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Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in U.S. Virgin Islands

The top 62 dive and snorkel sites in U.S. Virgin Islands, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the U.S. Virgin Islands guide

dive sites
62
dive shops
20
reviews
90
AreasSt. Croix22St. John21St. Thomas19
57 sites, ranked by diver reviews
Dave's Pool1

Dave's Pool

5.0(3 reviews)USVI, St. Croix, Caribbean

Dave's Pool is named after the owner of the beach-side dive shop, The Scuba Shack. Dave and Sue Ward run a very personable dive operation off the leeward side of the island, and use this shallow reef for their check-out dives. At first glance, you may think this is a run-of-the-mill, flat, sandy reef, but if you want to see octopus and Sea Horses, we've been told this is the place. Having been associated with local marine researchers for the past decade, Dave says he can show you more in a square meter of sand in this 'swimming pool' than you'll see on any other dive. Trust him -- he knows his stuff! Also, for the sea-sick prone, we do recommend Dave's dive boat. The ocean on this side of the island is mostly flat as a lake, and after 6 trips with him, we've been pleasantly surprised by the ease of diving. Just North of Frederiksted, on the ocean-side right next to the Changes In Latitudes restaurant.

Shore entry
Cane Bay2

Cane Bay

4.7(13 reviews)USVI, St. Croix, Caribbean

Cane Bay is one of the nicest shore diving spots on the island: lots of parking, a scuba shop, a restaurant, and a beautiful beach perfect for off-gassing. Make sure the conditions are favorable for safe diving before you enter the water. Ocean swells here can cause a formidable rip tide, so ask around for some professional advice. On highway 80 (the North Shore Road), you can't miss the long stretch of beach and the restaurant just across the street.

BeginnerMax depth 65 ftShore entry
No photos yet
3

Coki Beach

4.6(14 reviews)St Thomas, Caribbean

When we were there a local dive shop took me on my 'checkout dive' at a shore dive at a place called Coki Beach. Depth to 40-50' sand beach entry. No waves, and in a protected cove. Popular snorkel location and had probably hundreds of snorkelers, most of whom stayed in 3-8' of water and away from divers. Parking on street area, walk down a set of concrete steps directly onto the beach. Very easy access. I think this beach is in the travel guides (Fodor's etc). Can't remember if there's a local dive shop on site for equipment or air fills, but I know there was a building in which people were renting snorkel gear and we weren't the only one's diving either... FYI: this is a popular cruise boat tourist dumping spot.

BeginnerMax depth 26.2 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
4

Trunk Bay

5.0(2 reviews)St. John, Caribbean

Good dive, but popular with the cruise ship crowd

Shore entry
The Waves5

The Waves

4.8(4 reviews)USVI, St. Croix, Caribbean

Aptly named, The Waves At Cane Bay is a condo property that hosts this small beach entry area. During periods of moderate surf, entry here can be challenging, but once through the surf zone, you will be rewarded will some of the nicest underwater experiences on the island. You can also find a small dive shop and restaurant here. On highway 80 (the North Shore Road), just a couple of kilometers East of Cane Bay.

Shore entry
Frederiksted Pier6

Frederiksted Pier

4.4(15 reviews)USVI, St. Croix, Caribbean

The old Frederiksted Pier was destroyed years ago in a storm, and was recently rebuilt to modern standards to accommodate cruise ships and other large vessels. Within the next 5 years, there should be enough marine life accumulation to warrant a trip out to its end. Luckily, however, a few pilings from the old pier still exist with incredible communities of soft coral still just a few meters off shore. This is a very easy dive, and an especially nice night dive! All West-bound roads lead to Frederiksted. Once in the small town, look seaward, find the pier, point your car in that direction, and you can't miss it! The pier is right next to the old Fort Frederik, built in 1752. Your non-diving members will have plenty to explore while you are living it up underwater.

BeginnerMax depth 23 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
7

The Pavilions

5.0(1 review)Virgin Islands, Saint Croix Island

North East of Cane Bay - a short swim from shore The Pavilions is also known as Pavilion.

BeginnerMax depth 44.9 ftBoat or Shore entry
No photos yet
8

Trunk Cay

5.0(1 review)Virgin Islands, Saint John Island

Underwater Park trail 15 underwater plaques stating local marine life flora and Fauna Northern Side of Saint John well marked Trunk Cay is also known as Trunk Bay.

BeginnerMax depth 13.1 ftShore entry
No photos yet
9

Saba Island

5.0(1 review)Virgin Islands, Saint Thomas Island

South side of Saba Island. No mooring. If anchoring boat on lee (west) side which is usually calmer, it can be a long swim to the best diving in the center of the south side of the island.

BeginnerMax depth 40 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
10

Hull Bay

5.0(1 review)St Thomas, Caribbean

Nice clean enclosed bay. Nice reefs with plenty of fish. Very helpful dive shop. Nice patio style restraint close by for an after dive drink and giant burgers. Transportation from the Cruise ship terminals is the issue as driver may not want to make this out of the way one way haul with no guarantee of a return fare. So be sure to make arrangements beforehand. Hull Bay, north shore, St Thomas USVI.

