Diving Directory: Dive and Snorkel Sites in the British Virgin Islands

With crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a haven for both divers and snorkelers. Whether you're an experienced diver looking to explore shipwrecks or a casual snorkeler seeking colorful coral gardens, you’ll find an underwater scene to suit your interests.

Keep reading to discover some of the best spots for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts to visit from a charter boat, private boat slip for rent or local marina in the BVIs. 

The Wreck of the RMS Rhone

The RMS Rhone, a British Royal Mail steamer that sank in a hurricane in 1867, is one of the most famous dive sites in the Caribbean and a highlight of the BVI’s underwater attractions. Located off the coast of Salt Island, this wreck dive offers divers a chance to explore a well-preserved 310-foot-long iron ship, now home to an array of marine life such as octopuses, moray eels and schools of fish. 

The wreck is divided into two parts and lies at depths ranging from 30 to 80 feet, making it accessible to intermediate and advanced divers. The RMS Rhone also has historical significance and was featured in the 1977 movie The Deep.

• Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced (due to depth and conditions)
• Location: Salt Island

The Caves at Norman Island

Norman Island, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, is home to a famous snorkeling site known as The Caves. Accessible by boat from marinas or private boat dock rentals, these sea caves provide an adventurous setting for snorkeling with their mysterious, shaded walls and an array of colorful fish. You'll likely encounter sergeant majors, blue tangs and parrotfish while swimming through the caves. The surrounding area also offers excellent shallow reef snorkeling for beginners.

• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Location: Norman Island
  

The Indians

Just a short boat ride from Norman Island, The Indians are one of BVI’s premier snorkeling and dive sites. This group of four towering rock pinnacles rises dramatically out of the water and continues down to about 50 feet below. The underwater terrain includes rocky ledges, walls and coral gardens.

Snorkelers can stay near the surface while enjoying colorful coral formations, and divers can explore deeper caverns and tunnels. The area is known for sightings of sea turtles, eagle rays and a wide variety of tropical fish.

• Skill Level: Beginner (snorkeling) to intermediate (diving)
• Location: West of Norman Island
  

The Baths at Virgin Gorda

The Baths is one of the most iconic destinations in the British Virgin Islands, not only for its beach but also for its unique snorkeling experience. Huge granite boulders form natural tidal pools, grottos and tunnels along the shoreline, offering snorkelers an otherworldly adventure. The calm and shallow waters are ideal for beginners, and there are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore and search for clownfish, rays and barracudas.   

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Location: Southwest point of Virgin Gorda
  

Monkey Point, Guana Island

Monkey Point is located on the southern tip of Guana Island and is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in BVI. The sheltered cove has calm waters, making it ideal for snorkeling, and the underwater landscape is a mix of rocky outcrops, coral reefs, and sandy bottoms.

Schools of fish, including jacks and snappers, are common, and snorkelers may also encounter tarpon and sea turtles. The area is rich in biodiversity, with vibrant coral gardens and numerous species of marine invertebrates.

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Location: Southern tip of Guana Island

Shark Point

Shark Point, located on Scrub Island, is a spectacular dive site known for its large coral formations and diverse marine life. Despite its name, it’s not particularly known for shark sightings, though nurse sharks have been spotted occasionally. 

The reef is teeming with sponges, hard and soft corals, and a variety of fish species, including angelfish, trumpetfish and butterflyfish. The site's depth ranges from 20 to 80 feet, making it accessible to both beginner and intermediate divers, who can access it from private boat lifts for rent and charter dive boats.

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Location: Scrub Island 

Great Dog Island

Part of the Dog Islands chain, Great Dog Island is a top diving destination in the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Several dive sites are scattered around its perimeter. One of the most popular is the Chimney, named for a narrow passageway between two large coral heads. 

The area is rich in coral formations, sponges, rays, lobsters and groupers. The dive depth ranges from 20 to 60 feet, making it suitable for beginners and experienced divers.

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Location: Northeast of Tortola and northwest of Virgin Gorda
  

Carrot Shoal

Located near the southeastern end of Peter Island, Carrot Shoal is a shallow dive site known for its striking underwater topography. The area features a series of coral ridges and sandy channels, providing a habitat for large schools of tropical fish, rays and sometimes nurse sharks.

The relatively shallow depth (around 40 feet) makes this an excellent site for beginner divers, while the dramatic coral formations and abundance of marine life make it exciting for more experienced divers and underwater photographers.

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Location: Peter Island

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience:

• Always check weather conditions before heading out.
• For beginners, hire a guide to ensure safety.
• Be mindful of coral reefs—avoid touching or disturbing marine life to protect the ecosystem.
• Bring sunscreen that’s safe for coral reefs to minimize environmental impact. Stream2Sea is a great one to try.
  

Whether you’re moored at a marina or docked at a private boat dock rental, a visit to any of these dive and snorkel sites is bound to make your BVI vacation a memorable one.