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!