US Virgin Islands vs Palm Beach (Drift Diving) — Dive Destination Comparison
US Virgin Islands (United States) scores 72.3/100 vs Palm Beach (Drift Diving)'s 72.0/100 in OkToDive's 12-category rating. Choose US Virgin Islands for reef diving with 15–35m visibility. Choose Palm Beach (Drift Diving) for drift diving at ~$110/dive.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | US Virgin Islands | Palm Beach (Drift Diving) |
|---|---|---|
| OkToDive Score | 72.3/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Visibility | 15--35m | 15--30m |
| Water temp | 26--29 C | 22--29 C |
| Max depth | 40m | 35m |
| Current | mild | strong |
| Cost per 2-tank dive | $110 | $110 |
| Budget tier | mid range | mid range |
| Best months | December, January, February | May, June, July |
| Dive types | reef, wall, wreck, drift | drift, reef, wreck |
| Min certification | Open Water | Open Water |
| Key species | hawksbill turtle, spotted eagle ray, nurse shark | goliath grouper, lemon shark, sea turtle |
| Google rating | 4.5 (600 reviews) | 4.6 (380 reviews) |
Which should you choose?
Choose US Virgin Islands when...
- + Newly certified divers building confidence
- + Wreck diving enthusiasts
- + Experienced drift divers comfortable in current
- + Couples where one partner doesn't dive
Skip if
- - You don't have Advanced certification
- - You need shore access — this is boat-only
Choose Palm Beach (Drift Diving) when...
- + Wreck diving enthusiasts
- + Experienced drift divers comfortable in current
- + Couples where one partner doesn't dive
Skip if
- - You're uncomfortable in strong currents
- - You don't have Advanced certification
Bottom line
US Virgin Islands wins on overall score (72.3 vs 72.0), but the right choice depends on your priorities. Palm Beach (Drift Diving) is more affordable ($110 vs $110/dive). US Virgin Islands has better peak visibility (35m vs 30m).