Typical Depth Range:	Typical Current Conditions:	Expertise Required:	Access:
29-90 feet	Generally less than one-half knot	Novice with instructor or divemaster	Boat
About three miles northeast of St. John is Congo Cay, a dive area visited by dive operators from both St. Thomas and St. John. It is part of a series of small islets or cays that extend between the two large islands. Located near Carval Rock, it is a 30-minute boat ride from St. John and only slightly longer from St. Thomas. The conditions here are generally manageable and dive boats tend to anchor on the south side of the island in the lee. Unlike Carval Rock, which juts farther into Pillsbury Sound, Congo Cay's location offers more protection from the tidal flow and subsequent currents, which can become excessive at Carval Rock. A lobster peaks out from his hiding place. Click on the image to view a larger version. Congo Cay is distinguished by its reefs, rocks and boulders. Between 30 and 60 feet, divers will find the most marine activity. A series of seamounts off the west end of the island provides a vibrantly colored tapestry, ideal for photographers. You will find some of the best photo opportunities between 20 and 40 feet. The northern side of the Cay plunges to 75 feet, where lobsters hide among large boulders and the chances of spotting eagle rays, tarpon, and even manta rays are good. On the southern end of the island, a rock wall drops vertically to anywhere from 225 to 300 feet, but there really is not much to see beyond about 90 feet. The nicest spot for divers to explore is around the 50-foot mark where there seems to be a lot of marine activity. Manta rays and eagle rays have been seen frequently in this area so keep an eye out. Look above you and out into the deeper water for dark shapes in the distance. It is amazing how many divers miss out on some of the most exciting creatures swimming just above them because they are looking in only one direction! You are also likely to see tarpon and an occasional blacktip reef shark at this site. This is also a great spot to see a diverse array of invertebrates that make their home on the rocks. Orange tubastrea carpets the rock faces and, at night, explodes in full bloom to create a spectacular tangerine-hued garden. Back to the dive page