...Highlights: dolphins, turtles, great macro life/marine diversity...
...Diving environment: wrecks, healthy reefs, beginner and advanced divers...
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a stunning eastern Caribbean destination known for their crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant marine life. The archipelago consists of over 60 islands and cays, with the main islands being Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. It is known as the Caribbean's premiere wreck diving destination and is best explored by liveaboard, either a dedicated diving cruise, or an eco-adventure cruise that includes diving as well as other tourist activities.
The RMS Rhone shipwreck is located at Salt Island and is known as one of the best wreck dives in the world. It is a fascinating site and easy-to-explore, with a variety of marine life such as moray eels and perhaps even reef sharks. Nearly every surface of the ship is covered in a kaleidoscope of corals. The Kodiak Queen is the newest BVI wreck dive, complete with a legendary sea kraken! There are numerous other wreck dives near Norman, Salt, Peter, Cooper and Ginger Islands, 4 wreck dives in and around The Dogs, 3 wreck dives near Virgin Gorda, and the Chikuzen wreck.
In all, the turquoise waters of the British Virgin Islands are home to over 100 amazing dive sites that include beautiful coral gardens, seamounts, caverns, caves, canyons and boulder formations that are suitable to scuba divers of all levels. Divers will find barracuda, turtles, eagle rays, southern stingrays, nurse sharks, schools of jacks, African pompano, tarpon, angelfish, triggerfish, lobsters, snake and moray eels, as well as scores of colorful reef fish.
Since there are so many islands, the best way to experience them without the hassle of relocating several times to different locations, is by liveaboard. Visitors have the choice of a regular 1-week diving cruise around many of the best islands, or a 6-night scuba and eco-adventure cruise that includes hiking trails, as well as visits to beaches, secluded bays and coves, perfect for beachcombing and relaxing. The British Virgin Islands have only a low number of liveaboard operators, so availability can be an issue. We recommend you book 12 months in advance to avoid being disappointed.
You can dive in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) year-round thanks to the consistently warm tropical climate and stable sea conditions. Day time air temperatures typically range from 83°F to 89°F (28°C to 32°C); night time temperatures rarely drop below 74°F (23°C). The warmest months are generally from June to September, the coolest months are usually from December to February.
The water temperature stays between 78°F to 84°F (25°C to 29°C). A 3 mm wetsuit is recommended, although some might prefer a 5 mm during the coolest months of January/February. Nearshore currents are usually mild but can be stronger in certain channels and passages between the islands.
December to April is considered the best time for diving, with excellent visibility (up to 100 feet/30m) and calm seas. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect more divers around the popular sites. While during the period of February to April, humpback whales migrate through the region, offering a unique opportunity for divers and snorkelers to spot these majestic creatures. Sea turtles are more commonly seen during their nesting season from May to October.
May to November is considered off-peak season since the weather can be more variable, with more rain (brief, heavy showers) during the latter portion of this period. June to November is the official hurricane season. On average a hurricane hits the islands once every 8 years, but these are becoming more frequent in recent history, with 6 this century and 6 more in the 1990s. For more details on the climate in Road Town, Tortola, visit the Weather Atlas website.
Review our map below showing the British Virgin Islands' location in the world.
The British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory, located in the eastern Caribbean, 100 miles (160 km) east of Puerto Rico. Our liveaboard diving trips depart from Road Town, Tortola. Most visitors arrive via the international airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico (code: SJU). There are direct flights to North, Central and South America, and several countries in the Caribbean and Europe. From San Juan, you can board a local flight (30-40 minutes) to Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) in BVI. These flights are operated by Air Sunshine, Cape Air and Seabourne Airlines. Alternatively you can fly in to St. Thomas (code: STT) in the US Virgin Islands and then take a regular public ferry to Tortola (1 hour), or fly in via St. Croix, or St. Maarten/St. Martin.
No visa is required for stays of up to 6 months for visitors from most countries. You will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after entry, have a return/onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. You can check all the latest entry requirements on the BVI Tourism website.
16 - >100 ft (5 - >30m)
60 - 100 ft (18 - 30m)
Usually mild
Generally calm
80 - 86°F (26.5 - 30°C), with the coolers months being the best
Beginners to intermediate
>100
8 days
A truly international agency, with facilities for payment in various currencies. Always prompt and helpful response times. Honest to a fault, reminded me of a credit following a covid reschedule that I had forgotten about.
