The Ritz-Carlton Aquatic Center opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Have you ever wanted to learn how to windsurf? How about sailing a Hobie Cat or maybe snorkeling a reef? Lessons can be booked for any of these fun activities.

We also have non-motorized equipment such as paddle boats, kayaks, Hobie Cats, windsurfers and Paddle Boats for our guests' use. All equipment rentals are included in the resort fee. Lessons are available for an additional fee.

Guests can explore the colorful waters of the Caribbean Sea on guided scuba dives and snorkeling excursions that depart daily from the resort's full PADI Dive Center on property. Beginners, intermediate and advanced divers will find different dive boat trips that meet their particular level of experience. From our privileged location on the eastern tip of St. Thomas, guests can access a score of small islands and cays that host diverse underwater scenery and marine life just 10 to 20 minutes away aboard either of our two dive boats.

Popular scuba diving sites include The Rhone, Pocket Rock Reef, General Rogers and The Caves of Cow and Calf. Sites good for scuba diving and snorkeling are Congo Cay, Thatch Cay, Carval Rock, Dog Island and St. James Island. Another adventurous option is the Night Dive, available regularly.

Chief Divemaster, Captain Arnoldo Falcoff, is originally from Patagonia, where he worked for many years in underwater salvage and research operations. He has 29 years of local diving and marine experience and has been responsible for diving excursions at the hotel since it first opened in 1992.

The Patagon can accommodate groups of two to six guests per trip, but if requested in advance larger groups can be accommodated. Towels, drinking water and refreshments are available on board.

Dive boat departure times include:

9:30 a.m. two-tank dive
2:30 p.m. one-tank dive
6:30 p.m. night dive

However, our customized private dive trips permit a flexible schedule and a host of options regarding the site in US and British Virgin Island waters.

Scuba classes for beginners begin at 1:30 p.m. with a lecture and scuba pool session prior to the open water dive. Our scuba certification program is unique in many ways. With a customized flexible schedule to fit other vacation plans, students will receive undivided attention in a relaxed atmosphere.

From the basic two day course, to the more advanced courses, our mission is to form accomplished "common sense" divers responsible for themselves, their dive buddies, and the aquatic world.