St. Croix or St. John - where is the better diving?

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JAG8R

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Considering a trip to one or the other for February, 2012. I've heard some good things about both, and have other reasons to visit both islands, but I would like to know from someone that has dived each island, which is better, or are they both equally good. Thanks!
 
I haven't dived St. John, but people who have dived all three USVIs generally consider St. Croix to be the best. Our wall is absolutely gorgeous! And the Fredericksted Pier is not to be missed if you're into photography and interesting u/w life. My favorite spots are Cane Bay wall and North Star just to the east of it. Cane Bay can be dived as a beach or a boat dive.

All of the dive shops on island are good. I just so happen to work for Cane Bay Dive Shop and of course they are my favorite, but I was a customer before I became an employee and they were my favorite then too. :thumb:

Enjoy your trip!
 
 
The difference between St. Croix and St. John/St. Thomas/BVI is the geological makeup. St. Croix was formed tectonically and sits atop a 13,200' wall that's actually a branch of the Puerto Rican Trench. The largest living reef of any of the Caribbean islands sits atop that wall and is in good shape from the nutrients brought up the wall by upwelling (but not strong) currents. St. Croix also has a great set of wreck dives (5 within 100 yards of each other), and a Pier that is an absolutely fantastic dive. The other islands are volcanic in nature so they have more flat continental shelf type of diving. While St. John definitely has good scuba diving, IMHO St. Croix has world class scuba diving.
 
I've not dived St. Croix but I did do two dives in St. John (cruise) and was completely underwhelmed. The diving was very blah IMO. Now, take into consideration the fact that it was arranged through the cruise line so they would have gone to a "local" site rather than a spectacular site but it really was blah. Based on those two dives I would never schedule a diving vacation there but if I was there I would dive.
 
Of the two, St. Croix is the place to go. Had a great dive trip there; cool shore diving. Lot's to experience topside as well. It's a faily large place, so you'll need to rent a car. Northern and Western coasts are the better places to stay for diving. US citizens don't need a passport to get in, but I would take it anyway to potentially ease your return.
 
Another thing STX has going for it is the incredible number of really awesome restaurants. We are always surprised that there are so many wonderful dining choices on an island of only about 50,000-ish residents.
 
Thanks from me, too. We really enjoyed our St John dive vacation, but much more because of the island than the diving. Very underwhelming, especially compared to our recent return to Curacao. St Croix has been on our list but I was afraid of being disappointed. Now, I'll be searching there for the next trip.
 
Ive done both. St. John with Low Key and St. Croix with Anchor Dive. Strictly for diving I feel St. Croix is the much better choice.

Now if I were to take into account the destination and what the islands offer over and above the diving, for me it becoes a bit of a toss up. St. John has great beaches and is so peaceful and quiet (with the exception of Cruz Bay) and there's something to be said for a destination that you have to take a boat in order reach :D But the island is pretty expensive.

St. Croix on the other hand, well the beaches aren't as nice and much of the island has a busy feel to it, but it is a little more budget friendly.

Bottom line, I'd be happy going to either location.
 

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