St. Croix: Caribbean Diving & Island Escape

Escape winter and join YAY Scuba for an unforgettable week of Caribbean diving, oceanfront relaxation, and island adventure in beautiful St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. This hosted group trip combines incredible diving, comfortable accommodations, and a fun social atmosphere, making it the perfect February getaway — and since St. Croix is a U.S. territory, no passport is required.

We'll spend the week exploring some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean while staying at The Palms Hotel in Christiansted, where every room offers an ocean view. Choose from twin or double room options and wake up each morning just steps from the sea.

With only 16 spots available, this intimate group trip is designed for divers who want amazing diving, new friendships, and a stress-free island experience.

A Bit About St. Croix

Once the stomping grounds of some of history's most notorious pirates, St. Croix is now a laid-back Caribbean escape shaped by centuries of history — its architecture still reflects the seven flags that have flown over the island, including Spanish, Dutch, British, French, Danish, and American. Underwater, the U.S. Virgin Islands are just as rich: more than 500 species of fish, 40 types of coral, and countless invertebrates call these waters home, from blue tang and spotted eagle rays to hawksbill and green sea turtles.

Incredible Diving with Cane Bay Diving

We're partnering with Cane Bay Diving, one of St. Croix's premier dive operators, known for excellent service, local expertise, and access to the island's top dive sites. This trip includes an exciting mix of boat diving, shore diving, night diving, and the world-famous pier dive.

Signature Dive Highlights

Cane Bay Wall — One of the most iconic dives in St. Croix. Swim over a beautiful reef before the seafloor drops dramatically into the blue, with coral formations, sponges, turtles, and incredible visibility along the way. More than 20 dive sites lie within a mile of Cane Bay in either direction, so no two dives feel the same.

Frederiksted Pier Dive — Often considered one of the best pier dives in the Caribbean. Colorful pilings attract octopus, seahorses, frogfish, nudibranchs, and countless photo opportunities. Scheduled as long as no cruise ships are in port.

Wreck & Reef Diving — Explore healthy reefs and exciting wreck sites, including the wrecks at Butler Bay, that showcase the diversity of St. Croix diving.

Night Diving — Experience the reef after dark and discover an entirely different side of the ocean as nocturnal marine life — octopus, seahorses, and moray eels among them — comes alive.

Great for Every Level Diver

Whether you're already certified or ready to take the next step, this trip is designed for all experience levels. Certification courses can be completed during the trip, including:

• Open Water Diver

• Advanced Open Water Diver

• Specialty courses, i.e., Deep, Night, Wreck

What better place to earn your certification than warm, clear Caribbean water?

Already certified and want to try something different? Ask us about adding freediving or mermaiding experiences during the week — a fun way to mix things up between dive days.

What's Included

• Ocean view accommodations at The Palms Hotel

• Breakfast daily

• Hosted YAY Scuba group trip leader

• Group dinners and social events

• Amazing diving with Cane Bay Diving

• A week of sunshine and adventure

Important Travel Notes

Airport transfers are not included. A rental car is strongly recommended, as it's the best way to explore the island and get around during the week.

Non-Divers Welcome

This trip is also perfect for non-diving partners, family members, and friends. St. Croix offers:

• Snorkeling adventures

• Turtle tours

• Kayaking

• Rum distillery visits

• Beaches and shopping

• Historic forts and island history tours

There's plenty to enjoy above the water while the divers explore below.

Why Join YAY Scuba?

Traveling with YAY Scuba means diving with a welcoming group, having support throughout the trip, and sharing unforgettable experiences with fellow ocean lovers. This is more than a vacation. It's a week of diving, laughter, sunshine, and memories that will last long after the trip ends.

Reserve Your Spot

Only 16 dive spaces are available, and this trip is expected to fill. Join us in St. Croix for a week of warm water diving and Caribbean fun.

Saturday, February 6 – Arrival Day

Arrive in St. Croix and make your way to The Palms Hotel in Christiansted. After check-in, settle into your ocean view room and get into island mode.

Take time to pick up your rental car, explore the area, relax by the water, and meet fellow travelers.

Evening: Welcome gathering with the YAY Scuba group and trip overview.

Sunday, February 7 – Thursday, February 11

Start the adventure with your first morning of Caribbean diving.

• 2 Boat Dives

• Afternoon optional 1-2 Shore Dives

• Free time to enjoy the beach or pool

Friday, February 12 – Relaxation Day / No Fly Day

A no-fly day to safely prepare for travel home.

Spend the day enjoying everything St. Croix has to offer:

• Snorkeling from shore

• Beach day

• Kayaking

• Turtle tours

• Rum distillery visit

• Shopping in Christiansted

• Historic sightseeing

Perfect final day in paradise.

Saturday, February 13 – Departure Day

Check out and head to the airport for your return flight home with amazing memories, new dive friends, and plenty of stories from an unforgettable week in St. Croix.

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home from your trip (non-US residents).

• US residents can travel to St. Croix without passports.

• It is your responsibility to review and meet the vaccination requirements and visa/immigration requirements for the countries you're visiting

• Your proof of certification and logbook may be checked during check-in at the dive center to clarify your level and experience: it is your responsibility to ensure you bring these with you, and your diving could be at risk if you do not bring them

• Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to dive and meet the medical standards outlined by PADI

• Dive times can change due to local weather conditions, and it is your responsibility to check in with your dive center after you arrive to confirm the timing of your dives: late check-in could lead to missed dives.

• We recommend you buy travel and trip cancellation insurance with liveaboard coverage. Trip deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the whole trip is canceled by YAY Scuba. 

• Dive insurance is mandatory - Get yours from Dive Assure

• A dive computer and SMB are mandatory for every diver

• Please note that your payment is committed to the trip and is non-refundable. We recommend travel insurance, should your plans change. See our terms and conditions

Upon cancellation of a reservation for any reason, the refund of the deposit and payments made or due will be contingent upon YAY Scuba 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.