December 16 2002
Variety of USVI Scuba Diving Elements Honored
by Top Underwater Enthusiasts
UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS, December 16, 2002 – The exotic underwater world of the United States Virgin Islands once again received high praise from the readers of Rodale’s Scuba Diving magazine who ranked the USVI as one of the top dive destinations in the world. The magazine’s prestigious top 100 awards will appear in the January/February 2003 issue of the publication.
“Our waters have provided many divers with unforgettable underwater experiences,” Commissioner of Tourism Pamela C. Richards said. “The numerous accolades that Rodale’s Scuba Diving readers provide us are a testament to what our destination offers water enthusiasts. It is such an honor to be selected for so many awards by such a reputable magazine and such highly regarded divers.”
The multihued coral formations, mysterious shipwrecks and extraordinary marine life in the waters surrounding St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas lured some of the world’s top divers to the USVI this year. More than 6,000 readers of Rodale’s Scuba Diving magazine rated their international dive experiences, ranking the USVI among their favorites. As a result of the publication’s poll, the USVI ranked: the number eight overall dive destination in the Caribbean; the number four dive destination in the Caribbean for underwater photography; the number four Caribbean location for wreck diving; the number two destination in the Caribbean for beginner diving; the number three destination in the Caribbean for snorkeling; and the number three location in the Caribbean for shore diving. St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures, a popular dive outfitter on St. Croix, ranked as the number two dive operator in the world, the number four in value in the world and the number one dive operator in the world for their incredible staff.
St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas offer some of the best dive spots in the Caribbean. Cane Bay Reef, Davis Bay and Salt River Bay are popular diving spots on St. Croix, known for the 13,000-foot deep sub-sea canyon and steep diving walls. The waters of the Pillsbury Sound between St. Thomas and St. John offer several popular shipwrecks, encrusted with brightly colored sponges and coral. On the northwest point of St. John, large boulder and rock formations such as Carvel Rock and Congo Cay offer interesting dive opportunities through unusual coves at varying depths.
For additional information about the United States Virgin Islands or to receive a copy of the 2002-2003 USVI Dive Guide, call 800-372-USVI (8784), visitwww.usvitourism.vi or contact the nearest USVI Department of Tourism regional office in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C. or Toronto.