Join Blue Planet for another week of world-class diving in St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Croix’s rich culture and history, along with its beautiful beaches and exciting recreational activities, create an experience unlike any other in the Caribbean. Whether you are newly certified or an advanced diver, diving is easy, accessible and offers an array of experiences for everyone. Dive a wreck, wall, pier and reef all in one day!
Formerly the stomping grounds of some of history’s most famous pirates, the Virgin Islands are now invaded by thousands of visitors who arrive daily by air and by sea. There are approximately 100 green, hilly islands, some governed by the United States and some by Great Britain. Christiansted and Frederiksted, the two main towns of St. Croix, flourished as commercial ports during the eighteenth century and nineteenth century. Distinct architecture reflects the seven flags--Spanish, Dutch, British, French, Knights of Malta, Danish, and American -- that have flown over the island. Today, visitors to St. Croix can enjoy many activities, from fine dining, shopping, and a casino, to golf, scuba diving, and horseback riding.
Minimum dive certification/experience: Perfect for all experience levels. A great spot to complete your Open Water Diver certification, Advanced Open Water Diver and more.
Sea life is abundant in the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than 500 species of fish, 40 types of coral and hundreds of invertebrates inhabit the water. Vibrant blue tang, silvery horse-eye jacks, queen triggerfish, spiny Caribbean lobster, spotted eagle rays, creole wrasses, and cleaner gobies are just a sampling of the marine life populating the underwater terrain. As sun sets, octopus, seahorses and moray eels make their appearance. Hawksbill, green, and leatherback turtles, call the USVI home and can be seen on many a dive. Lucky vacationers may even witness turtles hatching on one of the many turtle nesting grounds.
The best scuba diving is along “The Wall” that runs about 7 miles parallel to the North Shore of St. Croix. Cane Bay Dive Shop has a prime location on this northern shore and offers divers more than twenty different dive sites to explore within one mile in either direction as well as the "must-do" Frederiksted Pier, the Wrecks at Butler bay and other west end dives.
From visiting historic Fort Frederik and following the Heritage Trail to hiking the rainforest and wading in secluded tidal pools, there much on St. Croix that awaits your discovery. Buck Island Underwater National Park is one of St. Croix's most popular attractions, boasting 704 acres of clear water and healthy coral reefs. Estate Whim Plantation, the Cruzan Rum Factory, and casinos are the other popular attractions on the island. Plus there's kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, biking and more to keep you busy! Sunset sail, anyone? Or a rum and beer tour?
The Cane Bay Dive Shop is a PADI 5-Star IDC Dive center that's been diving the north shore of St. Croix for almost 30 years. Most of our dives will be along the beautiful reefs and walls of the North Shore, but we'll also visit some of the wrecks easily accessible from Frederiksted. In addition to boat dives, we can do shore dives at the Frederiksted Pier.
Located just south of downtown Frederiksted, the Cottages by the Sea is a boutique, family owned and managed hotel. Spread across almost 2 acres of beachfront property, Cottages by the Sea has long been a place where guests come to relax, reflect and get away from everyday life. All of their small, beach cottages offer full kitchens, open floor plans, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, easy beach access, cool tropical breezes, private patios, colorful decor, authentic artwork, air conditioning and wifi. Take a bike or kayak out for a spin, or snorkel right off of the beach.
When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel -- no passport required! You should plan to fly into St. Croix (STX) on Saturday, December 5. You can fly home at any time on December 12. Please email or call the shop before booking your flight! We will coordinate with the group closer to the trip dates on car rentals.
Upon cancellation of a reservation for any reason, the refund of the deposit and payments made or due will be contingent upon Blue Planet reselling the participant's reservation. Any refund may also be subject to a $250 cancellation fee and payment of any non-refundable fees imposed by the tour company, dive operator or any other contractor associated with the trip.
Dive accident insurance is required for all divers on this trip. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your vacation investment. Contact us if you need more information.
Double occupancy in Garden View cottage with 1 queen bed and 1 twin bed. Each cottage includes a full kitchen, private porch or patio, free wifi, TV, air conditioning, etc.
Bringing a non-diving companion? Contact us for pricing!
Double occupancy in Garden View cottage with 1 king bed. Each cottage includes a full kitchen, private porch or patio, free wifi, TV, air conditioning, etc.
Bringing a non-diving companion? Contact us for pricing!
Double occupancy in an Ocean View cottage with 1 king bed and 1 twin bed. Each cottage includes a full kitchen, private porch or patio, free wifi, TV, air conditioning, etc.
Bringing a non-diving companion? Contact us for pricing!
Double occupancy in an Ocean View Superior cottage with 1 king bed. Each cottage includes a full kitchen, private porch or patio, free wifi, TV, air conditioning, etc.
Arrive at the STX airport and transfer to Cottages by the Sea. Meet at the nearby Beach Side Cafe around 5:30 PM to complete paperwork with staff. Grab some dinner and rest up for diving!