Diving Directory: Dive and Snorkel Sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Sandy Allen

01 Dec 2024 — 4 min read

Photo: Wikimedia/Barry Haynes/CC by SA 3..

With clear turquoise waters, colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are a diver’s and snorkeler’s dream. Comprising three main islands—St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix—the USVI are situated south of the British Virgin Islands and offer various underwater experiences for a dive or snorkel excursion.

Whether you’re headed to shallow snorkeling spots or deep wreck dives from marinas and private boat slips for rent, we’ve collected a list of places to check out from below the water line.

St. Thomas

1. Cow and Calf Rocks

Located on the southeastern coast of St. Thomas, Cow and Calf Rocks is famous for its dramatic underwater rock formations and swim-through tunnels. Divers will encounter vibrant coral, sponges and various fish species. It’s perfect for both beginners and advanced divers to visit from marinas or private boat lift rentals.

2. Coki Point Beach

One of the most popular snorkeling spots on St. Thomas, Coki Point offers calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The reef close to shore attracts schools of tropical fish, which makes it a terrific family-friendly location.

Photo: U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix (Facebook)

3. WIT Shoal II Wreck

For experienced divers, the WIT Shoal II, a 327-foot former Navy tanker, rests at about 90 feet below the surface. It’s now an artificial reef home to barracuda, sharks and stingrays. The sheer size of this wreck provides a captivating dive experience to check out a private boat slip for rent.

St. John

1. Trunk Bay

Famous for its underwater snorkeling trail, Trunk Bay is often considered one of the best snorkeling beaches in the Caribbean. The marked trail guides snorkelers through vibrant coral gardens and marine life, and underwater plaques offer educational insights into the area.

2. Waterlemon Cay

Accessible by a short hike from Leinster Bay, Waterlemon Cay is a hidden gem for snorkelers. The cay is surrounded by seagrass beds and coral reefs that provide a habitat for sea turtles, starfish and colorful fish.

3. Eagle Shoals

This advanced diving spot features unique underwater formations known as “the Cathedral,” a series of caverns and arches filled with marine life. Visibility is usually excellent, and it shows off the full beauty of the corals and sponges.

St. Croix

1. Buck Island Reef National Monument

A protected marine reserve, Buck Island offers one of the most renowned snorkeling experiences in the USVI. The underwater trail features pristine coral formations, tropical fish and occasional sea turtle sightings. The area’s conservation efforts ensure thriving marine biodiversity.

2. Frederiksted Pier

This dive site is a haven for macro photographers and night divers. The pier’s pillars are encrusted with corals and sponges, attracting seahorses, octopuses and frogfish. The calm conditions and shallow depth make it accessible for both snorkelers and divers to enjoy from private boat slips for rent.

3. Salt River Canyon

Salt River Canyon, also known as the “Wall,” offers dramatic drop-offs with depths plunging to over 1,000 feet. This dive site is known for its thrilling underwater topography and sightings of pelagic species like sharks and rays.

Marine Conservation Efforts and Safety Tips

Photo: Wikimedia/Summitandbeach/CC by SA 4.0 (St. Croix)

The U.S. Virgin Islands are deeply committed to marine conservation. Several national parks and protected areas ensure the sustainability of their underwater ecosystems. Visitors should follow guidelines to avoid damaging coral reefs as they head out from a private boat dock rental or marina. These guidelines include using reef-safe sunscreen and avoiding direct contact with marine life.