Hell, why not do both islands on the same trip? Go on; go for it!!!
Having been fortunate to dive many of the more commonly recognized dive spots of the Caribbean, I must admit to having somewhat muted expectations based on the mostly mixed reviews I had read about the USVI at the time. We took a chance on St. Croix, and it ended up being one of the most memorable trips I've had. The topside experience was unexpectedly diverse, and it was a great adventure.
While many islands have one main town, St. Croix has two. There is a large rainforest area on one side, then there is Davis Bay with its' idyllic vistas, hiking, and tidal pools. In contrast, the other end of the island around Port Udall has more of an arid vibe with amazing views out over the Atlantic. In between there are some great places to eat, great shore diving, and of course Buck Island. There was also some cool local wildlife around too. I recall a pair of Mongoose that would play every morning in the yard of our hotel, bats flying past the dinner table, and the craziest epic hermit crab migration I've ever seen. Some areas can be busy, and there are places that aren't the nicest in the world, but just head over The Beast and everything changes. Everyone has their own tastes, but we had a blast in St. Croix and I would certainly love go back one day; no question. The other islands are right there in reach if you want to venture beyond as well.
Not to be missed is the extraordinary Elkhorn coral barrier reef dive on the eastern side of Buck Island (boat). Next to Bonaire, St. Croix also has some of the best shore diving to be found in the Caribbean in my view. Of the five or so dives we did at Frederiksted Pier (including night dives), one particular dive during the day was perhaps top-three all-time that I have ever experienced. If you are up to it, walk all the way out to the end of the pier and do the 30ft giant stride in, then surface swim the rest of the way out to the absolute end of the structure. You'll descend in about 60ft of water and then slowly wind your way back to shore through a surreal forest of heavily encrusted giant pylons. We did 125 minutes on air and saw everything from huge Green Moray Eel, Turtles, Squid, Seahorses, Octopus, and Scorpion Fish, to gigantic schools of Silversides that completely engulfed us blocking out everything - magical! As it happens, I later found out that my Aunt had passed away that same day. I always get a little emotional when I think back about that dive and can't help but feel that she was there with us.
Anyway, guess I'll just wait here patiently now for that check to arrive from the USVI Department of Tourism.
