Ultimate to the Best Diving in St Croix

Diving in St. Croix is nothing short of mesmerizing. With its vibrant coral reefs, rich marine life, and crystal-clear waters, this Caribbean island offers some of the top diving spots worldwide. Whether you are an experienced diver or just starting, St. Croix caters to all.

In this blog post, we will explore 25 exceptional diving locations in St. Croix. Each site is filled with detailed insights, practical tips, and eye-catching visuals to transport you to the underwater world.

Travel Guide: St Croix

1. Buck Island Reef National Monument

Eye-level view of coral formations at Buck Island Reef — Coral formations showcasing the vibrant underwater life at Buck Island Reef.

Buck Island Reef National Monument, located east of St. Croix, is one of the most iconic diving spots. It’s home to over 250 species of fish, including parrotfish and angelfish. The park protects various coral species, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. The underwater trail is ideal for education and appreciation of marine ecosystems.

2. The Wall

High angle view of the vertical drop-off known as The Wall — A stunning view of the vertical drop-off at The Wall, perfect for experienced divers.

The Wall off the northwest coast offers dramatic vertical drop-offs, reaching depths of over 1,500 feet. Divers can see a variety of marine life including reef sharks and spiny lobsters. It is not uncommon to see schools of jacks numbering in the hundreds as you dive deeper.

3. Frederiksted Pier

Close-up view of marine life under the Frederiksted Pier — Vivid marine life thriving beneath the Frederiksted Pier, popular for night diving.

Frederiksted Pier is famous for its night dives. During the day, you can see colorful fish like sergeant majors and snapper. At night, the site transforms as creatures like octopuses and squids come alive. In a single night dive, you might encounter up to 30 different species of fish.

4. Cane Bay

Wide angle view of Cane Bay's clear waters and vibrant coral — Crystal clear waters of Cane Bay revealing vibrant coral formations.

Cane Bay is easily accessible for beginners, with a sandy bottom and shallow reefs. It has a variety of coral species and schools of fish like butterflyfish and clownfish. The warm waters make it comfortable, while the site is known for having visibility up to 80 feet.

5. Salt River Bay

Eye-level view of the lush surroundings at Salt River Bay — Lush greenery surrounding the serene waters of Salt River Bay, perfect for divers.

Salt River Bay is a National Park Site steeped in history. Here, you can explore coral reefs and the remains of historic shipwrecks. The site has identified over 75 fish species, including the endangered elkhorn coral, making it both a diver’s and historian’s delight.

6. The Frederiksted Jetty

Close-up view of coral formations near the Frederiksted Jetty — Lively coral formations near the Frederiksted Jetty, bustling with marine life.

The Frederiksted Jetty is another top spot for divers seeking abundant marine life. Expect to see turtles and rays gliding gracefully through the clear waters. Both novice and experienced divers appreciate the easy access and rich biodiversity found here.

7. The Hovden

High angle view of the sunken wreck of The Hovden — A striking view of the submerged wreck of The Hovden, rich in history and marine life.

The Hovden, a sunken freighter from the 1950s, offers a unique wreck diving experience. It’s home to species like barracudas and moray eels. Exploring this site lets divers witness how history and nature intertwine, with corals now covering the wreck.

8. Chenay Bay

Wide angle view of the tranquil waters at Chenay Bay — Tranquil waters of Chenay Bay, inviting divers for exploration.

Chenay Bay’s calm waters make it an excellent choice for beginners. You can see large schools of grunts and the occasional stingray. The sandy bottoms create a comfortable environment, allowing divers to practice their skills seamlessly.

9. Rainbow Beach

Eye-level view of the vibrant underwater life at Rainbow Beach — Vibrant underwater life at Rainbow Beach, a favorite for divers.

Rainbow Beach is known for its vibrant waters and diverse marine life. The site is home to mesmerizing coral gardens worth exploring. Divers can witness the colorful underwater ecosystem, filled with species such as parrotfish and snapper.

10. The Christophers Wreck

High angle view of the underwater remains of The Christophers Wreck — Underwater remains of The Christophers Wreck, teeming with marine life.

The Christophers wreck, a 250-foot tanker sunken in the 1980s, has become an artificial reef thriving with marine life. Here, you can encounter schools of fish as well as the curious lionfish, adding layers of excitement to your dive.

11. La Grange

Close-up view of colorful corals at La Grange — Colorful corals and marine life flourishing at La Grange dive site.

La Grange boasts vibrant coral gardens ideal for underwater photography. Expect to see lionfish, trumpetfish, and many other species. The site is suitable for divers of varying skill sets, letting everyone enjoy the rich marine biodiversity.

12. The Saba

Wide angle view of the submerged Saba wreck surrounded by thriving marine life — The submerged wreck of The Saba, enriched by diverse marine ecosystems.

