for that matter, you are surrounded by some of the best dive spots
on the planet. Wide variety of sea life, shipwrecks, and some of the most
vibrant coral you can imagine, and the best part, the dive sites vary from
beginner to experienced, so there is something for everyone. If you aren’t
certified, but wish to be, check out our previous blog post about where to get
certified: “Where to Learn How to Dive”.
Now that we’ve established that diving in
the Virgin Islands is awesome, let’s move onto some popular spots!
Since there is such a variation of spots for all skill levels and what the dive has to offer,
it’s hard to know which one is right for you! Here’s a quick guide to different
spots for each skill level!
*These skill levels are up to interpretation. After reading multiple sources, this was my conclusion. If anyone has anything to include, please add that to the comment section below!
*These skill levels are up to interpretation. After reading multiple sources, this was my conclusion. If anyone has anything to include, please add that to the comment section below!
Beginner:
Coki Beach
With a max depth of about 55 feet and calm, steady waters, Coki Beach is perfect for the beginner diver, or anyone who is a little anxious about getting back into it. They have a wide variety of fish and coral that make this dive worth while.
With a max depth of about 55 feet and calm, steady waters, Coki Beach is perfect for the beginner diver, or anyone who is a little anxious about getting back into it. They have a wide variety of fish and coral that make this dive worth while.
Cow and Calf Rocks
This very popular spot got its name from resembling a mother whale and her baby; cow and calf. This 20-45 feet dive consists of small caves and elkhorn corals, and a wide variety of sea life. Check out the video below:
This very popular spot got its name from resembling a mother whale and her baby; cow and calf. This 20-45 feet dive consists of small caves and elkhorn corals, and a wide variety of sea life. Check out the video below:
Navy Barges
These barges were used during WWII, but in 1961, it sank. Now it is a a mecca for coral, sea sponges, and other colorful sea life.
These barges were used during WWII, but in 1961, it sank. Now it is a a mecca for coral, sea sponges, and other colorful sea life.
Intermediate:
French Cap
This dive is roughly 55-85 feet and is about a 20 minute ride out. This dive has a number of large, beautiful fish and will be hard to forget!
This dive is roughly 55-85 feet and is about a 20 minute ride out. This dive has a number of large, beautiful fish and will be hard to forget!
RMS Rhone
Built in 1865, this 310 foot long ship was built to carry over 300 people. Tragically in October 1867, it sank in a hurricane with an unknown number of passengers on board. Only 23 survived, all of which were crew members. Today, the Rhone is a very popular dive spot in the BVIs and is kept safe in protected waters. If you want to check out this spot, don't forget to bring your passport! Check out the video below:
Built in 1865, this 310 foot long ship was built to carry over 300 people. Tragically in October 1867, it sank in a hurricane with an unknown number of passengers on board. Only 23 survived, all of which were crew members. Today, the Rhone is a very popular dive spot in the BVIs and is kept safe in protected waters. If you want to check out this spot, don't forget to bring your passport! Check out the video below:
Kennedy Barge
This landing craft barge sunk in the year 1986 and has since been a unique dive spot for many divers exploring the USVI. It is roughly 65 feet deep and has all the sea life you'd hope for while diving in the Caribbean.
This landing craft barge sunk in the year 1986 and has since been a unique dive spot for many divers exploring the USVI. It is roughly 65 feet deep and has all the sea life you'd hope for while diving in the Caribbean.
Experienced:
Carval Rock
Carval Rock is a very popular spot for divers who have a good amount of experience. It has a plethora of colorful marine life that'll make any dive enthusiast happy they made the trip.
Carval Rock is a very popular spot for divers who have a good amount of experience. It has a plethora of colorful marine life that'll make any dive enthusiast happy they made the trip.
WIT
Shoal II
She had originally sunk on November 6th 1984 in tropical storm Klaus, but was patched up and able to float once again. They decided to retire her shortly after and towed her out to the Caribbean Sea. She only made it a few miles until one of the patches broke, so they cut the towline and let her sink. Now you can go out and visit this 90 feet dive and explore the 5 levels of decks and abundance of marine life that has grown with it. Check out the video below:
She had originally sunk on November 6th 1984 in tropical storm Klaus, but was patched up and able to float once again. They decided to retire her shortly after and towed her out to the Caribbean Sea. She only made it a few miles until one of the patches broke, so they cut the towline and let her sink. Now you can go out and visit this 90 feet dive and explore the 5 levels of decks and abundance of marine life that has grown with it. Check out the video below:
Miss Opportunity
This fairly protected dive spot that ranges from 40-90 feet, offers a special experience for anyone who loves wreck dive. Over 300 feet of Miss Opportunity are still intact and gives you many opportunities to explore the interior. Originally built as a navy hospital ship and then eventually used as a job placement center, she was sunk in 1985 not too far off the coast of the south side of the island of St. Thomas, making it quick and easy to get to.
This fairly protected dive spot that ranges from 40-90 feet, offers a special experience for anyone who loves wreck dive. Over 300 feet of Miss Opportunity are still intact and gives you many opportunities to explore the interior. Originally built as a navy hospital ship and then eventually used as a job placement center, she was sunk in 1985 not too far off the coast of the south side of the island of St. Thomas, making it quick and easy to get to.
This is just a small glimpse of the plethora
of dive spots right here in the Virgin Islands! For more spots and information, visit:
Now that you have a better idea of where
you want to go, what’s holding you back? Schedule your next trip down to the
Virgin Islands and do something that you can look back on and be happy you did.
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