My wife and I inadvertently started a tradition 5 years or so back when we took our oldest nephew down to the Caneel Bay resort on St. John in the USVI as a High School graduation present. Not only did he get to spend a week being spoiled in Paradise, he was also offered the opportunity to receive his Open Water diving certification. As avid scuba divers, we wanted to introduce him to the awe and wonder of the underwater world.
While we have numerous nieces & nephews, we don't offer the trip to all of the kids. They must be outgoing, adventurous, somewhat daring and have a lust for life. Charlotte and Brit fit the bill perfectly. Char would graduate this year, Brit in 2012. Since we don't do yearly trips to St. John, we decided to give Brit her present a year early. Plans were forged, reservations made, plane tickets purchased and away we went.
Arrangements were made with the Patagon Dive Center at the resort. The two girls would complete their classroom portions on line prior to travel and their practical and open water dives once on site. I had numerous email exchanges with Brian Kearney, the centers dive master. Brian was extremely helpful and the day we arrived, we hustled the girls up to the center meet him and get their schedules.
Over the next four days, Brit & Char did their practical drills, progressed smoothly and completed four open water dives in Caneel Bay proper, meeting rays, turtles, puffer fish, one very, very friendly and curious barracuda, as well as a plethora of other life on the reefs. Their last dive to Grass Key was at 52 feet amongst a nice group of major coral heads and formations.
Patagon is the third dive operation we've experienced while vacationing at Caneel Bay over the years. Chris Sawyer and Paradise Water Sports preceded them and I can say unequivocally, the Patagon operation is heads and shoulders above the others. Brian, Lance, Clay and Rob were not only experienced, they were patient with the girls, professional at all times and extremely courteous. Patagon has been in the USVI since 1992 and are located not only at Caneel Bay, but on St. Thomas and at the Westin Hotel on St. John. If you're looking for a first class dive operation, look no further.
As for Caneel Bay and the resort itself? Between diving, snorkeling, the phenomenal food and beverages every day, and time left over for laying on the beach, I think I can safely say the two girls lived their first seven days in Paradise to the fullest.
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