Nine Best Dive Sites in the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands have the best dive sites in the world, and here’s your guide to which areas are the best of the best.

1. Wreck of the RMS Rhone: The Rhone was a large ship that sank off Salt Island during a hurricane in 1867. Today, its steel body lies in two pieces right where it sank. The well-preserved remains are part of a BVI marine park and are home to a variety of tropical fish species as well as colorful coral.

2. Rock blonde: This pinnacle is located between Dead Chest and Salt Island. It consists of rocky tunnels and caves that drop 60 feet below the sea and rise only 15 feet below the surface. Expect to see crustaceans, fan corals, and a myriad of colorful fish.

3. Painted Walls: This shallow dive only extends 20-30 feet south of Dead Chest. The walls of the long ravines are encrusted with brightly colored corals and sponges, creating a beautiful backdrop for your dive.

4. Santa Monica Rock: This pinnacle extends from 10 to 100 feet and is located south of Norman Island. Due to its location at the end of the islands, divers at this site often see nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, and other fish typically found in open water.

5. The Indians: Near Pelican Rock, four tooth-like pinnacles break the surface and rise from the ocean floor 50 feet below. The canyons and grottoes are known for their hard and soft coral formations.

6. Alice in Wonderland: Huge mushroom-shaped corals will make you feel like Alice in Wonderland as you dive from 15 to 100 feet. This dive, located in the South Bay on Ginger Island, is for experienced divers only.

7. Brewers Bay Pinnacle: This imposing rock is located 200 yards from the western point of the bay. Conditions should be right for a good dive, but when the weather and waves are right, you can expect to find an amazing quantity and quality of marine life.

8. The Big Dog and the Chimney: These beginner dive sites are close to each other and easily accessible, but just as impressive as the more difficult dives. Swim along the reef that stretches from 10 to 60 feet at Great Dog or explore the arches and canyons of Chimney. Both sites have a wide variety of coral and marine life.

9. Chikuzen: This 246-foot ship sank in 1981 and is now home to Caribbean marine life, including barracuda, jacks, and rays. Located north of Beef Island, this dive site is 75 feet below the surface and is one of the best sites on the islands.

Both experienced divers and beginners will find the right dive spot in the guide to the best dive sites in the British Virgin Islands.