Dive sites in US Virgin Islands

Buck Island's underwater trail is a marked snorkelling path through the reef with interpretive plaques anchored to the sea floor. Signs identify different coral species and marine life as you swim along, making it an educational experience ideal for beginners and families. The trail passes through stunning elkhorn coral gardens in shallow, calm water.

While Buck Island is most famous for its snorkel trail, scuba diving is excellent around the island's deeper reef sections. The barrier reef on the north and east sides features wall sections dropping to 18 metres with healthy coral coverage and abundant fish life. Diving requires a boat charter and is available through operators in Christiansted.

Buck Island is about 2.5 kilometres off the northeast coast of St. Croix. Half-day and full-day boat trips depart from Christiansted regularly. The trip takes about 30-45 minutes. Several charter operators offer combined snorkelling and beach excursions. A National Park Service fee applies.

Yes, Cane Bay Wall is one of the Caribbean's most famous shore dives. Walk in from Cane Bay Beach and swim about 100 metres to reach the wall's edge. The reef shelf begins at 3-5 metres, the wall lip is at about 10 metres, and the drop-off plunges to over 1,000 metres. This accessibility makes it unique among major wall dives.

The reef shelf before the wall is rich in macro life including seahorses, frogfish, and yellowhead jawfish. On the wall itself, look for spotted eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, and schooling fish. Historical anchors from the 1600-1700s lie on the shelf, some colonized by corals. Night dives reveal octopus and basket stars.