Dive N2 the Blue Waters of the West End
St. Croix is known by diving enthusiasts as a fantastic, and underrated place to dive. Not everyone realizes what an amazing location and set of ecological conditions we have in St. Croix to create top-notch diving conditions. I’m from here and just recently I learned that St. Croix has the largest living reef of any Caribbean Island, and that the island is almost completely surrounded by a barrier reef. Pretty awesome!
“The Wall” at Cane Bay is a well known as a diving destination. But, venture just a few miles to the West and you’ll find even more new and interesting underwater spots to explore. Nep2une Scuba Diving (formerly N2 The Blue) is located on the water, right on Emancipation Drive, the road that winds through Frederiksted, north up the coast to Mahogany Road and Ham’s Bluff. They’ve got tons of options as far as sites to explore, especially if you are looking to dive the West End. The West End of St. Croix is the leeward side of the island, which means that the water is calm and clear. Nep2une is just a few minutes boat ride to fantastic diving off of Frederiksted, and about a 20-30 minute boat ride to the famous spots on the North Shore.
Green sea turtle at night (Photo by: Jenny Keith at Nep2une Scuba Diving)
One spot to check out is Stripper Pole, and no, it’s not what you think it is. A remnant of the old Frederiksted pier, which was destroyed in Hurricane Hugo, Stripper Pole is a 60 foot pole standing straight up in 110 feet of water. Definitely a unique spot. Starting at the Frederiksted Pier going South, a diver can hit no less than seven fantastic dive sites. Check out the Swirling Reef of Death, then Aquarium, Tide Bottle (yes, after the detergent), Alien Nation, King’s Reef, King’s Corner and Sandy Point. Rainbow Reef and Sprat Hole are also great sites north of the pier, just up the coast. Keep winding your way up and you’ll hit Little Mill Point, Cables, Chubb’s Hole, Mill Point, Butler’s Ledge and Armageddon.
Nep2une dive boat at Frederkisted Pier
A diver could spend days exploring the dive sites up and down the West End coast, and they are are just a short boat ride away. Nep2une Scuba Diving also organizes night dives, for those scuba enthusiasts who are adventuresome enough. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and in the perfect location for you to stop by and sign up for a dive. They specialize in small groups, and take up to 6 divers per boat. Be sure to check out their website for more information, and their Facebook page for incredible photos and videos of all the sites mentioned.
Editor’s Note: N2 The Blue has closed, but don’t worry – their amazing staff remained and opened the new Nep2une Scuba Diving in the same great location! Find their information in the link below.
-Jennie Ogden, Editor
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Frederiksted Pier
