Elevate your diving with the Advanced Open Water certification in St. Thomas. Experience exciting deep, navigation, and specialty dives in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands waters.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–5 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate physical fitness and comfort swimming in open water environments.
Wildlife
History
St. Thomas has a rich maritime history with many shipwrecks linked to Caribbean trade and naval conflicts.
Conservation
Local dive centers participate in coral reef restoration projects to protect the delicate underwater ecosystems around the islands.
Aqua Marine Dive Center
Elevate your diving with the Advanced Open Water certification in St. Thomas. Experience exciting deep, navigation, and specialty dives in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands waters.
Aqua Marine Dive Center is a dive operator based in St. Thomas, VI, offering guided dives, certification courses, and private charters across the U.S. Virgin Islands. The center runs beginner experiences and full professional-level training, including Open Water Dive Certification, Scuba Diver Certification, Open Water Referral, Rescue Diver Certification, and an Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Instruction and guided trips are delivered by certified instructors and professional guides who lead shore and boat dives, including morning 2-tank dives, sunset and night dives, and pool-based introductions like Try Scuba and Intro to Snorkeling at Limetree Pool. Equipment is provided on certain programs; the Open Water Referral notes provided dive gear and a shorty wetsuit.
For customized outings, Aqua Marine operates a 42-foot custom boat for full-day private charters that include up to three dive or snorkel sites and a lunch stop at a floating restaurant. Short-format options suit limited schedules: the Scuba Diver Certification can be completed in one day, and the Try Scuba pool session runs about 1.5 hours.
The center emphasizes safe, enjoyable underwater experiences and teaches skills from basic breathing in confined water to advanced rescue techniques. Courses align with recognized certification standards and the operation offers both PADI and SSI certification pathways where noted. Aqua Marine Dive Center focuses on local marine environments around St. Thomas to create reliable, well-supported diving and snorkeling experiences for visitors and aspiring professionals. Courses span introductory pool sessions to instructor-level programs, providing clear progression from first dive to professional training.
Location
St Thomas, VI
Caribbean dive destination
Certifications
PADI & SSI
Courses from beginner to instructor
Tours Offered
11 Trips
Dives, courses, charters, snorkel
Private Charter
42-ft custom boat
Private full-day itineraries
Reserve a morning 2-tank trip, Try Scuba session, certification course, or a private full-day charter aboard a 42-foot custom boat.
Complete E-Learning Before Arrival
Finish the theory portion online to maximize your time in the water during the hands-on sessions.
Hydrate Well Before and After Dives
Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration, which is crucial when diving in tropical climates.
Choose Specialty Dives to Match Your Interests
Select dives like wreck or night diving to tailor your experience and expand your skills.
Check Weather and Sea Conditions Daily
Conditions can change quickly; follow local advisories to ensure safe and enjoyable dives.
Dive Computer
Tracks depth and time underwater for safe dive planning and decompression management.
Mask and Snorkel
Essential for clear vision and easy surface breathing during dive activities.
Wet Suit (3mm-5mm)
Provides insulation in cooler water temperatures typical in fall and winter seasons.
fall|winter
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
Important for signaling your position to boats and dive support on the surface.