Scuba Diving in British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a popular tropical paradise among scuba divers and vacationers alike. Consisting of four major islands (Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke), there’s no shortage of land (or sea) to explore here. These islands are a diver’s dream, boasting stunning sea life and unique shipwrecks; while sprawling beaches and breezy boats offer the perfect getaway for non-divers.

GETTING THERE

  • If you’re visiting from the U.S. (or most other countries), you will need a passport in order to enter the BVI.

  • The British Virgin Island’s main airport is the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS), located on Beef Island (a small island off the main island of Tortola).

    • Please note that if you are traveling from the U.S., you will not be able to catch a direct flight to the BVI.

  • While neither Uber or Lyft operate in the BVI, travel is fairly easy on the islands. Options include taxis, car rentals, ferries and even helicopters!

GOOD TO KNOW

  • The British Virgin Islands is a British overseas territory, meaning it’s under the jurisdiction of the U.K.

  • Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time

  • Primary language: English

  • Currency: U.S. dollar. Credit cards are also readily accepted.

  • Phone and internet: Phone service is available from U.S. phone carriers (just be sure to check with your carrier on roaming rates first). Internet is easy to find and many restaurants offer free WiFi. The international calling code is +1.

  • Voltage: 110 V (similar to that of the U.S. and Canada).

  • Hurricane season in the BVI runs from June to November, peaking from August to October.

  • There are currently no U.S. travel advisories for the British Virgin Islands.

  • Don’t forget to dive on the left side of the road.

 

Top Dive Shops in this Country

VIRGIN GORDA & SCRUB ISLAND
British Virgin Islands

Dive BVI

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Night Dive

    Night Dive

    A night dive offers the chance to experience marine life that can only be seen in the dark. Rocks and colors appear more vivid and even familiar spots become mysterious.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Wreck Dive

    Wreck Dive

    This type of dive goes to shipwrecks or plane wrecks so that divers can explore the thriving ecosystems that have developed in these fascinating underwater museums.
As low as 10.00

PARHAM TOWN
British Virgin Islands

Sail Caribbean Divers

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Shark Dive

    Shark Dive

    There is a high probability of seeing sharks — from nurse sharks to reef sharks — on this type of dive. It’s one of the most exciting scuba diving adventures that most of us will ever have!
  • Wall Dive

    Wall Dive

    These underwater cliff dives offer the chance to explore vertical walls that are teeming with sea life. Divers can change elevation and get different perspectives of these stunning ecosystems.
  • Wreck Dive

    Wreck Dive

    This type of dive goes to shipwrecks or plane wrecks so that divers can explore the thriving ecosystems that have developed in these fascinating underwater museums.
As low as 95.00

VIRGIN GORDA
British Virgin Islands

Sunchaser Scuba

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Cave Dive

    Cave Dive

    Explore submerged caves and passageways in one of the most exciting types of adventure scuba diving available. Best for experienced divers.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Wall Dive

    Wall Dive

    These underwater cliff dives offer the chance to explore vertical walls that are teeming with sea life. Divers can change elevation and get different perspectives of these stunning ecosystems.
As low as 100.00

ST THOMAS
British Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands

Turquoise Turtle Divers

  • Boat Dive

    Boat Dive

    These scuba adventures take divers out on a boat to reach their diving destination. It is recommended that divers are comfortable taking a giant stride or a back roll entrance into the water.
  • Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    This type of dive will take a diver deeper than 18 meters (59 feet), and most will go to 30 meters (98 feet) or more beneath the surface. There is unique marine life at great depths that can only be seen on deep dives.
  • Night Dive

    Night Dive

    A night dive offers the chance to experience marine life that can only be seen in the dark. Rocks and colors appear more vivid and even familiar spots become mysterious.
  • Reef Dive

    Reef Dive

    Coral reefs are beautiful and endangered ecosystems that are bursting with life and color. Reef dives are among the most popular types of scuba diving.
  • Turtle Dive

    Turtle Dive

    Sea turtles are one of Earth’s most ancient creatures, and these types of dives offer a high probability of seeing green turtles or leatherback turtles, among others.
As low as 35.00

DIVE CONDITIONS

  • Water temperature ranges from 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 86 degrees in the  summer.

  • Average water visibility is 60 to 100 feet.

  • WHEN TO GO

    • You can scuba dive in the British Virgin Islands year round. In the winter, conditions are a bit rougher but the visibility is better.

    • You’re most likely to see marine life from October to May in the BVI.

    • Peak season for tourism in the British Virgin Islands is from December to February.

