Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in United States Virgin Islands

Caribbean Sea

sea

Tropical Northwestern Atlantic

province

Eastern Caribbean

ecoregion

Alien Nation

Alien Nation features a mooring line at a depth of 14 meters, with the reef sloping towards the west and reaching a sandy bottom at 28 meters. The optimal diving range is between 15 to 20 meters. Divers can observe large barrel sponges, eels hiding in crevices, and turtles moving towards Sandy Point. Additionally, stingrays can often be seen resting along the sandy area at a depth of 12 meters.

17.7006, -64.8930

Armageddon

Armageddon is a dive site located at a depth of 80 feet (24 meters), featuring remnants of the old Frederiksted pier that were relocated here after Hurricane Hugo's destruction. Divers can explore various structures, including beams, tires, and twisted steel. The sea floor reaches a depth of 101 feet (30 meters), and divers may encounter reef sharks during their dive. Environmental conditions can include strong currents, surge, and swells, with visibility typically ranging from 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters). Entry to the site is by boat.

17.7475, -64.8997

Buck Island Point (Submarine Alley)

Buck Island Point, also known as Submarine Alley, offers divers the option of a stationary dive returning to the mooring or a drift dive leading into Shipwreck Cove, concluding at a different mooring. The dive site features a maximum depth of 80 feet, with an average depth around 65 feet. The reef structure transitions from a westerly to an easterly orientation. Divers can expect to encounter large southern stingrays and curious Caribbean reef sharks during their exploration.

18.2766, -64.8995

Cables

Cables is characterized by a patch reef that features an intricate network of cables interspersed among coral and sponge formations. The surrounding sandy bottom attracts a variety of marine life, which tends to gather around the reef. Common species in this area include nurse sharks, angelfish, barracuda, butterflyfish, sea turtles, and triggerfish.

17.7338, -64.9012

Cabrita

Cabrita is a dive site located in Great Bay, characterized by an abundance of colorful fan corals. The site is relatively uncrowded, providing a tranquil diving experience. Divers can expect to see marine life such as nurse sharks and eagle rays. The maximum depth at this site is 15 meters (50 feet), and divers should be aware that currents can be present, particularly on the cross course. Access to Cabrita is by boat, with an overview picture indicating the anchor location.

18.3234, -64.8356

Cabrita Pinnacle

Cabrita Pinnacle is located in Great Bay and is characterized by its shallow depths, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. The site features a prominent pinnacle structure and is not widely known, resulting in fewer visitors. Marine life commonly observed here includes nurse sharks and stingrays, along with various macro species. The reef slope has several larger rocks that provide opportunities for exploration and discovery of smaller marine creatures.

18.3206, -64.8376

Calf Rock

Calf Rock is situated within the Calf and Cow reef system and features a variety of underwater structures including overhangs, ledges, and canyons. The site is particularly noted for its shallow canyons, which contribute to its rich biodiversity. Marine life observed here includes lobsters, eagle rays, horse-eye jacks, and nudibranchs. Additionally, sharks are frequently seen resting beneath the ledges, enhancing the site's ecological diversity.

18.3042, -64.8453

Cane Bay

Cane Bay is accessible from the north shore road at Cane Bay Beach. Divers will need to swim approximately 200 meters to reach the buoy, where the depth is around 7.5 meters. The dive site features a steep slope that descends to 20 meters, leading to a vertical wall that drops to depths exceeding 600 meters. Marine life includes occasional sightings of reef sharks near the drop-off. Divers should remain vigilant for juvenile drumfish in shallower areas and may also encounter the notable Carousel Horse. The site is adorned with black coral, barrel sponges, and sea fans.

17.7744, -64.8122

Christmas Cove

Christmas Cove, situated on Great St James, is an ideal location for novice divers. The dive site features a reef located in the center of the cove, which extends from a small rocky island. This area is designated as a No-TAKE zone, ensuring the protection of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species, including southern stingrays, queen triggerfish, spotted moray eels, and blue tang. The site is accessible via shore entry, making it convenient for training and exploration.

