🇧🇷Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in British Virgin Islands

Quick Facts

  • Best season: Year-round (varies by region)
  • Typical visibility: 10-30m depending on location
  • Entry types: Shore diving, Boat diving
  • Highlights: Explore British Virgin Islands's underwater world

Welcome to the ultimate guide for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving in British Virgin Islands. With 32 documented dive spots across 4 regions, British Virgin Islands offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious wrecks, from shallow snorkeling bays to deep freediving drops, discover what makes British Virgin Islands a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Our community-driven platform provides real-time conditions, detailed spot information, and local insights to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.

32
Dive Spots
4
Regions

Regions in British Virgin Islands (4)

Dive Spots in British Virgin Islands (32)

Alice in Wonderland, BVI

Alice in Wonderland is known for its distinctive boulder corals shaped like giant mushrooms. Advanced divers can explore the intricate spur and groove coral canyons that characterize this site. Look for lobsters and eels tucked away in the overhangs of the canyons, while the shallower rubble areas are home to families of yellowhead jawfish. Additionally, divers may encounter sharks and rays swimming in the vicinity, adding to the diverse marine life present at this location.

18.3862, -64.4853

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Angelfish Reef

Angelfish Reef features canyons and ridges, with depths ranging from 6 to 14 meters (20-46 feet). Divers can expect to see angelfish, spotted drums, lobsters, moray eels, and occasional shark sightings. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels.

18.3092, -64.6289

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Blonde Rock

Blonde Rock features two pinnacles rising from 18 meters to 5 meters beneath the surface, with a plateau at 12 meters covered in gorgonians. The site includes canyons, undercuts, ledges, and is known for its abundant fire coral. This dive is accessible by boat.

18.3633, -64.5478

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Blue Chromis Reef

Blue Chromis Reef is a shallow dive site ideal for beginner divers and snorkelers, with depths ranging from 20 to 50 feet (3 to 15 meters). The area features rock formations near the shore that create overhangs, providing shelter for various marine life such as fish and lobsters. The gently sloping reef is home to schooling fish, including tarpon, black durgeon, and sergeant majors, as well as a variety of parrotfish like queen, princess, striped, stoplight, and redband. Additionally, blue and brown chromis can be observed in abundance.

18.3728, -64.5101

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Bronco Billy

Bronco Billy is situated at the northwestern tip of George Dog, approximately 12 minutes by boat from Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda and a few minutes more from Scrub Island. The site reaches a maximum depth of around 55 feet (16 meters). Divers can explore a colorful canyon along with various boulder formations, ledges, and mini walls. Marine life such as lobsters, eels, and shrimp can often be found hiding among the rocks.

18.4931, -64.4600

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Carval Rock

Carval Rock is a prominent dive site located between Ginger and Cooper Islands, characterized by its exposure to ocean currents. The site features a large rock structure that attracts various marine life. Divers can expect to see Caribbean Reef Sharks, along with schools of Bermuda Chub, Creole Wrasse, Black Durgeons, and Sergeant Majors. The surrounding boulders are frequented by larger pelagic species, including barracuda and mackerel. This site is accessible from the shore.

18.3722, -64.4890

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Chimney

Chimney is a notable dive site located in the Dog Islands, characterized by its unique underwater formations. This site features a long swimthrough that is home to a variety of marine life, including red-banded coral shrimp, eels, and numerous reef fish. Divers are encouraged to bring a light to fully appreciate the vibrant colors present in the area. The entry to this site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its rich biodiversity.

18.4831, -64.4615

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Chromis Reef (middle)

Chromis Reef is a shallow dive site ideal for beginner divers and snorkelers, with depths ranging from 20 to 50 feet (6 to 15 meters). The area features rock formations near the shore that create overhangs, providing shelter for various marine life, including fish and lobsters. Divers can observe schooling species such as tarpon, creole wrasse, and a variety of reef fish, including blue and brown chromis, as well as different types of parrotfish. The gentle slope of the reef enhances the visibility of the diverse aquatic life.

