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With a map in hand, drive this route for lovely sea views to the north and a glimpse of some of St. Thomas’s luxurious homes. Start at Crown Mountain, following Route 40 east, through Estate Elizabeth and Wintberg to Route 42, ending at Tabor and Harmony. The route passes through small communities along the way. It’s easy to get lost – just stop and ask directions if you do.

Many week-long or more sailing charters specialize in scuba-diving the wrecks that sit offshore. Or sign on with any of the marina-based dive operators for a day trip.

Dive sites range from patchy reefs to deep walls and canyons, and there’s no shortage of dive operators to take you out.

Hotels arrange scuba trips for their guests if they don’t provide this activity at their watersports center. Otherwise, sign up for a trip with Dive BVI at Leverick Bay or Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor.

Major hotels, beaches, and marinas have dive centers. You can also take a boat trip to scuba-dive around the reefs and wrecks that sit off St. Thomas (seeTop 10 Dive Sitesand;Wreck of the WIT Shoal II, off St. Thomas).

Several watersports centers run dive trips to offshore and in-shore reefs, and to the Wreck of the Rhone in the BVI.

Looking a lot like their namesake vegetable, sea cucumbers slink along the ocean floor as they feed.

If you don’t have your own gear, you can easily rent mask, snorkel, and fins from water-sports centers all over the island. Look for dark patches near the shore that indicate rocks, reefs, or seagrass beds.

Rent equipment from watersports centers and shops for undersea exploration.

With pristine waters and deserted beaches, this region provides some of the world’s best snorkeling. At Flash of Beauty in Loblolly Bay, Anegada, dive down to explore caves.