Best Dives of the Virgin Islands

Based on Best Dives of the Caribbean, this book focuses on the Virgin Islands exclusively. Includes the latest and best dive and snorkel sites, each rated for visual excellence and marine life. The author's knowledge of the Caribbean sites is unparalleled. From sunken planes and snorkel trails to blue holes, the best destinations beneath the waves are covered. Windswept and wildly beautiful, the BVI encompasses more than 60 sparsely inhabited islands and rocks that lie 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. Most tourist activity centers around the four larger islands: Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Except for Anegada, which is a flat coral slab surrounded by shallow reefs, the islands are mountainous and of volcanic origin. The highest point is the 1,781-foot Mt. Sage on Tortola. Discovered by Columbus in 1493, the US Virgin Islands comprise three main islands: St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Each has a distinct personality and flavor, and since they are close together you can choose one island as your base and still catch the fun of the other two. They offer an enormous variety of reefs, wrecks and dropoffs, all in crystal clear water protected from strong currents and heavy seas. Before becoming an American territory, the USVI lived under six different flags and it still preserves a rich and varied culture. Wander through old Danish arcades covered with tropical flowers in the historic town of Christiansted on St. Croix; visit Bluebeard's Castle on St. Thomas; or stroll around the partially restored ruins of the Annaberg Plantation on St. John. I have bought both editions of this book, mostly because the first edition got so dog-eared that I wanted a clean one for vacation last year. The book is a marvelous source of information for both the snorkeler and the diver. The authors divide the book into chapters on individual islands, starting out with a brief but interesting history of the island, a topographical description, relative location map, best time to go, weather, and proximity to other islands. They then rate the island's diving locations, awarding from 1 to 5 stars, and provide another larger map visually locating the sites. Each site is described in detail, with info on depth, sea life, currents, visibility, photo ops and difficulty level. As if that weren't enough, they include some (but not enough!) beautiful photos, and end each chapter with yet more info on dive operators (detailed), beaches, other activities, dining, accommodations (with rates, addresses and phone numbers), medical facilities, documentation requirements, currency, driving, local customs, departure taxes, etc. I've been exploring the Caribbean for almost a decade now; I take this compact book with me everywhere. My only complaint: I wish they covered more islands! -- (Suziekew).