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British Virgin Islands

Courses

Courses

Dive Sites

Dive Sites

Wildlife

Wildlife

Dive Trips

Dive Trips

Events

Events

© shutterstock-Mango-Media-VI

Explore British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands in the beautiful Caribbean are popular among the diving community. There are around 60 islands all fairly close to one another, meaning all diving areas are easily accessible. With amazing shipwrecks and a wealth of thriving reefs all in crystal clear water, it’s no wonder these islands are a Caribbean favourite for divers.

Conservation is extremely important, and the vast majority of dive sites are well protected by the National Parks Trust here, which maintain mooring buoys for boats to prevent usage of anchor, which forbidden. All this contributes to the exceptional health of the reefs and marine life all around these islands.

There are plenty of options when choosing where and how to dive here. Dive centers, dive resorts and liveaboards operate year-round, so there’s never a disappointing time to visit. A lot of dive operators are on Tortola, with some on Jost Van Dyke, Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda and Norman Island.

Power Plug Type
A, B
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, Cir, Plus
Tipping
10–15% / Service Staff / Tipping is expected in restaurants and hotels; some establishments may add a 10% service charge.
Currency
USD
Dial Code
+1-284
Electricity
110V / 60Hz
Time
UTC−4

Upcoming Events

    • Dive Centers

    Dive BVI, It’s what we do!

    Dive BVI, It’s what we do!

    Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, VG 1150 Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands
    Sunchaser Scuba

    Sunchaser Scuba

    Bitter End Yacht Club, VG1150 Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

    Dive Sites

    DIVE BVI, VG 1150 Spanish Town
    Chimney <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Chimney (★4.3)

    One of the most famous dives in the Dog Islands, the Chimney is a site with an unusual underwater structure. Long told to be a favorite site when Jacques Cousteau was diving here, you can easily see why this site is so popular! Bring a light to best appreciate the incredible colors!
    Mares
    Blue Chromis Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Blue Chromis Reef (★4.1)

    A shallow site perfect for beginner divers and snorkelers, ranging from 20-50 feet/ 3-15m. The rock formations closer to shore create beautiful overhangs for fish and lobsters to hide in, and the gentle sloping reef offers the opportunity to spot schooling tarpon, creole wrasse and an abundance of reef fish.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Ginger Steps <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Ginger Steps (★4.5)

    Named due to the step like formation of the site Ginger Steps is open to snorkelers and divers of all levels (ranging from 20 - 95 feet/3- 30m). Reef fish can be found schooling at every level, look for sharks at the drop off and lobsters hiding in the giant mushroom shaped coral structures.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Diamond Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Diamond Reef (★4.1)

    A quick 2-minute boat ride from Scrub Island, this site is named as a result of a diver losing a diamond ring here about 10 years ago (never found). The reef itself is a small “wall” some 200 yards long. This site is ideal for all levels of divers and snorkelers, accessible in nearly all weather.
    Scubapro
    Wall to Wall <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    Wall to Wall (★4.7)

    The name of this dive site comes from the fact that the site is often covered ‘wall-to-wall’ in fish. This site is sometimes washed by strong currents and close attention should be paid to the dive leader. You can’t miss Yellowfish Rock at the bottom!

    Top Wildlife Sightings in British Virgin Islands

    The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a vibrant haven for marine life, offering clear, warm waters teeming with diverse aquatic creatures and ecosystems. The coral reefs, drop-offs, and caves create a rich tapestry for divers to explore. Among these vibrant reefs, you'll find sea turtles gliding gracefully through the waters and various species of sharks, including Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks, patrolling the underwater world. These encounters add an element of excitement and wonder to the diving experience. Typical Caribbean fish such as angelfish, parrotfish, snapper, butterflyfish, and grunts thrive amid the colorful coral formations, accompanied by a multitude of colorful invertebrate species.

    In the waters around Tortola, divers can witness an array of marine creatures, including moray eels, groupers, and every imaginable colorful reef fish, swimming among the vibrant hard and soft corals. Meanwhile, the dive sites off Virgin Gorda are known for sightings of bigger critters and pelagics like eagle rays, cobia, great barracuda, turtles, and amberjack. Reef sharks are occasionally seen passing by, while sandy bottoms and sea floors often host stingrays and garden eels. If you're fortunate, you might even encounter nurse sharks.

