Watch for this famous rock as you approach the dive site. You won't see it at first, just like all the sailing ships that have hit over the last 200 years, but you will eventually see a light yellow-brown color just under the water, like someone poured mustard in the ocean.  That is Packet Rock. At 50 feet, this mini-pinnacle is named for one of the unlucky ships that have hit the rock over the years, the HMS Warwick, a Royal Mail Packet Steamship.

Back in 1816, Captain Simpson was making way to Charlotte Amalie Harbor when he hit Packet Rock.  The Warwick was carrying cargo to St. Thomas and in an attempt to save his ship, Captain Simpson ordered that the cargo be thrown overboard.  Unfortunately, they were unable to save the ship and it eventually sank.  All that now remains are roofing tiles, broken pottery shards, clay smoking pipes and a giant cauldron.  There are many stories as to why the cauldron was on the ship, but one is that it was being brought here to render molasses.  

But wait there is more, there  is always more! Packet Rock is also home to huge French and queen angelfish, schools of barracuda, hawksbill turtles, the occasional nurse shark and triggerfish. On the north side of Packet Rock are ledges that are home to schools of French grunts, yellowtails and sergeant majors. A little history, a lot of nature, and we have one heck of a dive!