Butler Bay
A St Croix dive site with four wrecks sunk deliberately in a line along the wall.
Updated 3 September 2026
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's there
- 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.
Good to know
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
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon
- Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Butler Bay is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