  • WHAT YOU’LL SEE

    • Divers can expect to see an array of vibrant reef fish, sea turtles, barracuda, lobsters and more. There are also an abundance of shipwrecks, caves and tunnels to explore.

BEST SCUBA DIVING IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

THE AQUARIUM

In the Southwest of Virgin Gorda, between The Baths and Spanish Town you’ll find this popular dive site. Teeming with colorful fish, blue tangs, moray eels and nurse sharks, this is a must-dive for anyone visiting the BVI. You’re sure to lose yourself among small caverns and caves as vibrant fish swirl around you. At a depth of 30 feet with low currents, this spot is great for beginners.

DIAMOND REEF

A two-minute boat ride from Scrub Island brings you to Diamond Reef, where you’ll find colorful corals and a wide variety of marine life. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself swimming alongside a sea turtle. You’ll also want to keep your eye out for all things glittery – a woman lost her diamond ring in this spot years ago, giving this diving location its name. At a depth of 40 feet, with low currents, this is an ideal dive for beginners and intermediate divers.

WRECK ALLEY

Just off the coast of Cooper Island, Wreck Alley contains four (yes, four!) shipwrecks just waiting to be explored. Bright corals and sponges have grown on most of these sunken ships, but you can also expect to see grunts, parrot fish, stingrays and eels. The shipwrecks make a perfect habitat for marine life. With a depth of about 88 feet and a moderate swell, this site is best suited for intermediate divers.

RMS RHONE

Ah, the RMS Rhone—one of the most popular dive site in all of the British Virgin Islands. This site is home to a Royal Mail Steamship that sunk in 1867. What’s unique about this wreck is how much of the ship remains intact today. Divers will want to be sure to make time for two dives to see both the bow and stern sections of the RMS Rhone. As for marine life in this area, expect to see barracudas, stingrays, angelfish, and the occasional octopus. With a depth of 90 feet, low currents and a moderate swell, intermediate, advanced and expert divers will thrive here.

CHIKUZEN

Located between Tortola and Anegada, this BVI dive spot is named after the refrigerator vessel that sunk there. Exploding with color and unique sea life (think: saucereye porgy and Atlantic spadefish), you may even catch a glimpse of the famous 600 lb grouper that hangs out around here. At 75 feet deep with a high swell, this dive is best suited for advanced scuba divers.

 

BEST SNORKELING IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

THE BATHS

On the southwest coast of Virgin Gorda, you’ll find this serene snorkeling paradise. Home to grottoes, caves, and colorful fish, you’ll enjoy the stunning views above and below water. The giant boulders decorating the landscape make it a unique experience for visitors and a great place for photos. At a depth of 40 feet with low currents, this is a beginner’s dream.

RAINBOW CANYONS

A short distance north of Norman Island, you’ll find this colorful snorkeling adventure. Spotted drums, garden eels and nurse sharks will accompany you through the kaleidoscope of sea life in this vibrant snorkeling spot. Rainbow Canyons has a depth of 60 feet, but the calm waters and low current make it an excellent place for beginners.

THE CAVES

Located on Norman Island (the inspiration for the book Treasure Island), The Caves are one of the most popular snorkeling locations in the British Virgin Islands. From red sponges to yellowtail snappers, there’s no end to the marine life you’ll see at this spot. You may even glide past a few squids on your swim! At nearly 50 feet deep with a low current, The Caves are best suited for intermediate snorkelers.

GREAT DOG

The Dogs are a group of five islands to the west of Virgin Gorda. Great Dog, in particular, is an ideal island for snorkeling, boasting bright corals and reef fish. Depth ranges from 10 feet to 60 feet, with low currents and calm waters (as long as the north swell isn’t up). This secluded location is a good spot for intermediate snorkelers.

 

DISCOVER UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

YACHT & BOAT TOURS

Spend a day above water as you glide over the crystal blue waters in a sailboat or yacht. Whether you’re just going from one island to the next, or relaxing onboard for the day, it’s a great way to experience the British Virgin Islands.

SAGE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Sage Mountain National Park, located in Tortola, offers hiking trails with stunning views. You’ll need about two to three hours to complete one of these rainforest trails, but the photos will be worth it!

SUGARCANE RESTAURANT

If you’re looking for a little luxury, head to Sugarcane Restaurant, located on Virgin Gorda at the Nail Bay Sports Club. While some club amenities are limited to members, Sugarcane is open to the public, offering gorgeous poolside views, all day dining and an extensive bar menu.

CANE GARDEN BAY BEACH

Ready for an action-packed day at the beach? Cane Garden Bay Beach offers windsurfing, water sports and a lively bar scene. Spend the day on the water, then sit back with a cocktail to catch the sunset!