2000 Chapbook

Patch reef diving on these closely-grouped islands is easy, pleasant, and fairly similar regardless of which island you choose, although the quiet British Virgins and St. John are far less crowded and more pleasant than the cruise ship havens of St. Thomas and St. Croix, where hurricanes and fishing have taken a toll. (St. Thomas was trashed by hurricanes in 1995, St. Croix a few years earlier.).... BVI is a yachter's paradise with crewed or bareboat sailboats galore, and it's also served by several land-based dive operations.... BVI has nice little hotels, good restaurants, congenial surroundings, and British style, while St. Thomas and St. Croix are much more crowded and commercial... There's warm, pleasant weather year-round....

Cuan Law,April 1999, Jim Virgil, Coeur d'Alene, ID. Vis: 40-80 ft. Water: 78-79 degrees. A vacation boat that provides some diving. Beautiful trimaran, rooms are large and comfortable. Food and services outstanding (I am still trying to work off the "brownie famasia"). Morning, afternoon and night dive almost daily. Tried to arrange more, but was unsuccessful. Diving not that great anyway. Vis marginal with only one dive with 100' vis. Rest 50'-60'. A few turtles, most everything else small. Wreck of the Rhonewas good, but crowded and a strong current prevented us from totally exploring. First dive: required to take off your mask, recover your air hose and buddy breathe. Meals buffet, eaten on the dive deck, pay for alcoholic drinks. Not the best dive trip that we have had, but it one of the best vacations. (Ph: 809-494-2490, Fax: 809-494-5774)

N/S Sailing Vacations(Chartered Sail Boat), April 1999, Julia Martin, M.D., Eagar, AZ. Vis: 40-60 ft. Water: 80-82 degrees. Dive sights are within National Park. No knives, no gloves. Chartered boat with another couple. Jeanau 44'. Boat was sea-worthy and best feature was swim platform at water level in rear and showers (hand held) on swim platform. I wouldn't pick BVI for strictly a dive sight. A great place for combined sailing and free, leisurely dives! Some good coral chimneys and passes (canyons) but not a lot of variety.