Diving and Snorkeling in the Virgin Islands

With a combined total of more than 60 islands that make up the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, you can bet that there are plenty of great diving and snorkeling locales.  The waters surrounding each individual island offer divers and snorkelers a unique experience with each dip under the surface of the ocean.

It is important to remember that although the two activities are often spoken of in conjunction with one another, diving and snorkeling are entirely different. The most obvious difference between diving and snorkeling is the location of the participant when they are underwater.   Snorkelers stay close to the surface of the ocean so that they might breath through their snorkel, while divers make use of air tanks in order to explore deeper and more hidden sites.  Participants of both activities, however, have the opportunity to swim with colorful tropical fish, and get an up-close look at marine life such as coral reefs.  Though it is not always possible to dive and snorkel in the same locations, there are a multitude of sites that allow for both.

It is easy to get started snorkeling.  Many resorts offer snorkeling equipment to guests oftentimes at no charge.  Equipment for snorkeling includes a dive mask, snorkel, and swim fins.  If you are not staying at a resort that offers this amenity, local dive shops, and even some stands along the beach, will rent you the equipment for as low as $10(USD).  Once you have obtained equipment, find a known snorkeling spot (a location with calm waters is essential – choppy waters and waves can sometimes allow water to get into your snorkel), and begin your underwater exploration.  If you'd like the guidance of a professional knowledgeable in snorkeling and the top snorkeling spots, investigate snorkeling tours which may be found for approximately $70 (USD).

Diving in the Virgin Islands is a little more complex than snorkeling.  Novice divers will need to participate in one to two dive courses (usually offered by resorts, and always offered by dive shops), and apply for certification.  Dive shops will handle your certification if you take courses with them.  When you are ready to dive, you will schedule a time with a dive shop, and one of their dive experts will escort you to a local dive spot and show you the ropes.  Courses and certification can range from free (at your resort) to $300 (USD), and you can plan to spend between $75 and $100 (USD) on a one to two tank dive.

There are hundreds of snorkeling and dive sites in the Virgin Islands.  Listed below are just a few of the most popular.

Tips

Both divers and snorkelers should be aware that they are intruding upon the habitats of creatures that live in the Virgin Island's waters.  Always be respectful, and adhere to the following tips to make your diving or snorkeling trip a great one.

• Be aware of your location at all times.  As you explore you may find that you've wandered away from your snorkeling or dive site.  Return as soon as possible.
• Wear a watch to avoid losing track of time. 
• Wear waterproof sun block to avoid sunburn. 
• Do not wear jewelry or other shiny objects.  Jewelry attracts unfriendly Caribbean fish.
• Use a dive flag to let other boaters and divers know you are under water.
• Do not feed or touch the fish.
• Do not stand on or handle any coral.
• Do not reach into holes, as they may be the home of unknown sea creatures.
• Do not take anything from reefs or dive sites.
• Keep calm if you spot a shark.  If you feel it is necessary to do so, move slowly to your boat without causing a commotion. 

A day spent snorkeling or diving in the Caribbean Sea is an experience unlike anything else in the world.  If you have the time and the inclination, get off the land and into the sea.  The memories you make underwater are sure to last you a lifetime.