St Croix: Escape to the US Virgin Islands

Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI

BP
Blue Planet Scuba
  • Email address verified
159 reviews
Jul 20 - 27, 2019
Group size: 14 - 14
St Croix: Escape to the US Virgin Islands
Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI

Blue Planet Scuba
  • Email address verified
159 reviews

Jul 20 - 27, 2019
Group size: 14 - 14

About this trip

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! We'll also be offering coral restoration training and dives for any citizen scientists on the trip.

St. Croix 

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 indoor and outdoor activities, from fine dining, shopping, and a casino, to golf, scuba diving, and horseback riding. 

The Diving

Minimum dive certification/experience:  Perfect for beginners. 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.

Other Activities

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?

Cane Bay Dive Shop & Arawak Bay Inn

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. In addition to to boat dives, we can do shore dives right in Cane Bay plus dive the Frederiksted Pier.


Located on the tranquil north side of the island of St. Croix, the Arawak Bay Inn overlooks the beautiful Salt River Bay. The charming B&B has 14 rooms, each with a king bed or 2 full-size beds, a balcony and air conditioning, plus a pool, honor bar and more. It's just a short 15 minute drive from the airport, a 7 minutes drive from the Cane Bay Dive Shop and 3 minute walk from the Salt River Marina from which kayaking and boating tours can be arranged. 

Travel

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, July 20. You can fly home at any time on July 27. Please email or call the shop before booking your flight!  

Cancellation Policy

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 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. 

What’s included

  • 7 nights accommodation
    Double or single occupancy
  • 11 boat dives
    4 days of 2-tank dives + 1 day of 3-tank dives
  • Unlimited shore diving
    By the dive shop
  • 1 night dive
    From shore at the Frederiksted Pier
  • Full breakfast daily
    On-site at our hotel
  • 4 dinners at Arawak
    On-site at our hotel
  • Airport & dive transfers
    Roundtrip transfers to the STX airport and dive shop
  • 1 Caribbean Show, dinner
  • Taxes, etc.
    Room taxes and service charges

What’s not included

  • Flights
    flights to St Croix (STX)
  • Scuba equipment
    Only tanks and weights included; rental gear available
  • Tips
    Tips for the dive shop's excellent crew
  • Other meals
    Not already mentioned above

Available Packages

Double Occupancy

Double occupancy in room with 1 king bed or 2 full-size beds. Each room includes free wifi, satellite TV, air conditioning, etc.  You'll also have access to the pool and honor bar, balconies for lounging and an island breakfast every morning with house specialties, local pastries and other treats.


Bringing a non-diving companion? Contact us for pricing!

$1,655
Deposit:$500

Available options

Coral Restoration training & dives
$300

Itinerary

Saturday
Arrival in St. Croix

Arrive at the STX airport and transfer to Arawak Bay Inn.  Meet by the pool around 5:30 PM for a rum punch welcome and to complete paperwork with staff. Grab some dinner and rest up for diving!

Your Organizer


BP
Blue Planet Scuba
159 reviews
Blue Planet is a different kind of scuba diving organization — aimed at providing the best education and experiences to divers in the Washington, DC area and beyond, while harnessing the excitement and adventure of scuba diving to help protect our fragile oceans.

Reviews

SS
Cold water wonder is an understatement! The diving was beautiful, the resort was scenic, and the food was amazing. I highly recommend getting dry suit certified to be able to do this trip. Heather and Jonas did a great job leading the trip, making sure everyone had a great time.
By Solomon S for Cold Water Wonders at God's Pocket Resort on Oct 07, 2024
It was a great diving trip. I enjoyed the group. Anthony from Blue Planet was a great, and very knowledgeable organizer and trip lead. His experience and knowledge as a Dive Instructor also became very evident. I enjoyed the trip.
By William W for Weekend Getaway in Grenada on Oct 05, 2024
JK
Diving in Grenada was an incredible experience - likely my favorite dives I've done. Anthony was an excellent trip organizer and guide, the dive shop staff was fantastic, and Grenada itself has a lot to offer including beautiful beaches, great food, rum distilleries, chocolate factories, and a ton of hiking opportunities. I'll definitely be returning if Blue Planet does another trip in the future.
By Jonathan K for Weekend Getaway in Grenada on Oct 05, 2024
Another stellar dive trip with Blue Planet, my seventh! The scenery was stunning and the diving was excellent! Kudos to Heather for wrangling 14 adult with aplomb, whilst running certification courses, adapting to schedule changes, and enjoying the whole experience with us at the same time. The boat and dive crew were fabulous, very down to earth and attentive. The resort staff and food were wonderful too, so were the resorts non-diving activities. Definitely a trip for the memory books. Can't wait for another BP dive trip in 2025!
By Stephen M for St Lucia: Coral Spawning Magic on Oct 01, 2024
This was our fourth trip with Blue Planet and it was another great one! They do such a wonderful job of handling all the trip logistics and picking out excellent dive shops. The local St. Lucian dive crew was one of the best we've had!
By Alan W for St Lucia: Coral Spawning Magic on Sep 06, 2024
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References

Blue planet is absolutely spectacular - I try to go on at least one trip a year with them! They've taught me everything I know about diving and show incredible care and dedication to their divers. The trips are absolutely incredible; I wish it was possible to rate them six stars instead of five! I cannot recommend them highly enough and intend to keep diving with them for years to come.
By Rachel D on 25 Aug, 2024