The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a world-renowned sailing destination, but beneath the turquoise waters lies a rich underwater history just waiting to be explored. Dive the wrecks of the BVI and you’ll discover captivating stories of maritime mishaps, intentional sinkings, and vibrant marine life that has made these wrecks their home. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, there’s a wreck in the BVI that offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
The RMS Rhone: The Crown Jewel of BVI Wrecks
Without a doubt, the RMS Rhone is the most famous and arguably the best wreck dive in the BVI. This Royal Mail Steamer sank during a hurricane in 1867, taking over 120 souls with her. Now lying in two main sections off Salt Island, the Rhone offers divers an incredible opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of maritime history. You can swim through the ship’s hull, admire the coral encrusted ironwork, and even see some of the original cargo still in place. The wreck teems with marine life, from schools of colorful fish to barracuda and even the occasional sea turtle.
Diving the Rhone: What to Expect
The depth of the Rhone ranges from around 20 feet to 80 feet, making it accessible to divers of varying experience levels. The bow section is the shallowest and perfect for beginners, while the stern offers a more challenging dive for experienced divers. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 80 feet. Due to its popularity, the Rhone can get crowded, especially during peak season. It’s best to book your dive in advance and consider diving early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. A typical two-tank dive to the Rhone will cost between $120 and $180, including equipment rental. Most dive operators depart from Tortola or Virgin Gorda.
Expert Tip: Look for the “lucky porthole” on the Rhone. It’s said that rubbing it will bring you good luck. Also, keep an eye out for the film props that are still in place from the movie “The Deep,” which was filmed on the wreck.
Getting to the Rhone
Access to the Rhone is by boat only. Several dive operators run daily trips from Tortola (e.g., Road Town, Nanny Cay) and Virgin Gorda (e.g., Spanish Town). The boat ride from Tortola takes about 45-60 minutes, while from Virgin Gorda it’s closer to 30-45 minutes. Before booking, confirm that the operator holds the necessary permits to dive the protected site.
The Kodiak Queen: An Artificially Created Reef
While the Rhone met a tragic end, the Kodiak Queen was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef and an underwater art installation. This World War II tanker was transformed into a giant kraken sculpture before being sunk off Beef Island in 2017. The Kodiak Queen is a unique dive site that combines art, history, and marine conservation. The kraken armature provides a fascinating structure for divers to explore, and the wreck is quickly becoming a haven for marine life. Coral is already beginning to colonize the ship, and schools of fish are making it their home.
Exploring the Kodiak Queen
The Kodiak Queen sits in about 60 feet of water, making it a suitable dive for intermediate and experienced divers. Visibility varies depending on the time of year and weather conditions, but it’s generally good. The Kraken sculpture is the main attraction, but there are also plenty of other areas of the ship to explore. Divers can swim through the engine room, climb the mast, and admire the intricate details of the sculpture. A guided dive is highly recommended to learn about the history of the ship and the art installation. A typical two-tank dive to the Kodiak Queen will cost around $130-$190, including equipment rental. Dive operators depart from Trellis Bay on Beef Island, just a short taxi ride from the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS).
Practical Example: Many dive operators offer combination trips that include diving the Rhone and the Kodiak Queen on the same day. This is a great way to experience two very different types of wrecks in one trip.
How to Get to the Kodiak Queen
Getting to the Kodiak Queen is relatively easy. Fly into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island. From the airport, take a short taxi ride to Trellis Bay. Several dive operators are located in Trellis Bay and offer daily trips to the Kodiak Queen. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Road Town, Tortola, to Beef Island and then a taxi to Trellis Bay.
The Chikuzen: A Japanese Refrigerated Freighter
The Chikuzen, a former Japanese refrigerated freighter, was intentionally sunk in 1981 as an artificial reef off the northern coast of Tortola. Lying in approximately 75 feet of water, this wreck has become a thriving ecosystem, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to see large schools of fish, including jacks, snapper, and grunts, as well as barracuda, turtles, and even the occasional reef shark.
Diving the Chikuzen: Considerations
Due to its depth, the Chikuzen is recommended for experienced divers. Strong currents can sometimes be present, requiring divers to be comfortable with drift diving. Visibility is usually good, but it can vary depending on the weather conditions. The wreck itself is heavily encrusted with coral and sponges, creating a colorful and vibrant underwater landscape. Divers can explore the ship’s interior, including the engine room and cargo holds, but caution is advised due to the potential for silt and debris. A typical two-tank dive to the Chikuzen costs between $120 and $180, including equipment rental.
