Under The Sea....

Marine Wonders

Virgin Islands sea life is one of the true wonders of the islands. The marine world is amazingly varied. Colorful animals and plants thrive in the tropical waters surrounding the Virgin Islands.

The fantastic array of underwater life has made the Virgin Islands one of the most popular places for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Without a doubt one of my absolute favorite things to do is to throw on my mask and snorkel and watch the amazing creatures that live just feet from the shore.

You'd need an entire encyclopedia to describe the full range of Virgin Islands sea life! Here are just a few of the animals and plants you're likely to see when you explore underwater. 

Virgin Islands Sea Life: Turtles

There are several species of sea turtles living in the waters of the Virgin Islands. The most common are the Hawksbill, Green, and Leatherback. They come here to nest, laying their eggs on sandy, secluded beaches.

Virgin Islands Sea Life: Corals

The colorful coral reefs surrounding the Virgin Islands are some of the most diverse ecosystems anywhere. They host an almost unbelievable variety of Virgin Islands sea life, from simple single-celled creatures to giant groupers and sea turtles.

There are dozens of different kinds of corals in the waters of the islands.

Virgin Islands Sea Life: Fish

There's a staggering array of fishes living in the waters of the Virgin Islands. They're certainly some of the most noticeable and appealing forms of Virgin Islands sea life.

Just on the coral reefs, there are literally hundreds of different fish species. You'll see small, aggressive damselfish, colorful, coral-munching parrotfish, darting wrasses, and a whole host of species living in and around the coral.

In more open waters, you find schools of fast-swimming jacks, mackerel, and grunts. Many of these swim in from open waters to feed around the reefs, preying on the many smaller fish that make their homes among the corals.

Among Virgin Islands sea life in the deeper open sea, you find large game-fish like marlin, tuna, bonito, and wahoo.