British Virgin Islands / Special Interests / Diving

By James Henderson

The diving in the BVI compares favourably within the Caribbean and it can be recommended for several things set it apart. These include the clarity of the water and the fact that the sand is light and often shallow, giving the corals excellent colours. Even the geography of the islands helps. They are relatively dry and so there is little water runoff (which inhibits coral growth). Also, the number of islands means that there are many pinnacles, canyons, caverns and tunnels. There are coral heads in shallow water and coral gardens on shallow reefs. Diving in the BVI is easy and safe, suitable for learners and newly qualified divers. It is not particularly challenging if you are an experienced diver looking for an edge of excitement, but there are some interesting wrecks, the most famous of which is the RMS Rhone, a huge British mailship that sank in a hurricane in 1867.

There are about 100 main dive sites in the BVI, most of them along the 18 mile stretch of Sir Francis Drake Channel. Most companies do a two-dive trip in the mornings, leaving around 9am and returning in the early afternoon. One important feature of scuba diving in the BVI is the fact that the dive companies are all happy to do what they call rendez-vous diving. This means that they will collect you from your yacht, rather than your having to turn up at the dive shop.

Top resorts have innovative dive programmes such as Rosewood Little Dix Bay’s underwater photography course with Deborah Liljegren.

For a more in-depth look at the array of dive sites BVI has to offer, visit our BVI Dive Sites guide.

Scuba diving into the abyss

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Diving on British Virgin Islands

Dive Sites

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Biras Creek Hotels & Resorts

A delightful retreat. Elegant and full of character, set on its own bays in the North Sound on Virgin Gorda. Just 31 very comfortable suites in cottages, excellent dining room with superb views. Stay sail holidays available on crewed yacht. Read more
Cooper Island Beach Club Boutique/Small Hotels & Inns

An informal and often lively 10-room hotel on a pretty and virtually private island in the BVI, popular with sailors and divers. Good value. Read more
Fort Recovery Beachfront Villa & Suites Hotel Villa & Condo Resorts

A delightful cluster of 29 villa-style suites and an eight-bedroom beach house, set on a quiet beach near Tortola’s lively West End. A very low-key getaway for those seeking a relaxed setting with a therapeutic ambiance. Scuba nearby Read more
Sugar Mill Hotel Boutique/Small Hotels & Inns

One of the nicest small BVI hotels - friendly and comfortable set in pretty gardens within an old sugar estate on Tortola’s north shore. 23 bedrooms and a prize-winning dining room. Read more