Frequently Asked Questions from Divers Regarding
St John and Virgin Islands Diving
Below are some frequently asked questions we receive from divers. If you have a question not answered here or on our site, feel free to contact us!
What’s the diving like around St. John?
How diving works with us
Dive Equipment Available Onboard and For Rent
Dive Safety is Important to Us
Photography Services
Equipment Repair and Services
Accommodations and other St. John Info
What’s the diving like around St. John?
Type of Marine Life
Anything from schooling fish (i.e. blue tang, horse-eye jacks, tarpon, snapper and grunts) to a variety of soft corals, garden eels, green and spotted moray eels, southern stingrays, spotted eagle rays, yellow headed jawfish, hawksbill and green turtles, parrot fish, angelfish, triggerfish, spotted drums, as well as nurse, grey reef and possibly blacktip and bull sharks to name a few.
Types of coral formations
Sloping reefs, patch reefs, pinnacles, spur and groove formations, normally off of one of the islands or cays surrounding St. John
Wreck diving
Depending on weather and water conditions: General Rogers and WIT Shoal (partial day trip, towards St. Thomas) and many more to be explored.
Drift diving
Yes, at certain sites
Average Visibility
Viz varies: 40-60 ft. on the north side to 50-100 ft. on the south side and offshore (i.e. French Cap and Flanagan)
Water Temperature Average
Winter 76 degrees F to 80 degrees F. Summer 80 degrees F to 85 degrees F. (or range of) depths
Current
Sometimes, depending on dive site.
Is the sea rough?
As with most Caribbean dive destinations, it is possible to have rough seas. However our experienced Captains and dive guides will determine the best dive location for the day depending on water and wind conditions.
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How diving works with us
Are boat dives guided?
Yes.
Must everyone be part of the guided groups?
Not necessarily for certified divers, however, we feel it will be more enjoyable for our guests to go with a guide that is familiar with St. John diving. If the diver is familiar with the dive site or is experienced in underwater navigation, we will provide surface support with the understanding of the risks involved after signing the liability release and assumption of risk waiver that the diver will follow the recommended dive profile.
Does a member of staff stay onboard during the dive?
Yes, US Coast Guard regulations state that a licensed Captain must remain on board while divers are in the water.
Are there showers on the boats?
Yes, a fresh water shower is available on board
Is there shade on the boats?
Yes, there is some shade in the wheelhouse.
We have many other amenities (link) on board
Number and size of boats
Currently, 1 boat, 30.5 ft. LOA
Can non-divers snorkelers accompany divers?
Yes, snorkel ride-alongs are welcome on a space available basis.
A. If so, when and what is the cost? $50
B. Do you have snorkel-only trips? Yes.
Maximum number of divers/snorkelers per trip?
6 maximum, 2 minimum
Ratio of divers to dive staff on boat?
Maximum 6 passengers, 2 crew. Nice!
Number of dive sites frequented?
In excess of 35 with new sites being discovered all the time!
What type of exposure protection (wet suit, skin?) is needed?
Depending on whether or not you get cold, some type of skin or suit might make diving more comfortable for you. Water temperature ranges from 76 degrees F in the winter to 85 degrees F in the summer. We have new Mares full length and shorty wetsuits available on board.
What's the typical morning boat trip profile?
See Sample Day (link)
Are divers required to adhere to the profile?
See above (link)
Is shore diving available? Daytime? Night?
Shore diving on St. John is available but not recommended, as the reefs and good sites are not necessarily “a few kicks away.” (Although Grootpan is a lovely daytime shore dive.)
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Equipment
Type of equipment available?
New Mares BCs, regulators, wetsuits, and fins. Omer masks and snorkels are also onboard
Are weights and belts available on boats?
Yes, soft and hard weights
What equipment is included with the package?
BC, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, weight belt, tank, and dive computer (if needed).
What size (cubic feet) tanks are used?
We use 80 cubic foot tanks.
Are dive lights included with night dives?
Yes.
Is freshwater equipment rinse available?
Yes, onboard the boat.
Where is gear stored overnight?
We lock all gear in the forward cabin.
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Safety
Are dive staff members instructors or dive masters?
All crew are PADI instructors, Divemaster, and USCG licensed Captains with Emergency First Responder training.
Radios (VHF) on boat?
Yes.
First Aid kit?
Yes.
Oxygen on boat?
Yes, we have a DAN O2 oxygen unit on board.
Is there a hospital at the destination?
St. John has a clinic. Myrah Keating, that is part of the VI hospital network on St. Thomas, which is located near Charlotte Amalie on the Southern coast of St. Thomas.
Is a hyperbaric chamber and physician available?
Yes, at the St. Thomas hospital mentioned above.
How are divers transported to the chamber?
Depending on the severity of the accident (i.e. helicopter, boat, car, ambulance, Rescue boat “Life Star”).
Are inoculations required prior to visiting the destination?
No, since we are U.S. there are no shots needed.
A little of Virgin Islands Wisdom:
There are no poisonous snakes or rabies on the VI |
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Photography Services
Are photography and video services available?
Yes.
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Equipment Repair/Services
Are equipment repair services available?
Yes.
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Accommodations and other St. John Info
Please give us a call if you would like our recommendations on a hotel, condo or villa that would best fit your needs, or any other information regarding visiting and diving St John.
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