Scuba diving is one of the most popular tourist activities in St Thomas. The island is home to some of the best scuba diving sites in the world, and there are plenty of operators offering scuba diving trips. But before you jump in and book a scuba diving trip, there are a few things you need to know.
In this blog post, we will give you a complete guide to scuba diving in St Thomas. We will cover everything from the best time to go scuba diving to what to expect on a scuba diving trip.
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The Different Types of Scuba Diving in St Thomas
One of the most popular types of scuba diving in St Thomas is reef diving. Reefs are home to an incredible array of marine life, and diving on one is like swimming through a living aquarium. Many reefs also have beautiful corals and sponges, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the senses.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, try wreck diving. St Thomas is home to many shipwrecks, including some that date back to the 17th century. Diving on a shipwreck is like taking a step back in time, and you never know what you might find!
For those who want to take their diving to the next level, cave diving is an exhilarating option. There are several caves dotted around St Thomas, and each one offers its own unique challenges and rewards. If you’re up for an adventure, cave diving is definitely for you! Just be sure to get the proper training first. Cave diving falls into the domain of technical diving – never enter a cave without being trained for it.
Best Scuba Diving Spots in St Thomas
When it comes to scuba diving, St Thomas is a world-class destination. This Caribbean island is blessed with beautiful reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and clear waters.
If you’re planning a trip to St Thomas and want to experience some of the best scuba diving that the island has to offer, here are 5 great spots to check out:
- Coki Point Beach – Coki Point Beach is a great place for beginner divers. The reef here starts at just 10 feet deep, making it perfect for those who are new to the sport. The reef is also home to a wide variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, eels, and colorful tropical fish.
- Morningstar Reef – Morningstar Reef is one of the best places in St Thomas for advanced divers. The reef drops off sharply here, reaching depths of over 100 feet. This spot is known for its strong currents and abundant marine life, including sharks, barracudas, and large pelagic fish.
- Grassy Cay – Grassy Cay is a small island located just off the coast of St Thomas. This secluded spot is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to escape the crowds. The reef here starts at about 25 feet and features beautiful coral gardens and an abundance of tropical fish.
- French Cap – French Cap is a small island located just north of St Thomas. This spot is known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal clear waters. The reef here starts at about 40 feet and features an abundance of marine life, including turtles, rays, and eels.
- Blackbeard’s Castle – Blackbeard’s Castle is a historic fort located on the island of St Thomas. This spot is popular with divers of all levels due to its shallow reefs and abundant marine life. The reef here starts at just 10 feet deep, making it perfect for beginner divers.
Best Dive Shops in St Thomas
There are many great dive shops in St Thomas, but the best ones provide an excellent variety of services and products to choose from. They also offer top-notch customer service and support, which is essential when scuba diving in unfamiliar waters.
The following are five of the best dive shops in St Thomas:
- Blue Water Divers: This shop has been serving scuba divers in St Thomas for over 25 years, and offers a complete range of services and products. They have an on-site pool for training, as well as a retail store selling everything from wetsuits to masks and fins. Blue Water Divers also offers charter boat trips and private lessons.
- Island Dreams Dive Center: This PADI 5-star resort offers an array of services, including equipment rentals, scuba instruction, and charter boat trips. They have an on-site pool and offer private lessons for those who want extra attention while learning to dive. Island Dreams Dive Center also has a retail shop selling everything from rash guards to BCDs.
- Aqua Action Dive Center: This popular dive shop offers equipment rentals, scuba instruction, and charter boat trips. They have an on-site pool and also offer private lessons. Aqua Action Dive Center also has a retail shop selling everything you need for scuba diving.
- St Thomas Diving Center: This comprehensive dive shop offers equipment rentals, scuba instruction, and charter boat trips. They have an on-site pool, offer private lessons and can equip you with everything you need in their retail shop.
- Coki Dive Center: This full-service dive shop offers equipment rentals, scuba instruction, and charter boat trips. Their on-site pool and the option to book private lessons will get you trained in no time. Their retail shop sells everything from wetsuits to BCDs.
What To Expect When Scuba Diving in St Thomas
When scuba diving in St Thomas, divers can expect to see a variety of marine life including coral reef fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. The island is also home to shipwrecks, which provide an underwater adventure for experienced divers. With crystal clear water and year-round warm weather, St Thomas is a perfect destination for scuba diving.
