Dive St. Croix - Americas Backyard
Posted on April 22, 2008
Filed Under Caribbean, Diving, Islands |
One could liken St. Croix to a sort of “hidden gem”, not just for divers looking for great diving in lesser known locales, but for anyone wanting to get away from the crowds and more visited places that have become way too “touristy”. Here divers will find healthy, pristine reefs, a few wrecks, great macro diving, plus the famous “Wall”.
Because it’s off the beaten path, Saint Croix is one of the more affordable islands in the Caribbean. You’ll not only find great deals on dive packages, but everything else from accommodations, to great places to eat, to transportation, and more, is all very reasonably priced.
For about 7 miles, the “Wall” runs along the north shore, starting at about 50’ and dropping off to 3200’. It’s only a couple hundred yards offshore making it an easy shore dive, but you’ll also want to do some diving off a boat to explore as much of it as possible. Many locations have mooring buoys to protect the reef from anchoring.
Two of the most popular sites are Northstar and Pavilion, where you’ll see gorgeous sponges – purple tubes, lavender vases, red ropes; several stands of black coral, as well as prolific schools of fishes, including a few bait ball swarms. Don’t forget to peek under the ledges where lobster and large crab can be found hiding.
Over near Salt River, the location where Columbus landed in 1493, are several sites to the east and west of the reef where it protects the harbor. You’ll find huge coral heads with some small caves and giant swim-throughs. These are just plain fun, and dives there are always going to end way before you can tire of this part of the wall.
There are tons of crevices that provide ample hiding places for large lobster and crab, and by taking your time and looking in and under the ledges, you’ll see them lurking. This area also attracts hawksbill turtles. An especially large one was nonplussed enough with divers to allow us to swim alongside for a good while.
Somewhere on your agenda, be sure and include a dive under the Frederiksted Pier. While most of the premier diving is along the north shore, this west-end location shouldn’t be missed. Especially for macro photographers, it’s a potpourri of goodies.
The pier was built for cruise ship traffic but with their absence over the last few years, it’s become home to a variety of creatures who’ve moved in. In fact it’s got more fish and other critters packed into a smaller area than most anywhere else you’ll visit. Interestingly enough, you’re virtually assured of seeing not just one octopus, but several on any given dive.
On both the west-end north of the pier, and the northeast side of St. Croix are several wreck sites. All the vessels were made safe before being intentionally sunk, and are shallow enough for most divers. Some penetration is possible, but they don’t require technical diving skills. Most of the sites are sandy bottoms teeming with garden eels, and frequented by southern stingrays.
These wrecks have been submerged long enough to have healthy growth over much of them, yet the structures are still quite visible. Highlighted in the clear water, with the right lighting, they make excellent photo opportunities.
It’s hard to beat the spectacular diving, or modest prices found in Saint Croix. Seemingly overlooked by most divers and other travelers as well, it’s a piece of “America’s backyard” waiting to be discovered. Do yourself a favor and take a look.
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