18.3716, -64.5100

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Cistern Point

Cistern Point is characterized by its distinctive large, cistern-like formations within the reef. This site is often chosen for a second dive during morning trips due to its ample light, which provides excellent conditions for underwater photography. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including eels, nurse sharks, and tarpon. Additionally, it is advisable to look into the blue water for the possibility of spotting rays and sharks passing by.

18.3797, -64.5170

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Coral Gardens, Great Dog, BVI

Coral Gardens, located on the southern side of Great Dog Island near Virgin Gorda, features three airplane wrecks designed to resemble sharks, along with an artistic installation known as 'The Cathedral,' which is made from retired mooring lines and forms a sponge-adorned floating archway. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life including barracudas, turtles, and a variety of reef fish. Additionally, flounder and garden eels can be spotted in the sandy areas. This site is accessible from the shore.

18.4800, -64.4555

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Corridors

Corridors is a dive site characterized by a finger ridge structure featuring soft corals and sea fans. Divers can enter from the shore and begin their descent at a shallow depth of 10 feet, progressing down to the sandy bottom at around 50 feet. While exploring, divers may encounter stingrays resting in the sand and eagle rays swimming along the reef. The area is also home to lobsters that can be found hiding beneath coral heads. Notably, divers will come across a significant expanse of Staghorn coral on their return journey.

18.5073, -64.3322

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Devil’s Kitchen

Devil's Kitchen is characterized by a unique swiss cheese reef that transitions into a punchbowl formation. The dive site features depths ranging from 20 to 60 feet, providing various hidey holes and overhangs that attract a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to see species such as octopus, lobsters, and french grunts, along with larger fish like snappers around the boulders and in the overhangs. The site is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.

18.3751, -64.5063

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Diamond Reef

Diamond Reef is located approximately 2 minutes by boat from Scrub Island. The site features a small wall that extends about 200 yards in length. It is suitable for divers and snorkelers of all experience levels and can be accessed in most weather conditions. Marine life commonly observed here includes angelfish, barracudas, squid, stingrays, and eels.

18.4642, -64.5271

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Dip n Scrub

Dip n Scrub features a wall that extends eastward from a depth of 25 feet down to 60 feet. The site is characterized by large mushroom-shaped pillar corals and an abundance of soft corals. Divers can observe various species of parrotfish, including Queen, Princess, Striped, Stoplight, and Redband parrotfish. Additionally, schools of Creole Wrasse, Sergeant Majors, and Blue Chromis are commonly seen, along with the occasional large lobster and nurse shark.

18.4657, -64.5189

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Dry Rocks East

Dry Rocks East is characterized by a mini pinnacle that supports a diverse array of schooling fish. The site provides opportunities to observe pelagic species, including sharks and eagle rays. Depths at this location range from 20 to 70 feet, with rock walls and boulders enhancing the underwater scenery. Commonly seen species include Sergeant Majors, Grunts, Goatfish, Snappers, Horse Eye Jacks, Black Durgeons, Squirrelfish, and Chromis, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels.

18.3834, -64.5014

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Flintstones

Flintstones is characterized by large boulders and rock formations that create various ledges and crevices. Divers are encouraged to use a torch to explore these areas thoroughly. The sandy bottom is home to stingrays and gobies, while the rocky structures above host schools of wrasse, grunts, snappers, and jacks. Lobsters and eels can often be found hiding in the cracks of the rocks.

18.4846, -64.4742

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Ginger Steps

Ginger Steps is characterized by its step-like coral formations, providing a habitat for a variety of marine life. The site is accessible from the shore and offers depths ranging from 20 to 95 feet (3 to 30 meters). Divers and snorkelers can observe schools of fish including Creole Wrasse, Black Durgeons, Bermuda Chubs, Sergeant Majors, and Chromis. Additionally, Angelfish and Parrotfish are commonly seen. At the drop-off, divers may encounter sharks, while lobsters can be found concealed within the large mushroom-shaped coral structures.