What Equipment Do You Need for Scuba Diving in St Thomas?
In order to scuba dive in St Thomas, you will need a few key pieces of equipment. These include a wet suit or drysuit, fins, and mask. You will also need a regulator, buoyancy compensating device (BCD), and of course a dive tank and weights.
If you are planning on diving with a group or taking a diving class, most of this equipment can be rented from a local dive shop. If you own your own equipment, make sure that it is properly maintained and serviced before each use.
Tips For Scuba Diving in St Thomas
When scuba diving in St Thomas, be sure to heed the following tips:
- Wear a rashguard or sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Be aware of your surroundings and don’t touch anything you aren’t supposed to.
- If you are a beginner, take a scuba diving class to familiarize yourself with the basics before heading out on your own. Never dive without being trained.
- Always have a dive buddy with you when scuba diving (except if you are trained for solo-diving).
- Check the weather forecast before scuba diving to ensure that conditions are safe.
- Make sure you have all the necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable dive.
Where Should You NOT Dive in St Thomas?
There are a few areas around St Thomas that scuba diving is not recommended. These areas generally have strong currents and/or waves, which can make for a hazardous dive. Additionally, the water in these areas is often murky and visibility is poor.
Areas to avoid diving include:
- Sapphire Beach – Sapphire Beach is located on the south shore of St Thomas and is also known for its strong currents. The waves here can be quite large, making for a less suited dive site.
- Morningstar Beach – Morningstar Beach is located on the west side of St Thomas. This beach has a strong rip current that can quickly pull divers out to sea. In addition, the water here is often murky and visibility is poor.
What To Do When Not Scuba Diving in St Thomas?
When you’re not scuba diving in St Thomas, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. You can go snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, or take a glass bottom boat tour. There are also many beaches to relax on and plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy.
FAQ
Where is St Thomas?
St Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea. It is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island has many dive sites, including shipwrecks, reefs, and walls.
What type of climate does St Thomas have?
St Thomas is located in the US Virgin Islands and has a tropical climate. The average temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius). There is little variation in temperature throughout the year. The rainy season runs from September to November.
What is the water temperature in St Thomas?
The water temperature in St Thomas can vary depending on the time of year and the location. In the summer, the water is typically around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, the water can drop to as low as 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to scuba dive in St Thomas is between May and November when the water is at its warmest. The visibility is also good, with an average of 100 feet (30 meters).
Do I need a diving certificate to scuba dive in St Thomas?
In order to scuba dive in St Thomas, you do not need a diving certificate. However, we highly recommend that you complete a training course prior to your trip. This will ensure that you are comfortable and confident underwater.
Does St Thomas have good scuba diving?
St Thomas is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in the Caribbean. The island offers clear waters, beautiful reefs, and a wide variety of marine life. There are a number of dive sites to choose from, and dive operators offer both day and night dives.
The best time to scuba dive in St Thomas is between December and April, when the water is at its clearest. During this time, visibility can reach up to 100 feet (30 meters). June through November is the rainy season on the island, which can cause the water to be murky.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you’ll find plenty of dive sites to explore in St Thomas. The island offers great reefs, walls and shipwrecks to explore.
How much is diving in St Thomas?
Diving in St Thomas is some of the best in the Caribbean. The average cost of a dive is around $140-180 incl. equipment rental, but this can vary depending on the season and the dive site. Some dive sites require an advanced reservation, so it’s always best to check with your dive shop ahead of time.
What are the pros and cons of scuba diving in St Thomas?
There are many pros to scuba diving in St Thomas. The water is warm and clear, making it a great place to see marine life. There are also many dive sites to choose from, so you can find one that suits your skill level.
However, there are also some cons to consider. St Thomas can be a busy place, so you may have to share the waters with other divers. And, because it is a popular destination, the prices for dive gear and lessons can be higher than average.
Final Thoughts
After reading this guide, we hope you feel more confident about scuba diving in St. Thomas! Whether you are a first-time diver or an experienced pro, there is something for everyone to enjoy underwater.
We think St. Thomas is a great place to dive because of its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and interesting wrecks. The island also has a lot to offer non-divers, so it’s perfect for couples or families who want to spend time together both in and out of the water.
We hope you have a fantastic time diving in St. Thomas!