18.3074, -64.8337

Coki Point Beach

Coki Point Beach is located approximately 15 minutes from Charlotte Amalie and features a sandy beach entry. The dive site extends to the east with a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 meters) and to the west with a maximum depth of 50 feet (15 meters). This area is home to a variety of marine life, including Angelfish, Eagle Rays, Moray Eels, Triggerfish, Stingrays, Flounder, Reef Squid, Nudibranchs, Trumpetfish, Octopus, Tarpon, Jacks, and Parrotfish, making it suitable for both snorkeling and scuba diving.

18.3497, -64.8661

Coral Bowl

Coral Bowl is a natural depression filled with sand, surrounded by volcanic boulders. The area is rich in marine life, featuring gorgonians, corals, sponges, sea rods, and sea fans that are typically found in deeper waters. The dive reaches depths of over 21 meters (70 feet), making it suitable for intermediate divers. During dives, it is common to encounter resident sharks, stingrays, spotted eagle rays, lobsters, and octopuses, among other marine creatures.

18.2768, -64.8885

Cow And Calf

Cow and Calf is a dive site located off the southeast coast of St. Thomas Island. The site features two large rock formations above the surface, with depths reaching 12 meters (40 feet) and excellent visibility of over 40 meters (130 feet). Divers can explore canyons, caves, and ledges, with possible current conditions to consider.

18.3039, -64.8465

Cow Rock

Cow Rock is a notable dive site located in St. Thomas, characterized by small caves and swim-throughs, along with prominent elkhorn corals. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including lobsters, crabs, nurse sharks, turtles, and numerous tropical fish. The site is accessible via shore entry.

18.3039, -64.8476

Deep Wrecks at Bulter Bay

The Deep Wrecks at Butler Bay are located at depths ranging from 70 to 100 feet (21 to 30 meters). This dive site features two notable wrecks: the Rosaomaira, a freighter measuring 177 feet (54 meters) in length, and the Coakley Bay, an older tugboat. Both wrecks are positioned close to one another and are upright, facilitating straightforward exploration and photography. A mooring line is secured to the Coakley Bay for diver convenience. The wrecks are adorned with vibrant sponges and corals, providing a colorful backdrop. Divers may encounter a school of Atlantic Spadefish near the helm of the Coakley Bay, as well as sightings of Queen Angelfish, turtles, and stingrays.

17.7523, -64.8951

Dive Flag Rock

Dive Flag Rock is a notable wall dive situated near Buck Island. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks that may accompany them during the dive. The area is also frequented by spotted eagle rays and stingrays. Along the dive wall, moray eels can be spotted hiding within the coral, while giant stingrays often rest on the sandy bottom. Lobsters are also present, adding to the diverse marine ecosystem. The site features three mooring balls for easy access.

18.2780, -64.8974

Dog Island

Dog Island offers a shallow dive characterized by a diverse reef structure that follows the natural landscape. The site is located just after Little St. James and features an abundance of large fan corals. Divers may encounter sting rays and should explore the various cracks and holes within the reef for smaller marine life. The entry to the site is from the shore.

18.2960, -64.8176

Emerald Gardens St Croix USVI

Emerald Gardens is located adjacent to Cane Bay’s The Wall dive site. The site features a notable underwater structure known as Seabiscuit, a carousal horse situated at a depth of 30 feet (10 meters). Divers can explore a slope that leads to a depth of 60 feet (18 meters), where The Wall begins, descending beyond recreational limits to approximately 13,000 feet (3962 meters). In the shallower areas, divers may encounter juvenile marine life, while the deeper sections are home to turtles, sharks, rays, and a variety of fish. It is advised not to feed sharks with speared lionfish.

17.7732, -64.8145

Five Finger Reef

Five Finger Reef is accessible via a surface swim from Secret Harbor beach or by boat from a nearby anchorage. The reef is situated at a depth of approximately 30 feet and is characterized by elongated rock and coral formations that create parallel structures with sandy channels in between. As this site is part of a marine sanctuary, divers can expect to see a variety of reef fish, rays, lobsters, and crabs, along with several cleaning stations. It is important to note that this area is designated as a no-take zone.

