Love scuba diving? Can't get enough freediving? And what about mermaiding? Join Blue Planet for a week in St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can enjoy all 3 of these underwater adventures! 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! AND you can travel there without a passport!

St. Croix 

Formerly the stomping grounds of some of history’s most famous pirates, the Virgin Islands are now invaded by visitors who arrive daily by air and by sea. 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. 

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. 

Scuba Diving

Minimum dive certification/experience:  Perfect for beginners. A great spot to complete your Advanced Open Water Diver and more. 

We'll head out on 2-tank morning boat dives Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with our friends at Cane Bay Dive Shop. The best scuba diving is along “The Wall” that runs about 7 miles parallel to the North Shore of St. Croix. There are more than twenty different dive sites to explore within one mile in either direction of Cane Bay, as well as the "must-do" Frederiksted Pier, the wrecks at Butler Bay and other west end dives. We can also shore dive at Cane Bay and experience amazing night dives at the Pier!

Scuba divers are welcome to continue diving for the rest of the week OR try your hand at freediving or mermaiding!

Freediving

Minimum dive certification/experience:  You should have completed at least PADI Basic Freediver. A great spot to complete your PADI Freediver certification and more. 

We'll start the morning with stretching and static apnea in the hotel's pool before we head to nearby Cane Bay or Frederiksted Pier for constant weight and free immersion practice. Both of these sites are also perfect for exploring underwater and enjoying the freedom and silence of diving on one breath. We can also set up freediving from the dive shop's boat one afternoon if there's enough interest!

Mermaids

Minimum dive certification/experience:  You should have completed at least PADI Mermaid. A great spot to complete your PADI Advanced Mermaid certification.  

St Croix offers fantastic mermaiding opportunities! Earn your Advanced Mermaid certification at Cane Bay or Frederiksted Pier and then practice your technique among the captivating sea life. We will even have a photographer available to capture topside and underwater stills and video!

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 and 3-minute walk from the dive boat and 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, February 1. You can fly home at any time on February 8, or stick around and extend your trip. Please email or call the shop before booking your flight!  

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.