Cow Rock

Cow Rock is one of a pair of rocks that break the surface off the southeast end of St. Thomas; the name goes back to whalers who are said to have mistaken the rocks for a whale and her calf. Below the surface the rock is cut by tunnels, arches and swim-throughs. The best-known passage is the Champagne Cork, where wave surge pushes divers up and out through a vertical hole. Dive centres report lobsters on the ceilings of the passages, spotted drums, tarpon and turtles, and recommend a torch for looking into the holes. The rocks lie within a protected marine reserve and are popular for first dives as well as with experienced divers.