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Information Collection and Use
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This Web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that Emerald Sail does not claim any responsibility for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every Web site that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this Web site.
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Notification of Changes
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10 best scuba diving spots in the BVI and USVI
Scuba diving is an awe-inspiring activity that takes you into a vibrant underwater world. Descending beneath the surface, you're surrounded by colorful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and fascinating creatures. Gliding through the water, weightless and free, is like stepping into a dream. The tranquility and beauty of the ocean leave you in a state of wonder and gratitude, making scuba diving an unforgettable experience that touches your soul.
Scuba diving feels like diving into another universe. The gracefulness and freedom of movement are unmatched. Being connected with nature and experiencing the underwater environment is pure euphoria. Each dive unveils new wonders, from vibrant reefs to magnificent sharks. Scuba diving is not just an activity; it's an overwhelming experience that ignites passion and an appreciation for our planet's beauty.
The Indians, Norman Island, BVI
Wreck Alley, St. Thomas, USVI
The Rhone National Marine Park, Salt Island, BVI
Carvel Rock, St. John, USVI
Alice in Wonderland, Ginger Island, BVI
Cow and Calf Rocks, St. John, USVI
The Chikuzen, Tortola, BVI
Pelican Rock, St. Croix, USVI
The Indians, USVI
Rendezvous diving vs diving onboard
Wreck of the RMS Rhone, Salt Island (BVI): the RMS Rhone, one of the most celebrated shipwrecks globally, rests beneath the waters of Salt Island. With exceptional water visibility that often exceeds 100 feet (30 meters), divers are treated to a spectacular sight. This colossal wreck, sunk in 1867, now thrives as an artificial reef adorned with an abundance of marine life. The clear waters and warm temperatures create an ideal diving environment for divers of all levels.
The Indians, a cluster of colossal boulders rising majestically above the ocean's surface, are a beacon for divers seeking underwater marvels. As you descend beneath the surface, the astonishing water visibility, often reaching 100 feet (30 meters) or more, enhances the experience. A kaleidoscope of marine life and vibrant coral formations surround you, making this site a visual feast - a paradise for divers and underwater photographers.
Wreck Alley off the coast of St. Thomas is a unique underwater museum featuring a collection of sunken vessels. The extraordinary water visibility, frequently exceeding 100 feet (30 meters), ensures that you can appreciate every detail of these shipwrecks. Rich historical significance of these wrecks make this site a must-visit for divers of all levels.
The marine park encompassing the RMS Rhone wreck is also known for its exceptional water visibility. Divers can explore pristine coral gardens with a visibility that often extends beyond 100 feet (30 meters) - a superb location for underwater enthusiasts.
Carvel Rock, a unique pinnacle dive site off St. John, is renowned for its dramatic underwater topography, which includes arches, tunnels, and swim-throughs. The crystal-clear water, frequently boasting 100 feet (30 meters) of visibility or more, enhances the experience. Encounter barracudas, turtles, rays, and other marine life at this striking site.
Alice in Wonderland, located off Ginger Island, enchants divers with its network of tunnels and grottoes. The exceptional water visibility, commonly exceeding 100 feet (30 meters), ensures that you can immerse yourself in the vibrant coral formations and the kaleidoscope of fish species - this site promises an extraordinary diving adventure.
The twin rock pinnacles of Cow and Calf Rocks are a sanctuary for marine life, thanks to their excellent visibility. Divers can expect to encounter reef sharks, sea fans, and other pelagic species, creating an immersive and awe-inspiring underwater experience.
The Chikuzen, an advanced dive site, hosts the wreck of a refrigeration ship. Divers are immersed in exceptional visibility as they explore the depths of this site. This deep dive (80-100 feet) is a unique opportunity to observe nurse sharks and schools of jacks in their natural habitat.
Pelican Rock on St. Croix offers divers an incredible diversity of marine life and striking coral formations, enhanced by exceptional water visibility and warm, clear waters, provide the perfect canvas for underwater photography and close encounters with seahorses and frogfish.
Despite the same name as the BVI site, the USVI's Indians offers its own unique diving experiences. This location is renowned for its superb water visibility and features a range of captivating underwater landscapes, from serene coral gardens to exhilarating drift dives. The consistently warm waters create an inviting underwater realm for divers of all levels.
There are two popular approaches to scuba diving: rendezvous diving and diving onboard. Rendezvous diving involves meeting the dive boat at a predetermined location, usually by smaller boats or group transportation. On the other hand, diving onboard refers to staying on board dive vessel, where diving takes place directly from the yacht.
1) Rendezvous diving offers flexibility and convenience. Divers can choose different locations each day and have the option to explore a variety of dive sites. It allows for easier scheduling and provides opportunities to meet and interact with fellow divers. However, the downside of rendezvous diving is that it may involve longer boat rides to reach dive spots, resulting in less time spent underwater. Additionally, it can be affected by weather conditions and other logistical factors.
2) Diving onboard, in contrast, provides an immersive and uninterrupted diving experience. With a liveaboard, divers stay on the vessel, minimizing travel time between dive sites. This means more time and dives in a day, allowing for deeper exploration and encounters with marine life. Liveaboard diving also tends to take place in more remote or less frequented areas, offering unique and pristine diving opportunities. However, liveaboards typically require scheduling in advance and may have limited availability. They can also be more expensive compared to rendezvous diving due to accommodation and meals being included.
Ultimately, the choice between rendezvous diving and diving onboard depends on personal preferences and priorities. Rendezvous diving offers flexibility and social opportunities, while diving onboard provides a more immersive and intensive dive experience. Both approaches have their advantages and can offer unforgettable scuba diving adventures.