Virgin Islands Sail and Dive! Part 2

In addition to great sailing, the main activity on our trip was logging some amazing self-guided scuba dives.  When we’d arrived at our destination, it was time for some diving. 

We dove every day, and I wound up logging 8 dives before the trip was out.  I had initially planned to try to do multiple dives each day, but found that the relaxed pace of diving when we felt like, rather than whenever possible, was really nice. 

All six people on the boat were scuba certified, so we’d usually dive in shifts, with 2 couples diving while the third couple stayed on board in case there were any problems.   Thankfully, all of the dives were great and the folks on the boat usually just helped the divers get in and out of the water. 

It turned out that the frequent diving was a good thing, because the shower on our boat had a bad hose and was out of commission by day 2.   Aside from some salt-crystal build-up in the  ears and eyebrows, though, the daily water time kept things tolerable on the boat for everybody. 

The water was in the high 70’s with great (60-80’) visibility.  To make it even better, the dive sites were all pretty easy to navigate and full of vibrant, healthy coral and other sea life.  We saw a shipwreck, turtles, rays, a couple octopus (octopii?),  and all sorts of cool fish.  We spent a surprising amount of time in the presence of large (4-5’) barracudas, who paid us no attention except when I was chasing  them to get photos. 

We saw lots of the cool looking little trunk fish, beautiful angelfish, and goofy looking cowfish.  Overall, the diving was great – especially considering it was all unguided. 

Between the diving, the weather, and the company, it was hard not to love the trip.   Hope you like the pics!  Till next time…