The Saba wreck has become a popular site, offering divers the chance to explore marine life inhabiting the structure. While exploring, you’ll encounter species such as butterflyfish and groupers, making each dive a lively experience.

13. West End

Eye-level view of clear coral formations at West End — Clear coral formations at West End, inviting divers to explore.

The West End is a less crowded dive location, ideal for peaceful explorations. Here, you can find striking coral formations and a variety of marine creatures, making it a hidden gem waiting for divers to discover its beauty.

14. The Estate

High angle view of the serene waters at The Estate dive site — Serene waters of The Estate offering a tranquil diving experience.

The Estate dive site is known for hosting colorful parrotfish and sea turtles. The lush environment provides divers with both breathtaking underwater views and stunning landscapes above water, creating a holistic diving experience.

15. The Coral Gardens

Eye-level view of the vivid coral formations at The Coral Gardens — Vivid coral formations and bustling marine life at The Coral Gardens.

The Coral Gardens offers friendly conditions for beginner divers. The site features colorful coral formations, with an opportunity to take mesmerizing photos of the diverse fish communities, making it a fantastic spot for both diving and photography.

16. The North Shore

Wide angle view of the dynamic landscape at the North Shore diving site — Dynamic underwater landscape at the North Shore, perfect for adventurous divers.

The North Shore is known for dramatic underwater landscapes and larger marine animals like reef sharks. Visibility can exceed 100 feet, though currents can be strong, making it suitable primarily for experienced divers.

17. The Anegada

High angle view of the sprawling wreck of The Anegada — Sprawling wreck of The Anegada, home to thriving marine ecosystems.

The Anegada wreck creates a home for diverse marine ecosystems. As you explore, you may see angelfish and sea turtles. This dive uniquely combines historical discovery and rich aquatic life, making it a memorable experience.

18. East End

Close-up view of vibrant marine life at East End dive site — Vibrant marine life at East End, inviting divers to explore its rich biodiversity.

East End is often less crowded, revealing stunning marine biodiversity. Expect visibility exceeding 70 feet and the chance to spot a sea turtle or two. The serene atmosphere helps create a rejuvenating diving experience.

19. The Buddha

Eye-level view of the underwater sculpture, The Buddha, surrounded by marine life — The underwater sculpture, The Buddha, attracts divers and marine life alike.

The Buddha dive site features an underwater sculpture that has become a favorite among divers. The vibrant marine life thriving around this tranquil piece of art provides an engaging visual experience, showcasing the bond between man-made and natural beauty.

20. St. Croix Marine Sanctuary

Wide angle view of the conservation area at St. Croix Marine Sanctuary — A conservation area within St. Croix Marine Sanctuary, bustling with marine life.

The St. Croix Marine Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems, making it an ideal dive spot for conservation-minded individuals. Here, you can visualize how actively preserving marine life creates a healthier habitat.

21. Green Cay

Close-up view of vibrant corals and fish at Green Cay — Vibrant coral formations and fish at Green Cay, a popular dive site.

Green Cay offers incredible visibility and stunning coral reefs. It is home to species like queen angelfish and soft corals. The calm waters make it an excellent option for divers looking for relaxation.

22. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

High angle view of the serene underwater landscapes at Sandy Point — Serene underwater landscapes and coral at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.

The Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is a preserved diving location that showcases marine life in its natural habitat. Expect to see vibrant corals, schools of fish, and perhaps a nesting sea turtle if you’re lucky.

23. Cramer’s Reef

Wide angle view of coral at Cramer’s Reef, rich in marine biodiversity — Coral formations at Cramer’s Reef, showcasing rich marine biodiversity.

Cramer’s Reef features rich biodiversity and healthy coral ecosystems. The easy access and respectful conservation effort ensure that this area remains lively with different species, making it an excellent choice for any diving level.

24. The Cove

Eye-level view of the clear waters at The Cove dive site — Clear waters of The Cove providing a unique diving experience.

The Cove offers a serene diving experience with calm waters and stunning coral formations. It’s perfect for divers looking to unwind, while marine life is abundant, including small tropical fish and unique sea urchins.

25. The Isle of Palms

Close-up view of the diverse life and corals at The Isle of Palms — Diverse life and corals thriving at The Isle of Palms dive site.

The Isle of Palms is a tranquil spot with incredible coral reefs. As you explore the area, you might be greeted by schools of snapper or surgeonfish. The idyllic setting enhances the overall diving experience, making it a fitting end to your underwater journey.

Explore St. Croix’s Diving Paradise

St. Croix offers a variety of spectacular diving spots, each providing unique experiences waiting to be discovered. From the enchanting coral reefs at Buck Island to the captivating history of wrecks like The Hovden and The Christophers, St. Croix’s underwater adventures are breathtaking.

As you delve into these 25 spots, you will not only appreciate the rich marine life but also understand the vital need to protect our oceans. Happy diving on this fascinating island, where every dive enriches your love for the underwater world!

KW Adventure Explorer