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Meridiela.

Butler Bay

A St Croix dive site with four wrecks sunk deliberately in a line along the wall.

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WhereSaint Croix
Nearest cityFrederiksted
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereNorth of Frederiksted on the west coast of St Croix; boat dives from Frederiksted
EntryDive charges; certification required

Off Butler Bay on the west coast of St Croix four vessels were sunk deliberately as an artificial reef and lie in a line in depths from around twenty to thirty-five metres: the Suffolk Maid, a trawler, the Northwind, a tug, the Rosaomaira, a freighter that went down on her side, and the Virgin Islander barge. Coral and sponge have covered them and the wall drops away just beyond.

What you actually see

  • The Rosaomaira - the freighter lying on her side, the deepest of the group.
  • The Northwind - the tug, the shallowest and most intact.
  • The wall - the drop-off running just beyond the wreck line.
  • The growth - coral and sponge covering the hulls.

When to go

December to April has the calmest west coast conditions. Visibility is usually good on this shore. Winter north swell can wrap around and cancel dives.

Honest expectations

These are boat dives at depth requiring certification and some experience. Conditions cancel trips at times. Operators on St Croix are few and booking ahead matters.

Nearby

Frederiksted is south, and Cane Bay is northeast.

What to pack for Butler Bay

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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