18.3155, -64.8527

Flag Pole Little St James

Flag Pole Little St James is a shallow dive site located on the northwest side of Little St James. This area is suitable for beginner divers, providing opportunities to observe local turtles and a variety of juvenile fish, as it serves as a nursery for many species. Divers may also encounter barracuda, stingrays, and various tropical fish during their exploration. The dive site is accessed by boat.

18.3016, -64.8298

Flat Cay

Flat Cay, also known as Chrysler, is a dive site on the west side of St. Thomas with depths ranging from 5 meters (17 feet) to 20 meters (70 feet). Divers can observe a variety of marine life including queen angelfish, yellowtail snappers, and spotted eagle rays on a healthy reef with abundant corals and sponges. This site is suitable for divers of all levels and also accessible for snorkelers.

18.3254, -64.9861

Frederiksted Pier

Frederiksted Pier is a notable dive site characterized by its extensive length of 1526 feet (465 meters) and a gradual decline towards the west. The site features coral-encrusted ruins and columns that serve as habitats for a variety of shallow marine life. Divers can expect to see species such as octopus, turtles, parrotfish, and eels. The maximum depth at this location is 35 feet, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. The site is also accessible from the shore, allowing for easy entry.

17.7142, -64.8847

French Cap Pinnacle

French Cap Pinnacle is a dive site characterized by a central pinnacle that reaches depths close to 30 meters (approximately 100 feet). The site is known for its active marine life, including frequent sightings of sharks, queen angelfish, barracudas, green moray eels, and lionfish. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of various fish species. Access to this site is via boat, making it a convenient location for divers seeking deeper underwater experiences.

18.1985, -64.8397

General Rogers (Wreck)

The General Rogers wreck, a former Coast Guard vessel, is largely intact and lies upright at a depth of 21 meters (69 feet). Accessible from the shore, this dive site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. The wreck is surrounded by a variety of marine life, including schools of barracuda, jacks, grunts, and snapper, as well as vibrant soft and hard corals and tube sponges.

18.3332, -64.8485

Kennedy Barge

The Kennedy Barge wreck lies upside down at a depth of 12-18 meters (40-60 feet). This site features a flat-top barge that serves as an artificial reef, attracting various marine life, including barracuda and other fish species.

18.3087, -64.9420

King’s Alley

King's Alley features a depth range of 14 to 30 meters, situated adjacent to King's Reach Reef. The site presents a gradual slope adorned with coral formations, sponges, and a variety of saltwater fish species. It accommodates divers of all skill levels due to its diverse underwater topography. Caution is advised during ascent as boat traffic is prevalent in the vicinity.

17.6963, -64.8962

King’s Corner

King's Corner features a top reef line at a depth of 55 feet (17 meters), with the optimal diving range between 60 to 90 feet (18 to 28 meters). Divers can also explore a sand line at 100 feet (30 meters). The site is located near Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, making it a good spot for turtle sightings. Conditions are best when the water is calm, as visibility can drop below 40 feet (11 meters) and currents are often present.

17.6912, -64.9000

Ledges of Little St. James

Ledges of Little St. James offers a relatively straightforward dive characterized by its ledges and overhangs, located off Little St. James Island. The site is abundant with coral and provides an average depth ranging from 20 to 40 feet. It is also suitable for snorkeling and night diving. Common marine life includes turtles, stingrays, various tropical fish, octopus, moray eels, and lobsters.

18.2983, -64.8299

Lime Tree Beach

Lime Tree Beach is a small bay located near the Lime Tree Beach Resort, providing easy shore access for divers and snorkelers. The site features diverse coral formations on both sides of the bay, supporting a variety of reef fish species. Commonly observed marine life includes trumpet fish, sergeant majors, butterfly fish, and blue tangs. Caution is advised due to the presence of sea urchins in the area.

18.3174, -64.9162

Little St. James Reef

Little St. James Reef is a shallow dive site suitable for all skill levels. The dive features ledges, boulders, and healthy coral, with marine life including yellowtail snappers and rock beauty angelfish. Divers should avoid fire coral to prevent skin irritation.

18.3024, -64.8189

miss oportunity

Miss Opportunity is a World War II Navy hospital barge measuring 390 feet in length. The wreck lies at a depth of 90 feet and is positioned upside down, providing divers with open swim-through passages. This site was intentionally sunk in 1982, creating an artificial structure that attracts various marine life.

