8 Scuba Diving in the US Virgin Islands That Earn the Boat Ride

1.Two-Tank Morning Dive Trip for Certified Divers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 602 reviews · from $180Our pick

Start at 8:10 a.m. in Cruz Bay for two guided scuba descents at St. John reef sites, usually 30 to 80 feet deep. Low Key supplies scuba and snorkeling gear, water, and a divemaster. Guides such as Serenity, Andre, Ali, Josh, and Emma are known for calm, capable instruction.

“Lovely morning dives. The crew was very friendly and approachable. Also quite knowledgeable. I wish the reef had had more things to see, but that’s not the dive shop’s fault. Would definitely dive again with them.”

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2.Two-Tank Dive for Certified Diving in St Thomas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 456 reviews · from $189

Meet the Aqua Marine Dive Center at Saga Haven Marina for a two-tank scuba outing led by a professional guide. After a safety briefing and a 15 to 30 minute boat ride, you’ll visit two reef or wreck sites, with gear, snacks, drinks, and pirate punch included.

“Erika, Jared and Nan give a first class dive experience. Erika was my dive master and she made the whole experience wonderful and you always felt safe. We did two dives. My favorite was calf and cow. Absolutely stunning swimming threw underwater canyons. Thank you so much for this experience. I would do it over and over again.”

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3.Discover Scuba Diving with No Certification in St Thomas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 223 reviews · from $225

Meet Aqua Marine Dive Center at Saga Haven Marina for a 3.5-hour beginner scuba outing. A PADI-certified instructor teaches the basics, then guides up to four students on a first ocean descent. Snorkeling, snacks, drinks, and an optional second scuba session follow.

“I highly recommend diving here if you get the chance. They have a great crew - professional and competent. Awesome day all around!”

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4.Two Tank Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 131 reviews · from $200

Join Aqua Action Dive Center from Secret Harbour for a 3.5-hour, two-tank boat trip around St. Thomas. A Dive Master leads certified divers to Caribbean reefs and wrecks, with gear, tanks, weights, water, and fresh fruit included. The boat carries no more than 12 people.

“Great crew, really friendly. The five master gave great pointers and tips and was very patient. Saw so many amazing fish, lobsters, rays and other fish.”

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5.PADI / SSI Open Water Certification

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $795

Complete e-learning, pool skills, and boat-based open-water training with Aqua Marine Dive Center in St. Thomas. Instructors including Kyle, Steph, Erica, Abby, and Jaime teach patiently in groups of up to eight, with gear, water, soft drinks, and snacks supplied. Plan on three half-days in the water.

“Had a great time with Aqua Marine! From the initial phone call to arriving back at the dock everything was orderly, safe and most of all fun! Our guides were knowledgeable and made us feel like we were old friends. Would highly recommenRead more”

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6.Discover Scuba Diving

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $175Best value

At Aqua Action Dive Center in St. Thomas, you’ll learn basic scuba skills, practice in shallow water, then make a supervised underwater excursion in the bay or at nearby Caribbean sites. Instructors such as Stephanie, Jack, Juan, and Danny focus on calm, careful coaching for first-time divers.

“Friendly staff along with a knowledgeable and very patient instructor made for a perfect experience. I had the best time!”

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7.Private Full Day Guided Snorkeling or Diving Charter in St Thomas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews

Set out from Saga Haven Marina on a private 42-foot boat with a USCG captain, snorkel guide, gear, drinks, snacks, and rum punch for adults 18+. Choose between snorkeling and scuba stops, including Buck Island, Secret Harbour, Little St. James, and Christmas Cove.

“David, Stephanie, Abbey & Josh were superbly organized, & prepared for a great day of diving. Their knowledge & attention to detail was superior. Their knowledge & acumen about the dive location, & history of the area in general was super. As a older diver because of Stephanie I was able recall some of my forgotten diving skill set learning.”

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8.Island Wreck and Reef Scuba Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $185

Join Adventure Scuba in Charlotte Amalie for two tank excursions in warm Caribbean water. PADI-certified dive masters and instructors fit your gear aboard a stable platform boat, brief you on the day’s safest sites, and guide you through reefs or a shipwreck. Open Water certification is required.

“Great boat. Great crew. Good quality gear. Dives were easy and fun. Saw turtles and shark and lots of fish. Cool shipwreck.”

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