Shore entry
No photos yet
11

Magens bay

5.0(1 review)Virgin Islands, Saint Thomas Island

Beautiful Bay. Turtles and many fish. Direct in from the beach Magens bay is also known as Megans Bay.

BeginnerMax depth 19.7 ft
No photos yet
12

Big Maho Bay

5.0(1 review)St. John, Caribbean

This site is phenomenal for views, fish and solitude. There is a reef to follow at shallow depths on the right and left sides and as you enter the bay beyond the rocky shorelines, you enter an open sandy bottom. You will see thousand of silversides, large Tarpon, sea turtles, a variety of colorful fish, corals and a nurse shark that usually hangs out there. There is a dive shop at Little Maho Bay Camps to replenish your tanks, eat and purchase gear. My favorite spot in the world...literally! From Cruz Bay you have two choices. You can go up centerline road or North shore road. North shore is much more scenic and you can find many shore dives along your journey. Continue on past Caneel Bay, all the way past Cinnamon Bay and Big Maho will come up on your left. There is ample roadside parking and plenty of secluded beach.

Shore entry
North Star13

North Star

4.3(11 reviews)USVI, St. Croix, Caribbean

North Star is the Westernmost of four dive sites in a 4km stretch of highway on the North shore. You will find a wall and a cavern to explore here with great sights in-between. The dive site is nicely protected from NE swells. On highway 80 (the North Shore Road), the small parking area is located just East of Picnic in Paradise and a couple of kilometers West of Cane Bay.

Shore entry
North Shore14

North Shore

4.3(3 reviews)USVI, St. Croix, Caribbean

The North Shore dive site is especially unique since you are living steps away from a diving entry. The house here was built by David Mickley precisely because of the superb diving location. You can find out more by visiting his web site at www.2dive4.net. There is a wall 100 yards off-shore that drops down to 2500 ft so there is an opportunity to get access to all the pelagic creatures very close to shore. On the North shore in a small grouping of residences, just East of Cane Bay.

Shore entry
Rust Op Twist15

Rust Op Twist

4.3(3 reviews)USVI, St. Croix, Caribbean

Rust Op Twist is named after an old sugar plantation in the area. It is more of an advanced dive due the entry conditions and possible currents. If it is a nice day, you can spend your tank of air in just 10 meters of water exploring this biologically diverse part of the island. On highway 80 (the North Shore Road), about 4km East of Cane Bay.

Shore entry
Butler Bay16

Butler Bay

4.0(6 reviews)USVI, St. Croix, Caribbean

Three shallow wrecks - Tugboat, barge and a biosphere habitat The Northwest end of St. Croix, North of Frederiksted.

IntermediateMax depth 47.9 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
17

Grass Cay

4.0(2 reviews)Virgin Islands, Saint John Island

Boat diving only

BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
18

Ledges of Little Saint James

4.0(1 review)Virgin Islands, Saint Thomas Island

Southern side of the private island of Saint James Ledges of Little Saint James is also known as Little St James.

BeginnerMax depth 32.2 ftBoat entry
Buck Island19

Buck Island

3.5(6 reviews)USVI, St. Croix, Caribbean

Buck Island has been called a Snorkeler's Paradise for good reasons. Underwater trails, crystal clear water, and beautiful beaches are the hallmark of this U.S. National Park. Many tour operators are available to provide full and half day excursions. Just Northeast of Christiansted, you'll need a tour operator to get you there. Unless, of course, you don't mind a 10km kick-out!

Shore entry
No photos yet
20

Salt River West Wall

3.0(1 review)Virgin Islands, Saint Croix Island

Salt River West Wall is a 3.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Virgin Islands, Saint Croix Island which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 60 ftBoat entry
Snorkeling & Scuba Map of U.S. Virgin Islands: numbered map of the top 13 dive and snorkel sites, with ratings
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Numbers match the ranked list of U.S. Virgin Islands dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Top dive shops in U.S. Virgin Islands

All 20
Coki Beach Dive Club
4.9 (221) · St Thomas
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Aqua Marine St Thomas
4.9 (214) · St Thomas
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JJ Divers
4.9 (171) · St. Thomas
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AAA St Thomas Diving Club
4.9 (110) · St Thomas
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U.S. Virgin Islands diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in U.S. Virgin Islands for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 62 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best dive and snorkel sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands are Dave's Pool (5.0 from 3 reviews), Cane Bay (4.7 from 13 reviews) and Coki Beach (4.6 from 14 reviews).

Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

The top-rated beginner sites are Cane Bay (4.7 from 13 reviews), Coki Beach (4.6 from 14 reviews) and Frederiksted Pier (4.4 from 15 reviews).

Where can I shore dive in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Dave's Pool, Cane Bay, Coki Beach and Trunk Bay are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.

Are there dive shops in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Zentacle lists 20 dive shops in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The top-rated are Coki Beach Dive Club (4.9 from 221 reviews) and Aqua Marine St Thomas (4.9 from 214 reviews).