Island Profile: U.S. Virgin Islands

Image by Geri Murphy

A broad array of diving options ranging from reefs, to wrecks, to walls and one magnificant pier Grouping St. Croix with St. Thomas and St. John is almost unfair to travelers since it is so different, particularly to divers. Formed by tectonic plate shifting, St. Croix has rolling hills that slope down to the water and a gentle coastline. Below water it is known for its wall diving. Fredricksted Pier is the other signature dive, one best done at night when it explodes to life. Historic sugar plantations and heritage trails make for entertaining days out of the water. Forty miles to the north, St. Thomas and St. John were formed by volcanic activity that resulted in steep rises, deep valleys and craggy coastlines punctuated by lots of rocky islets. While their geography and diving are similar, these two islands couldn't be more different. St. Thomas is well developed from its cruise ship traffic, with lots of amenities and activities. St. John is 70-percent undeveloped national park, and there are as many hiking trails as paved roads. The two share many dive sites, including the General Rogers and W.I.T. Shoal wrecks. St. Thomas's Pillsbury Sound, which separates the two islands, hosts many sites, as does the south shore. St. John has diving on numerous uninhabited cays outside Cruz Bay. From Coral Bay on the East End, you can reach many enjoyable sites on a large plateau reef. As a U.S. territory, the USVI use American standards, except for driving on the opposite side of the road. American and Delta fly non-stop to St. Thomas. American flies non-stop to St. Croix from Miami. There is also other connecting service via San Juan. St. John is reached by ferry from St. Thomas. For more information about diving the USVI, click on the home pages below.

	Paul Humann; he'd help me ID fish
	Cathy Church; she'd help me set up the perfect shot
	Alan Rebbe; we'd have the wildest dive adventures
	Teddy Tucker; I want to find treasure!
	Richie Kohler; wrecks are where it's at.

Already a member? Log in here

Username:
Password:

Name
Email