Looking for DO that work with AI in the USVI

[wlecyt40]

I am currently doing research for a possible dive trip to somewhere in the USVI. I would like to get some information on dive operators that might work with or be co-located with an all inclusive resort. We are trying to broaden our horizons as to different diving. We have been to Cozumel and Roatan as well as Bonaire and the Keys. We have a trip to Fiji in lest than two months and Maldives later this year. I would like to go to the USVI but if there are better options in the BVI, I will definitely look into them. My wife and I are very experienced diver but neither is TEC certified so that would be a n on-starter. Recreational diving with lots of awesome critters, a few wrecks (maybe) and amazing diving.

Thanks to all in advance!!

 

[Damselfish]

As far as USVI, I think St Croix bas long been considered the best diving there. We went once very long ago (stayed at Hotel Caravelle and dove with the op there.) Never had a great desire to go back, so I don’t have a good handle on resort and dive shop options there now. But probably your best bet for a dive trip. Not an AI, but reasonably convienient and lots to walk to.


We were in BVI in January. It’s beautiful, and a huge sailing destination, but not really a dive destination. Like dive if you’re going there anyway, but I wouldn’t plan a dedicated dive trip. The well known wreck of the Rhone is nice if you get out there, but in general I didn’t think the diving was anything special.

We were on the BVI Aggressor when they announced they were moving the boat to the Bahamas after March. The boat appeared to be generally under booked and just not viable to run there. It tends to be expensive to fly to Tortola which I’m sure doesn’t help. (You can do cheaper by flying to USVI and doing the ferry, but that has its own challenges.) It’s also not an inexpensive place if you want to stay on land, especially at a nicer resort. If you’re looking for anything like a dive resort with convenient diving and everything bundled with a resort I don’t think you’ll find that. You may find a few places that do meal packages and some on-site restaurants (including on the other islands.) But if you’re looking for a Sandals type place I don’t think they exist here. A lot of accommodations are on north side of Tortola while dive shops are on South side, The Aggressor didn’t go there I imagine there’s either not good diving or conditions aren’t suitable.

 

[mar2112]

BVI is great if you want to combine a dive trip with a sailing charter. I assume that dive operators still pick you up and drop you off at your boat.

 

[gmerick]

You will not find an All-Inclusive diving resort on St Croix that has a dive boat on site.

Carambola Resort has an on-site dive operation; Sweetbottom Dive Center. Sweetbottom operates out of Carambola and Cane Bay, but does shore diving.

I'm familiar with 5 dive boats that leave off the Christiansted Boardwalk or the Frederiksted Pier, and one that also leaves out of Salt River Marina. The operators with dive boats are located within walking distance of hotels, and will sell lodging and dive packages.

 

[wlecyt40]

Thank you for information on St Croix. I am also looking for information about St John and St Thomas.

 

[AdivingBel]

The Juliet in St.Croix during the winter months is basically an AI with eclectic accommodations and all the diving you want. It’s a “happy place” for a lot of repeat divers. Adding a couple of days diving out of Christiansted makes a fun trip.

Diving St. Croix by liveaboard, departing from the Frederiksted Pier

Experience diving in St. Croix by liveaboard on Juliet. Explore Butler Bay, Cane Bay, and the west side - dive beautiful St. Croix with us!

julietsailinganddiving.com