Real-World Insight: This wreck offers photographers excellent opportunities for wide-angle shots, capturing the sheer size and abundance of marine life.
Directions to the Chikuzen Dive Site
The Chikuzen is accessible by boat from various locations on Tortola, including Road Town, West End, and Cane Garden Bay. The boat ride typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the departure point. Several dive operators offer daily trips to the Chikuzen.
The Fearless: A Tugboat Teeming with Life
The Fearless, a small tugboat, was sunk intentionally to create another artificial reef, a haven for smaller sea animals. Situated close to Great Dog Island, this wreck is an ideal dive site for beginners and photographers alike. Its shallow depth and profuse reef growth make it a colorful stop.
Diving the Fearless
This dive spot sits at a shallow depth of around 40-50 feet. Thanks to the tugboat’s position, the waters are calm and visible. Expect to see soft corals like sea fans, hydroids and algae blanketing the surface. You will spot smaller species of fish hovering around and inside the ship such as hamlets, trumpetfish and grunts. As this is a quick dive, it can be perfectly combined with a second dive with one of the more famous wrecks. The cost of diving The Fearless is usually around $60-$80, depending on the dive operator and whether it’s part of a two-tank package
Actionable Tip: If you are a beginner or novice diver, make sure that the company you explore wrecks with have certified professionals present and onboard so they can take care of your safety.
Getting to the Fearless Dive Spot
Because the Fearless is near Great Dog Island, this dive site is typically accessible via boats from Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda. Dive operators regularly arrange trips there due to the island’s proximity. Traveling here can be fast, with boat times taking about twenty minutes depending on the swells.
The Marie L: A Small but Significant Wreck
The Marie L, a small freighter, rests near Cooper Island and provides the novice or intermediate diver with a gentle wreck diving experience. Situated on a sandy slope, the freighter is a welcoming dive spot for scuba divers and has been established as an artificial reef. The Marie L is another dive site of note that’s a sanctuary that’s easy to reach.
Diving the Marie L
The depth for the Marie L starts at around 50 feet and drops quickly to 60 feet. Currents are generally low, depending on the weather. Fish dart in and out of the wreck making for a bustling dive that would impress any photographer. The small size of the Marie L makes it possible for divers to swim around the vessel in a single dive. Dive packages range between $70-$90 to dive here, depending on your equipment.
Recommendations: Consider what type of fish occupy the site. Look for the queen angelfish, which is a vibrant, colorful fish that is easy to see and quite friendly.
How to get to the Marie L dive site
To get to the Marie L, you usually depart from either Scrub Islandor Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island. Diving trips are arranged from either site with little trouble. Travel times can range from 15 minutes, making it an easy and calm boat ride for beginner or anxious divers. Make sure that before you confirm your booking, the dive operator is properly certified.
Tips for Wreck Diving in the BVI
Wreck diving in the BVI is an incredible experience, but it’s important to be prepared and follow some basic safety guidelines:
- Choose a reputable dive operator: Make sure the operator is certified, insured, and has experienced dive guides.
- Check your equipment: Ensure your equipment is in good working order and properly maintained.
- Be aware of your buoyancy: Wrecks can be delicate environments, so avoid touching or damaging anything.
- Watch your depth and air supply: Keep an eye on your gauges and ascend slowly.
- Respect the wreck: Remember that these wrecks are often historical sites and should be treated with respect.
- Get certified: Consider enrolling in a Wreck Diver Specialty course to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Responsible Diving Practices
Diving in the BVI comes with a responsibility to safeguard their underwater treasures for future generations. Here’s a look at several ways on how to ensure you leave a smaller, ecological footprint:
- Avoid Touching: Refrain from touching any marine growth, including coral. This includes both intentional and unintentional interactions. Sometimes a simple brush up against a live coral is enough to injure or kill it.
- Watch your Fins: Be conscious of your fin placement at all times, making sure you do not disrupt or cause damage to the environment below or next to you. Keep your equipment secured and close to you.
- Conserve water/Reduce Waste: Conserve as much water and reduce waste as possible. Do not dump plastic in the water – try to contain as much as you can.
- Report any Damage: If you see someone or something that damages marine life, report this behavior.
Other Activities in the BVI
While wreck diving is a major draw, the BVI offers a wealth of other activities to enjoy during your visit:
- Sailing: The BVI is known as the “Sailing Capital of the World,” with calm waters, consistent trade winds, and numerous sheltered anchorages. Consider a bareboat charter or a crewed yacht vacation.
- Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in many shallow bays and coves. The Indians and the Caves at Norman Island are popular snorkeling spots.
- Island Hopping: Visit the different islands and cays, each with its unique charm and character. Take a ferry or rent a boat to explore the different islands at your own pace.
- Beaches: Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches and soak up the Caribbean sun. Cane Garden Bay, Trunk Bay, and White Bay on Jost Van Dyke are some of the most popular beaches.
- Hiking: Explore the lush tropical landscapes and enjoy stunning views from the islands’ highest points. Sage Mountain National Park on Tortola offers several hiking trails.
- Dining and Nightlife: Enjoy fresh seafood, local specialties, and lively nightlife at the many restaurants and bars throughout the BVI. Try the Painkiller cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke.
When to Visit the BVI for Diving
The best time to visit the BVI for diving is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this time, the weather is typically sunny and dry, with calm seas and excellent visibility. The water temperature is generally in the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit. The hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time, although the islands may still be calm and protected.
Accommodation Options
The BVI offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, from luxury resorts and villas to budget-friendly guesthouses and apartments. Some popular options include:
- Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Spa & Marina: A luxurious private island resort with stunning views and a range of amenities.
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay: An iconic luxury resort on Virgin Gorda, known for its beautiful beach and elegant accommodations.
- Long Bay Beach Resort: A relaxed beachfront resort on Tortola, with a range of activities and dining options.
- Sebastian’s on the Beach: A charming guesthouse on Tortola, offering affordable accommodations and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Airbnb: A wide range of villas, apartments, and guesthouses are available for rent on all the islands.
Understanding BVI’s History
The BVI’s history is interlaced with seafaring, colonial exploits, and nautical heritage. The earliest settlers here were the Arawak and Carib Indians until they were displaced by European explorers such as Christopher Columbus, who named the islands. Colonization attempts by countries such as the Dutch, Spanish and English followed, bringing with them periods of conflict, trade, and change. The islands established a plantation economy and the need for labor resulted in transatlantic slave trade practices. The BVI has cultivated a distinct cultural heritage and is now a region of British Overseas territory.
Dive Certification Requirements
Diving in the BVI requires proper certification to ensure diver safety and environmental preservation. Here are specific guidelines that will assist you:
- Certification Level: Most dive sites require divers to be certified as an Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, especially for deeper wrecks like the Rhone.
- Medical Fitness: Divers must be in good health and able to provide a medical statement if they have pre-existing conditions.
- Local Regulations: Always adhere to the regulations set by the BVI government regarding diving permissions and location access.
- Respect Marine Life: Avoid touching or disturbing any marine life. Do not collect souvenirs from the wreck sites.
Understanding Local Marine Life
The BVI has a magnificent display of marine life. Sea life you should know include Caribbean Reef Ship, Barracuda and Sea Turtles. Each species plays an important role in maintaining proper ecology. Understanding these creatures will not only give you knowledge but also an appreciation for the world you explore.
FAQ Section
What is the best time of year to dive in the BVI?
The best time to dive in the BVI is during the dry season, from December to May. The weather is typically sunny and dry, with calm seas and excellent visibility.
What is the visibility like when diving in the BVI?
Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 80 feet, particularly during the dry season. It can vary depending on weather conditions and location.
Are there any dive operators that you would recommend?
Yes, several reputable dive operators exist in the BVI. Some popular options include Dive BVI, Sunchaser Scuba, and Blue Water Divers. Be sure to check their certifications and customer reviews before booking.
What level of certification is required to dive the RMS Rhone?
While the shallower sections of the Rhone can be enjoyed by Open Water certified divers, the deeper sections are recommended for Advanced Open Water certified divers or those with equivalent experience.
Are there any potential hazards when wreck diving in the BVI?
Yes, potential hazards include strong currents, sharp objects, and the risk of entanglement. It’s important to dive with a buddy, stay within your limits, and be aware of your surroundings.
Are there any marine park fees or taxes associated with diving in the BVI?
Yes, a small environmental levy may be charged per dive. Check with your dive operator for the latest information on fees and taxes related to diving in the BVI.
References List
These references have been used to gather proper statistical information.
- British Virgin Islands Tourism Board
- PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)
- Dive BVI
Ready to take the plunge and explore the incredible wrecks of the British Virgin Islands? Book your diving trip today and discover a world of underwater history and marine adventure!