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December
16 2002
Rodale's
Scuba Diving Magazine Names USVI Top Dive Destination
Variety
of USVI Scuba Diving Elements Honored
by Top Underwater Enthusiasts
UNITED
STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS, December 16, 2002 - The exotic underwater
world of the United States Virgin Islands once again received
high praise from the readers of Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine
who ranked the USVI as one of the top dive destinations in
the world. The magazine's prestigious top 100 awards will
appear in the January/February 2003 issue of the publication.
"Our
waters have provided many divers with unforgettable underwater
experiences," Commissioner of Tourism Pamela C. Richards
said. "The numerous accolades that Rodale's Scuba Diving
readers provide us are a testament to what our destination
offers water enthusiasts. It is such an honor to be selected
for so many awards by such a reputable magazine and such highly
regarded divers."
The multihued
coral formations, mysterious shipwrecks and extraordinary
marine life in the waters surrounding St. Croix, St. John
and St. Thomas lured some of the world's top divers to the
USVI this year. More than 6,000 readers of Rodale's Scuba
Diving magazine rated their international dive experiences,
ranking the USVI among their favorites. As a result of the
publication's poll, the USVI ranked: the number eight overall
dive destination in the Caribbean; the number four dive destination
in the Caribbean for underwater photography; the number four
Caribbean location for wreck diving; the number two destination
in the Caribbean for beginner diving; the number three destination
in the Caribbean for snorkeling; and the number three location
in the Caribbean for shore diving. St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater
Adventures, a popular dive outfitter on St. Croix, ranked
as the number two dive operator in the world, the number four
in value in the world and the number one dive operator in
the world for their incredible staff.
St. Croix,
St. John and St. Thomas offer some of the best dive spots
in the Caribbean. Cane Bay Reef, Davis Bay and Salt River
Bay are popular diving spots on St. Croix, known for the 13,000-foot
deep sub-sea canyon and steep diving walls. The waters of
the Pillsbury Sound between St. Thomas and St. John offer
several popular shipwrecks, encrusted with brightly colored
sponges and coral. On the northwest point of St. John, large
boulder and rock formations such as Carvel Rock and Congo
Cay offer interesting dive opportunities through unusual coves
at varying depths.
For additional
information about the United States Virgin Islands or to receive
a copy of the 2002-2003 USVI Dive Guide, call 800-372-USVI
(8784), visit www.usvitourism.vi
or contact the nearest USVI Department of Tourism regional
office in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York,
Washington, D.C. or Toronto.
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