With spectacular vistas and fantastic attractions both above and below the water, it is not surprising that USVI’s St. Thomas is such a popular destination, particularly for divers. While there are plenty of great wrecks to explore here, there are also dozens of marvelous sight-seeing dives. Whether you’ve been diving since the Sears Roebuck catalog carried Aqua-Lung equipment, or if you’ve yet to make your first open water dive, you’ll find something to love about the reefs of St. Thomas. Here are five fabulous dives to get you started!
Wye Reef
Sometimes called Rye Reef, Wye Reef is named for the RMS Wye, which sank during a hurricane here on October 29, 1867. Although the wooden ship’s remains have long since been erased, the coral reef here is just spectacular. Beginning in Shipwreck Cove, near the remains of the Cartanza Sr. wreck, it features massive coral encrusted boulders at about 30-35 feet, which give way to the living reef which meets the seabed at 69 feet. All along the sandy bottom, you can find conch and stingrays, as well as nurse sharks nestled up against the bottom of the reef. Watch for sea turtles and brilliant schools of tropical fish as you explore.
Hidden Valley Reef
Magnificent pillar coral formations, some of which are up to 12 feet tall, can be found at this beautiful ledge reef structure, which is peppered with nooks and crannies where colorful fish and other creatures hide among brilliant sponge and coral growth. Look for barracuda and spotted drumfish, butterfly fish, angelfish, and other tropicals here, as well as hawksbill turtles and the occasional small shark. Maximum depth is 60 feet down in the valley, and visibility is usually near 100 feet, providing optimal conditions for underwater photography.
T Table
Located on the south side of St. Thomas, T Table is a large, flat-topped reef which sits 15 feet below the surface, and which slopes down to meet the seabed at 50 feet. Alive with marine life large and small, this site is covered in mounds of colorful coral, soaring pillar coral formations and brilliant stands of elkhorn coral, as well as some fairly large brain corals. Watch for rays, sharks, and turtles, in addition to French and Queen angelfish, blue tangs, bright yellow butterfly fish and other lovely tropicals. An excellent site for all divers, T Table is also a popular second dive.
Flat Cay Reef
Home to a splendid array of tropical fish and other creatures in all shapes, sizes and colors, Flat Cay Reef is located on the west side of the tiny island which gives it its name. Approximately three miles from St. Thomas, this is often said to be one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Caribbean. Here, there is an old yacht wreck, called the Chrysler or Easterly, plus there are two swimthroughs filled with glassy sweepers, a fantastic ravine with steep walls, and amazing pillar coral formations as well as loads of sponges, gorgonians, sea fans, and other colorful growth. Watch for turtles and spotted drum, remoras, groupers, jawfish, and a rainbow of others. The top of the reef is located 20 feet below the surface, and maximum depth is just 45 feet.
The Supermarket
Also known as Limestone Reef, Supermarket is so called because the spur and groove formations are like the aisles of a supermarket. You can start at the base of the reef, just 60 feet below the surface, and work your way up and down, back and forth, making new discoveries as you go. Located on the southeaster side of Water Island, about a mile from St. Thomas, most of this reef is at depths between 30 and 40 feet, so you can spend as much time as you want to simply enjoying this relaxing dive. Look for permit, huge schools of creole wrasse, whimsical porcupinefish and colorful goatfish, and lots of smaller fish operating a cleaning station where larger ones wait patiently to be attended to. Perfect for all divers, the reef begins in only 20 feet of water.
Besides these sites, there are dozens of others to enjoy, all of which are home to diverse populations of marine life. Easy to access, and with plenty of opportunities for relaxation while you are not diving, St. Thomas is the perfect place for a tropical vacation!