18.3347, -65.0011

Miss Opportunity

Miss Opportunity is a wreck dive site located near Charlotte Amalie. This WWII Navy Hospital barge measures 118 meters (390 feet) long and rests intact on her starboard side at a depth of 27 meters (90 feet). Divers can penetrate the wreck through multiple openings and explore the interior, including the belly, bow section, and deck.

18.3395, -65.0045

Navy Barges

Navy Barges consists of two submerged barges that serve as an artificial reef, providing habitat for various marine species. Originally used as accommodation during World War II, these vessels were later repurposed for Navy training before being sunk in 1961. The wrecks are covered in sponges and corals, creating numerous hiding spots for marine life such as octopuses, stingrays, and nurse sharks. The site offers swim-throughs that are particularly appealing for underwater photography.

18.3100, -64.9180

North Star

North Star is located west of Cane Bay and features two distinct profiles: an eastern section that is nearly vertical in places and a western section characterized by spur and groove coral formations. The site is accessible via a short path through the brush along the shoreline. Divers can expect to see juvenile fish in the shallows, while deeper areas are home to turtles, sharks, rays, and a variety of fish species.

17.7686, -64.8216

Packet Rock (Wreck)

Packet Rock is a unique dive site featuring the remains of a shipwreck, specifically its cargo, located at a small pinnacle. Divers often explore this area to uncover artifacts such as broken pottery and pottery shards. The site is also rich in marine life, with sightings of large French and Queen Angelfish, schools of barracuda, hawksbill sea turtles, nurse sharks, squid, and triggerfish. The entry to this site is from the shore.

18.3030, -64.8940

Secret Harbor - North

Secret Harbor - North features a shallow reef located on the northern side of Secret Harbor, easily accessible from the beach. The dive site has a maximum depth of 17 feet and is characterized by a sand and rock line that divers can follow out and return through the rocky areas. This site is part of a Marine Sanctuary, making it a no-take area. It serves as a nursery and cleaning station for various marine species. Divers can expect to see a variety of shallow reef fish, along with frequent sightings of turtles, rays, lobsters, and octopus.

18.3188, -64.8542

Secret Harbor - South

Secret Harbor - South is a reef located at the southwest corner of Secret Harbor. Divers can access the site by swimming from the beach or via boat. The maximum depth at this site is 25 feet. The area is known for its diverse marine life, including rays, lobsters, turtles, and a variety of shallow reef fish. Numerous cleaning stations can be found throughout the dive, providing opportunities to observe marine life interactions.

18.3160, -64.8534

Shallow Wrecks at Butler Bay

The Shallow Wrecks at Butler Bay consists of four distinct wrecks located on a sandy bottom, with depths ranging from 15 to 27 meters (50 to 90 feet). The site includes the Suffolk Maid trawler, the Virgin Islander oil barge, the North Wind tugboat, and the Aegir Habitat cylinder. Divers can find two mooring lines, one attached to the North Wind tugboat and the other to the Suffolk Maid trawler. Marine life such as sharks, turtles, stingrays, and conch can be observed around the wrecks, which are also adorned with various sponges and corals.

17.7509, -64.8953

Shark Bowl

Shark Bowl is characterized by a natural sand-filled depression surrounded by volcanic boulders. The area is adorned with gorgonians and features a variety of corals, sponges, sea rods, and sea fans typically found in deeper waters. The dive site reaches depths exceeding 70 feet (21 meters), making it more suitable for intermediate divers. During dives, it is common to encounter resident sharks that may follow divers, along with sightings of stingrays, spotted eagle rays, lobsters, and octopus, among other marine life.

18.2772, -64.8894

Sprat

Sprat is suitable for divers of all levels with a maximum depth of 15 meters (50 feet). The site features swim-throughs, overhangs, and large coral formations inhabited by small fish and crustaceans.

