Aqua Action Dive Center

Situated at the Secret Harbour Beach Resort on the southeast side of Saint Thomas, Aqua Action Dive Center provides a dedicated base for exploring the US Virgin Islands. The centre is positioned near Red Hook, making it a convenient twenty-minute taxi ride from the cruise ship docks.

As a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Centre, the operation focuses on small groups and tailored excursions. Whether you are looking for a relaxed day of snorkeling or more structured diving, the centre utilises two different vessels to access more than 40 dive sites across the area.

The centre operates as a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Centre, meaning they are equipped to train divers from their very first breath underwater right up to the professional level. This high level of affiliation ensures that the instruction meets rigorous international standards for both recreational and professional training.

Instruction is highly personalised, with a strong emphasis on individual needs regardless of whether you are a novice or an experienced diver. For those looking to refresh their skills, they offer Re-Activate and Scuba Tune up programmes to ensure you are comfortable before heading out on a boat.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI certifications. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the SCUBA Diver course, progressing through Open Water Diver, Adventure Diver, and Advanced Open Water Diver.

For those looking to advance their safety and technical skills, the centre offers Rescue Diver and Nitrox courses. Professional candidates can undertake the Divemaster programme to begin their career in diving. They also provide specialised training in Freediving.

The fleet includes the Ocean Express, a 32ft Island Hopper with a capacity for 12 passengers, and Sugar's Tide, a 37ft Boston Whaler Outrage that carries up to 10 passengers. Both boats are configured to provide a comfortable platform for your dives, with snacks, water, and fruit provided on board.

On the Sugar's Tide, you will also find a selection of beer, wine, and rum available for purchase. The boats are used for a variety of trips, including day dives and night dives. Fuel costs for excursions on the Sugar's Tide are billed based on actual usage.

For those who prefer not to carry their own heavy kit, full equipment hire is available on-site. This includes regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits, as well as more basic items like masks, snorkels, and fins. The centre maintains strict hygiene and disinfection protocols for all rental equipment.

Divers can also purchase branded Aqua Action clothing and equipment from the shop, where customers receive a discount. For those completing training, the centre provides all the necessary kit to ensure a seamless experience from the classroom to the water.

The waters around Saint Thomas are home to a wealth of marine life. You can expect to encounter sea turtles and various rays patrolling the reefs and sandy patches. The abundance of marine life makes every excursion a chance to see something new.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants add significant interest to the dives, with many divers looking for more subtle species amongst the coral structures. The diversity of the local ecosystem ensures that both large pelagics and small, intricate creatures are present.