St. Vincent is known as the muck diving capital of the Caribbean. That doesn't mean that the water is always silty though - the leeward shore of the island typically has visibility up to 100 feet due to the presence of volcanic, granite-based sand that falls quickly when stirred. Surveyors hunting for "bucket list" fish species are in luck; the staff at Dive St. Vincent have a knack for finding small, cryptic species like frogfish, seahorses and more. The island has dramatic topside topography as well, making it a scenic location to enjoy during surface intervals.
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. Topside activities for non-divers include sailing, hiking, and exploring the historic areas of the island.
Accommodations: Accommodations are at Sunset Shores Hotel. The package includes accommodation in a garden view or ocean view room. Garden view rooms face the property entrance and overlook gardens and parking area and include two double beds per room. Ocean view rooms have either two double beds or one queen bed. The ocean view rooms overlook the courtyard pool area and the ocean. All rooms are air-conditioned and include free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, private patio or balcony, in-room safe, mini fridge, and coffee and tea making facilities.
Diving: Our dive operator for this trip is Dive St. Vincent. The trip package includes 10 boat dives. Average water temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended. Please note: Nitrox is not available.
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
| Garden/Ocean View Room | |
|---|---|
| Diver, double occ. | $1,475 |
| Diver, single occ.* | $1,874 |
*Subject to availability.
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes 7 nights of accommodation at Sunset Shores Hotel, 5 days of 2-tank morning boat dives, daily breakfast, airport transfers, government tax, climate tax, and hotel service, washing and storing of personal gear.
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 divers and any attendee age 18 or older.
Additional Fees - Not Included: All flights and associated travel to and from St Vincent, meals besides breakfast, additional dives. Gratuities for the dive crew are not included in the trip package and are at each individual's discretion.
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $500 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines 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 are responsible for booking flights to/from St. Vincent's Argyle International Airport (SVD) arriving on Saturday, Feb. 5 and departing on Saturday, Feb. 12. American Airlines offers a direct flight from Miami (MIA) to St. Vincent (SVD). This page has some information about options for getting to St. Vincent.
Transfers: Transfers are included in the package. REEF will collect flight info before the trip departure date to arrange airport transfers.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: Visitors must have a current passport with at least 1 blank page, adequate funds to support themselves, and a return airline ticket. Please consult the appropriate consulate for specific travel regulations and to ensure that you have the correct documentation.
COVID-19 Considerations: As of Nov. 27, 2021, all vaccinated travelers to St. Vincent must complete a pre-arrival health screening form. Vaccine information must be provided and travelers should be prepared to present their vaccine card. Travelers from the United States must also provide proof of negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of entry. Full COVID protocols for St. Vincent can be viewed here.