IntermediateBoat entry

Cow and Calf Rocks

U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Thomas/St. John, United States

Open Water suggested6–14 m depthBoat entryRash guard or 2mm shorty typical

Cow and Calf Rocks at a glance

Cow and Calf Rocks is an intermediate boat dive site in U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Thomas/St. John, United States with depths of 6–13.7 m (20–45 ft). Typically most favorable May · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see hard and soft corals, Lobster, and Reef shark. Recent reports put the water around 30°C (85°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 3h ago

1.3 mwaves — about a meter and a half expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 30°C · seasonal avg 30°C

Site hazards: Swim-throughs and arches, shallow surge, boat traffic, coral contact, current around rocks, entanglement in lost fishing line, and overhead-like passageways that should not be entered without comfort and guidance.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Mon

Fri7:00–19:00

Sat7:00–19:00

Sun7:00–19:00

Mon7:00–19:00

Tue7:00–19:00

Wed7:00–15:00

Thu7:00–13:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:44 · Sunrise 6:06 · Sunset 18:25

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 6.1 km from site · graded 3h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: hard and soft corals, schooling jacks and spadefish

Best time: Best in calm south-side conditions with modest swell/current; local operators can choose Cow/Calf when visibility and seas fit the group.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan27%27°C1.8 m
Feb20%27°C1.9 m
Mar33%27°C1.8 m
Apr52%27°C1.6 m
May80%28°C1.2 m
Jun67%29°C1.3 m
Jul54%29°C1.4 m
Aug56%29°C1.4 m
Sep68%30°C1.4 m
Oct54%30°C1.6 m
Nov34%29°C1.7 m
Dec26%28°C1.9 m

May hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life recorded at this site, by month

Recorded observations — evidence of past sightings, not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Echidna catenata recorded here Mar (1 record)
most recent 2013
Ginglymostoma cirratum recorded here Mar (1 record)
most recent 2013

Counts are occurrence records near this site from public biodiversity datasets (GBIF), grouped by calendar month across all sampled years. Sightings vary — past records are context, not a prediction.

Fills & rentals nearby

Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.

Coki Dive Center5.4 km
Rentals
+1 340 775 4220 cokidive.com info@cokidive.com
Report a fix
Low Key Watersports6.2 km
+13406938999 divelowkey.com
Report a fix
Crabby's14.7 km
Report a fix
JVD Scuba18.7 km
Report a fix

Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Data updated July 2026

Site details

Cow and Calf Rocks are paired south-side USVI reef formations reachable by boat from St. Thomas or St. John. Divers use the canyons, ridges, swim-through arches, and tunnels around Cow Rock and Calf Rock, with colorful coral growth and frequent reef life. Although often used for intro/certification dives, the swim-throughs require buoyancy control and guide awareness.

boatreef

Swim-throughs and arches, shallow surge, boat traffic, coral contact, current around rocks, entanglement in lost fishing line, and overhead-like passageways that should not be entered without comfort and guidance.

How deep is Cow and Calf Rocks?

Cow and Calf Rocks ranges from 6 to 13.7 metres deep (20–45 feet). It is a saltwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Cow and Calf Rocks a shore dive or a boat dive?

Cow and Calf Rocks is a boat dive — access is by boat rather than from shore. The entry area is recorded as moderately exposed to surge. No facilities are recorded at the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Cow and Calf Rocks?

Cow and Calf Rocks is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 6 to 13.7 metres (20–45 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Cow and Calf Rocks?

Best in calm south-side conditions with modest swell/current; local operators can choose Cow/Calf when visibility and seas fit the group. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Cow and Calf Rocks?

Divers at Cow and Calf Rocks in United States commonly report sightings of hard and soft corals, Lobster, Reef shark, Hawksbill turtle, and schooling jacks and spadefish. Hard and soft corals and schooling jacks and spadefish are recorded as common sightings, while Lobster, Reef shark, and Hawksbill turtle are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Cow and Calf Rocks?

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