18.3144, -64.9434

Sprat Hole

Sprat Hole is a shallow dive site with depths ranging from 25 to 40 feet (8 to 24 meters), featuring a combination of reef and sandy bottom. The site is named after the nearby Sprat Hall Plantation, which provides a view from the shore. Divers can head west to find a gradual slope leading to depths of 60 feet (18 meters). This site is particularly noted for its cleaning stations and is home to Southern Stingrays resting on the sandy bottom. Divers can also observe various juvenile fish hiding in the area's nooks and crannies, along with potential sightings of turtles, moray eels, and jawfish. It is suitable for beginners and non-certified divers due to its manageable depths and conditions.

17.7341, -64.8955

Stragglers Deep

Stragglers Deep features a coral reef located approximately 5 minutes from the shore. The dive site reaches depths of 60 to 70 feet and is characterized by large, untouched coral formations teeming with marine life. Divers can observe a significant population of reef fish and may encounter nurse sharks hiding beneath rocks. Additionally, a prominent rock structure is home to numerous lobsters, adding to the site's biodiversity.

18.3053, -64.8371

Stragglers' Reef

Stragglers' Reef is located on the sheltered side of Great St James, making it a suitable dive site during inclement weather. The dive begins in a series of small canyons that provide excellent photographic opportunities. Divers can explore a vibrant reef wall that is rich in marine life. Common sightings include green turtles, spotted eagle rays, barracuda, porcupine pufferfish, stingrays, and nurse sharks.

18.3038, -64.8360

Sunken Sailboat

The Sunken Sailboat is a notable wreck site located at coordinates 18.312200, -64.831400. This site has transformed into an artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see multiple green turtles, often numbering around five, as well as eagle rays, reef sharks, starfish, squid, and octopus. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this unique underwater environment.

18.3122, -64.8314

The Aquarium in St Croix

The Aquarium in St. Croix is a dive site characterized by a patchy reef that supports a wide variety of Caribbean marine life. Divers can expect to see numerous species of colorful fish, including juveniles, as well as notable marine creatures such as stingrays, garden eels, sea turtles, and snappers. The depth ranges from 30 to 80 feet (10 to 25 meters), with a mooring line positioned over a depth of 40 feet (12 meters). The site is also adorned with vibrant sponges and coral, enhancing the underwater landscape.

17.7042, -64.8905

Tide Bottle

Tide Bottle features a mooring line positioned above a sandy reef line at a depth of 40 feet (11 meters). The reef gradually descends to 100 feet (30 meters), with the most notable reef structures and sponges located between 50 and 80 feet (15 to 25 meters). Divers can observe various marine life, including stingrays, turtles, eels, and spear lionfish. It is advisable to dive cautiously due to the potential for currents. This site is suitable for beginner certified divers, offering opportunities to spot large barrel sponges and resting stingrays in the sand.

17.7028, -64.8914

Tres Amigos

Tres Amigos is located at the end of the Frederiksted Pier, featuring three large concrete columns that provide habitat for various marine life. The dive site reaches a depth of 90 feet (27 meters) and is approximately 1550 feet (470 meters) from the shore. Due to the distance, it is recommended to access this site by boat. Both day and night dives offer excellent opportunities to observe species such as frogfish, batfish, turtles, and seahorses.

17.7137, -64.8904

Triton’s Anchor

Triton’s Anchor is located at a depth of approximately 25 feet, where a small ship's boat anchor or a bower anchor rests on the seafloor. This anchor is believed to date back to the 17th to 19th century. It is thought to have been previously embedded in the nearby reef, but was uncovered during Hurricane Maria. The site serves as a habitat for various marine life typical to the region.

17.7130, -64.8860

Turtle Cove

Turtle Cove is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 18.278200, -64.894500. The site is known for its abundance of marine life, particularly green and hawksbill turtles. Divers can also encounter stingrays, squid, and a variety of tropical fish. The calm waters make it suitable for beginners and those looking to snorkel.

18.2782, -64.8945

Wye Reef

Wye Reef is situated at the southwest corner of Buck Island, near Shipwreck Cove. The reef is composed of rock debris that has tumbled down from the surrounding bluffs. Divers can expect depths ranging from 30 to 50 feet, depending on the chosen route. As this site opens to the open water, it is advisable to remain vigilant for sightings of rays and sharks in the surrounding blue waters.

18.2744, -64.8971