St. John Aerial

Seen from above, the US Virgin Islands present a tantalizing hint of what lies below. When Caribbean waters transition from deep blues to vibrant aquamarines, it is a sign that snorkel worthy coral reefs and swimmer friendly sandbars await. An aerial view of the island of St. John reveals the shallows of Cruz Bay, and a ring of reef around tiny Steven Cay. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
Sea Turtles

Coral reefs along the northern coast of the island of St. John are a favorite haven for sea turtles like this young green turtle, which is cruising among stands of Elkhorn coral. These turtles are important to the health of the reef, as their grazing helps keep algae growths under control. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
Trunk Bay

Want to find the best places to snorkel from a beach? Look for the dark patches in the water that show up against the lighter sand bottom. Here at St. John’s Trunk Bay, the underwater snorkel trail is located in the patch of rocks that lie between the beach and the smaller island of Thatch Cay. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
St. Thomas Aerial

On the eastern end of St. Thomas, the outlying islands of West Cay and Salt Cay actually straddle the boundary between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Maybe it’s just the way the light hits, but the Atlantic waters on the left side of the photo seem just a bit bluer. Photo: Christian Wheatley/ iStock
Swirls of Baitfish

On shores where the shallow reefs of the US Virgin Islands run close to deep water, schools of baitfish move close to shore to escape the marauding game fish that lurk in the open ocean. When this happens, snorkelers are immersed in swirling clouds of living silver. It is an experience that can be both exhilarating and slightly disorienting. Photo: Kelly vanDellen/iStock
Buck Island Aerial

A direct overhead view of St. Croix’s Buck Island Reef National Park clearly shows the maze of coral channels that are the site of an underwater snorkeling trail. Here, interpretive slates lead snorkelers along a guided route, and provide insights into the intricacies of the coral reef environment. Photo: NOAA
St. Croix Underwater

A coral encrusted pile of concrete rubble beneath St. Croix’s Frederiksted Pier has become home to a green moray eel. Despite displaying seemingly vicious teeth, morays are not generally aggressive, and are likely to bite only if they feel threatened or are harassed. Photo: USVI Department of Tourism

The US Virgin Islands, Above and Below
Published on: 3/31/17 By Pierce Hoover

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