Complete your Open Water certification with expert instruction amid the breathtaking coral reefs of St Thomas. Join Aqua Marine Dive Center for a private dive referral course in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 half days (approximately 4–6 hours total)
Fitness Level
Basic swimming ability and moderate fitness required to comfortably complete multiple boat dives.
Wildlife
History
St Thomas has a rich maritime past as a key Caribbean port, influencing local culture and dive site stories.
Conservation
Aqua Marine Dive Center supports local reef restoration programs to protect underwater ecosystems affected by tourism.
Aqua Marine Dive Center
Complete your Open Water certification with expert instruction amid the breathtaking coral reefs of St Thomas. Join Aqua Marine Dive Center for a private dive referral course in the crystal-clear Caribbean 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.
Bring Your Dive Buddy
Sharing the course with a buddy enhances safety and makes the experience more fun.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and after dives to prevent dehydration from saltwater exposure.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin without harming the vibrant coral and marine life below the surface.
Arrive Early
Arriving 15 minutes early ensures time for equipment fitting and briefing before your dive.
Mask and Snorkel
Personal mask and snorkel ensure comfort and fit during surface intervals.
Shorty Wetsuit
Provided by the center but great to have your own for warmth and protection in Caribbean waters.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects skin while preserving the delicate marine ecosystem.
summer
Waterproof Dive Watch or Computer
Helps monitor dive time and safety stops during training dives.