18.3840, -64.4802

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Gingers Backside

Gingers Backside is located on the northern side of Ginger Island, where conditions are typically calm, making it a suitable spot for surface intervals and subsequent dives. The site features a substantial coral reef that begins at a depth of approximately 15 feet and descends to a sandy bottom at around 60 feet. Divers can explore both sandy areas and reef structures, with the possibility of encountering sharks near the reef's edge and turtles in the shallower waters.

18.3890, -64.4856

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Indians

The Indians are rocky formations located at a depth of 15 meters (50 feet) off Norman Island, Madagascar. Divers can explore a saddle between two pinnacles, a shallow pool, and a large cave on the east side teeming with glassy sweepers. Other marine life includes Hawksbill turtles, cuttlefish, wrasses, blue tangs, nudibranchs, and a variety of corals and tube sponges. This site is suitable for both scuba divers and snorkelers.

18.3281, -64.6283

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Invisibles

Invisibles features two underwater pinnacles that begin at a depth of approximately 6 feet and extend to a maximum depth of 65 feet. The site is rich in marine life, with notable schools of grunts and bar jacks present. Divers can observe lobsters hiding in the crevices. The dive concludes beneath a striking rock formation that resembles a cresting wave, providing a unique underwater experience.

18.5280, -64.3366

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Jeff Rocks

Jeff Rocks is situated on the eastern side of Carrot Rock and features vertical rock towers and pinnacles. The site includes overhangs that provide shelter for various schooling reef fish and eels. It is best accessed by boat, particularly when there is a slight current flowing to the south. Divers may encounter sharks and rays in the surrounding blue water, along with schools of tarpon pursuing baitfish.

18.3262, -64.5691

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Kodiak Queen (Wreck)

The Kodiak Queen, previously known as the US Navy fuel barge YO-44, is a wreck located in the British Virgin Islands. This vessel, which survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, was sunk in March 2017 to serve as an artificial reef. Divers can explore the site from the shore, where the wreck attracts various marine life. Notably, schools of Creole Wrasse and Yellowtail Snapper can often be seen near the bow. Additionally, divers may spot numerous juvenile fish and small crustaceans in the sandy areas surrounding the wreck.

18.4971, -64.4150

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Monkey Point

Monkey Point is primarily a snorkeling location with a maximum depth of approximately 6 meters (20 feet). The site features a distinctive rock formation resembling a pulpit or podium. Marine life commonly observed here includes stingrays, nurse sharks, and a variety of colorful fish, making it an engaging spot for both snorkelers and divers. Entry to the site is from the shore.

18.4638, -64.5707

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P.O.S. (Cockroach Island)

P.O.S. (Cockroach Island) features a steep coral and sponge-covered pinnacle that rises from a depth of 24 meters (80 feet) to 5 meters (15 feet). This site, historically utilized by Jacques Cousteau for research, offers various ledges and overhangs that divers can explore. Marine life is abundant, with barracuda and jacks commonly seen at the pinnacle's peak. Under the ledges at the base, divers may encounter schools of snappers, grunts, and goatfish. Additionally, sightings of sharks, rays, and turtles are possible as they pass through the area. Be aware that currents can be present, making this dive more suitable for experienced divers.

18.4938, -64.4648

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Rms Rhone

The RMS Rhone wreck is located at a depth of 20 to 25 meters (65 to 80 feet) off Salt Island in the British Virgin Islands. This 90-meter (310-foot) twin-masted steamer sank in 1867 and offers opportunities for certified wreck divers to explore its intact bow and interior structures. Expect to see diverse marine life around the wreck site.

18.3650, -64.5332

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RMS Rhone (Wreck)

The RMS Rhone wreck is located at coordinates 18.368600, -64.535600 and is accessible by boat. This historical site features artifacts from its sinking on October 29, 1867, which are still visible today. Divers can explore the bow section of the wreck, which is notable for its appearance in the 1977 film 'The Deep.' Marine life around the wreck includes schools of soldier fish, stingrays, turtles, and Caribbean reef sharks. Night dives provide opportunities to see eels, lobsters, and crabs in their natural habitat.

