St. Croix, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is known for amazing wall diving. Running along the northern side of the island, the wall begins in 25-40 feet of water and plunges to 13,000 feet below the surface. Divers will enjoy daily boat dives on the wall and surrounding reefs. St. Croix is also home to the the Fredericksted Pier, a shore diving site is known for unusual finds like frogfish, batfish and more. This quaint Caribbean island is rich with culture and history that divers and non-divers will enjoy. Christiansted offers tours, national parks and monuments, historic churches, charming courtyards, boutique shopping, independent restaurants and cafes as well as beautiful spots along its streets and boardwalk.
Project Focus: This purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers and non-diving companions. Most of the moorings at the dive sites are in 25+ feet of water, so the sites are not ideal for snorkelers. There are plenty of activities for non-divers including hiking, kayaking, visiting one of the many scenic/historic sites, shopping, and more.
Accommodations: Accommodations are at The Company House Hotel. The standard accommodation is a superior room. These rooms have 1 king or 2 double beds, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, mini fridge, coffee maker, and safe. These rooms are located on the first floor of the hotel, with direct pool access.
Diving: Our dive operator is St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures (SCUBA), a full-service dive shop located in Christiansted. The package include 5 days of 2-tank morning boat dives, beginning on Sunday, Nov. 7 and ending on Thursday, Nov. 11. All essential dive gear is included in the package, as well as tanks and weights. Optional nitrox is available for $15/tank. Average water temperature in St. Croix during the time of the trip is 80 degrees F.
Trip Leader: Amy Lee is REEF’s Engagement and Communications Manager. She oversees REEF’s Field Survey Trips Program and leads communication and outreach efforts. She is an experienced surveyor throughout the Caribbean and REEF's tropical Pacific survey regions.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
Pricing: $1,807 per diver for double occupancy in a superior room.
$2,663 per diver for single occupancy in a superior room.
Non-diver rate: $1,027 per person based on double occupancy in a superior room.
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes 7 nights of accommodation plus room taxes, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, all essential dive gear rentals, tanks and weights.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $300 will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials. The REEF Program Fee applies to all individuals over the age of 18. It is also applicable to minors under 18 who occupy a space on the dive boat.
Additional Fees - Not Included: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF. All flights and associated travel to and from St. Croix, ground transfers on island, optional Nitrox, all meals. Gratuities are not included in the trip package and are at each individual's discretion.
Registration
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $500 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
U.S. Virgin Islands Islands Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to fly into St. Croix (airport code STX) arriving Saturday, Nov. 6, and departing on Saturday, Nov. 13. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare to St. Croix. After booking international travel, you will be asked to provide your flight details to REEF for planning purposes.
Transfers: Airport transfers are not included in the trip package, but taxis are readily available at the airport.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: St. Croix is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling directly to St. Croix from the USA, you do not need to carry a passport, although it is strongly encouraged to bring one. For non-U.S. citizens, visiting St. Croix is like visiting the mainland USA and you will need a valid passport for entry.