18.3686, -64.5356

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Santa Monica Rock

Santa Monica Rock is an underwater pinnacle that rises from a depth of 21 meters (70 feet) to 6 meters (20 feet). The top is covered with fire coral, while gorgonians and sea fans are found on the southern side. Common marine life includes sea turtles, horse-eye jacks, and mackerels.

18.2942, -64.6276

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The Willy T

The Willy T is a sunken shipwreck located in 20 meters (65 feet) of water, with the crow's nest at 10 meters (35 feet). Divers can explore the wreck's structure and swim-throughs while observing various marine life and pirate-themed artifacts, including skeletons. The site is accessible via boat.

18.3476, -64.5995

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Wall to Wall

Wall to Wall is characterized by an abundance of fish, often creating a densely populated underwater environment. Divers may encounter species such as spotted moray eels, Atlantic Spadefish, and Eagle Rays. The site is subject to strong currents, so divers should remain attentive to their dive leader. A notable feature at this location is Yellowfish Rock, which can be found at the bottom of the dive site.

18.4814, -64.4743

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Willy T (Wreck)

The Willy T wreck, originally a floating bar and restaurant, was grounded by Hurricane Irma in 2017. After cleanup and decoration by the non-profit group Beyond the Reef, it was intentionally sunk in August 2019 to create an engaging dive site. Divers can explore the wreck and observe schools of yellowtail snapper and creole wrasse swimming above. Look closely in the sand for flounders, as well as small crabs and shrimp. Nearby coral canyons host a variety of reef fish, enhancing the dive experience.

18.3456, -64.5968

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Wreck Alley

Wreck Alley is a notable dive site featuring four wrecks: the Marie L, the Pat, the Beata, and the Island Seal. These vessels were intentionally sunk by the BVI Dive Operators Association beginning in the 1990s. Divers can explore the wrecks and observe a large colony of garden eels nearby. Additionally, stingrays are often seen in the area, swimming among dive groups. The site is accessible from the shore.

18.3707, -64.5104

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Wreck Alley

Wreck Alley is located off the coast of Cooper Island and features four wrecks: Mary L, Pat, Beata, and Island Seal. The site is approximately 30-60 feet deep and is home to coral, sponges, and marine life such as moray eels, parrotfish, and garden eels. Access to the site is by boat.

18.3702, -64.5167

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling good in British Virgin Islands for beginners?
British Virgin Islands offers various snorkeling spots suitable for different skill levels. Many locations feature calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners, while others provide more challenging conditions for experienced snorkelers. Check individual spot descriptions for difficulty ratings.
Where can I find easy shore entry freedives in British Virgin Islands?
British Virgin Islands has numerous shore-accessible freediving spots. Look for beaches, coves, and rocky points marked with "shore entry" in our dive map. Popular areas often feature gradual slopes and clear water, ideal for freediving practice.
What months have the calmest water and best visibility in British Virgin Islands?
Water conditions in British Virgin Islands vary by region and season. Generally, check local weather patterns and avoid monsoon or storm seasons. Our spot descriptions include seasonal visibility information to help you plan your trip.
Do I need a guide for diving in British Virgin Islands?
Guide requirements in British Virgin Islands depend on the specific location and your experience level. Some marine parks require guided dives, while many spots allow independent diving. Always check local regulations and consider hiring guides for unfamiliar or challenging sites.
What safety considerations should I know about when diving in British Virgin Islands?
Key safety considerations for British Virgin Islands include understanding local currents, boat traffic, and marine life. Always dive within your limits, check weather conditions, use proper signaling devices, and respect local regulations. Some areas may have specific hazards noted in spot descriptions.
What marine life can I expect to see in British Virgin Islands?
British Virgin Islands's waters host diverse marine ecosystems. Depending on the region and season, you might encounter tropical fish, coral reefs, larger pelagics, or unique endemic species. Check individual spot descriptions for specific marine life highlights.