    Wreck dives in the BVI offer the chance to see lobsters, schools of barracuda, and yellowtail snapper, making for a thrilling underwater adventure. Although marine mammals such as dolphins are seen occasionally, they typically do not linger in the area. Turtles are a common sight, while manatees and whales are rarely spotted and are usually seen from boats rather than during dives. This dynamic and lively underwater world makes the BVI a perfect destination for those eager to explore and observe marine biodiversity in its natural habitat.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    369 Sightings
    J
    43
    F
    31
    M
    66
    A
    54
    M
    45
    J
    37
    J
    24
    A
    10
    S
    2
    O
    11
    N
    18
    D
    28

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    183 Sightings
    J
    21
    F
    6
    M
    24
    A
    16
    M
    23
    J
    26
    J
    24
    A
    16
    S
    6
    O
    2
    N
    8
    D
    11
    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    142 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    16
    M
    26
    A
    12
    M
    12
    J
    9
    J
    11
    A
    13
    S
    3
    O
    6
    N
    5
    D
    12

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    iStock/Juliosanjuan
    Eagle Ray

    Eagle Ray
    132 Sightings
    J
    21
    F
    4
    M
    27
    A
    4
    M
    19
    J
    6
    J
    8
    A
    8
    S
    2
    O
    6
    N
    7
    D
    20

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    100 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    3
    M
    13
    A
    13
    M
    7
    J
    28
    J
    13
    A
    5
    S
    0
    O
    4
    N
    3
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
    Octopus

    Octopus
    82 Sightings
    J
    18
    F
    1
    M
    8
    A
    3
    M
    7
    J
    6
    J
    11
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    1
    N
    12
    D
    13
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    54 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    4
    M
    9
    A
    3
    M
    14
    J
    11
    J
    2
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    382 Sightings
    J
    39
    F
    24
    M
    63
    A
    49
    M
    49
    J
    64
    J
    31
    A
    21
    S
    2
    O
    12
    N
    13
    D
    15

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    333 Sightings
    J
    40
    F
    18
    M
    35
    A
    41
    M
    44
    J
    60
    J
    30
    A
    22
    S
    1
    O
    16
    N
    10
    D
    16

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    284 Sightings
    J
    35
    F
    22
    M
    40
    A
    25
    M
    27
    J
    33
    J
    25
    A
    7
    S
    3
    O
    6
    N
    27
    D
    34
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    224 Sightings
    J
    28
    F
    15
    M
    22
    A
    31
    M
    34
    J
    45
    J
    23
    A
    9
    S
    0
    O
    6
    N
    6
    D
    5

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    198 Sightings
    J
    24
    F
    6
    M
    25
    A
    26
    M
    28
    J
    33
    J
    20
    A
    16
    S
    1
    O
    7
    N
    7
    D
    5

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 2

    AdobeStock-hakbak
    Nurse Shark

    Nurse Shark
    194 Sightings
    J
    21
    F
    18
    M
    29
    A
    16
    M
    26
    J
    18
    J
    18
    A
    10
    S
    1
    O
    6
    N
    20
    D
    11

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Spiny Lobster

    Spiny Lobster
    193 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    5
    M
    29
    A
    25
    M
    26
    J
    29
    J
    11
    A
    21
    S
    3
    O
    1
    N
    17
    D
    16
    AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
    Grey Reef Shark

    Grey Reef Shark
    185 Sightings
    J
    27
    F
    16
    M
    34
    A
    9
    M
    12
    J
    18
    J
    21
    A
    6
    S
    0
    O
    8
    N
    20
    D
    14

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    177 Sightings
    J
    21
    F
    12
    M
    35
    A
    14
    M
    26
    J
    32
    J
    16
    A
    9
    S
    1
    O
    2
    N
    3
    D
    6

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 55

    Shutterstock-RLS Photo
    Lobster

    Lobster
    175 Sightings
    J
    22
    F
    14
    M
    43
    A
    10
    M
    19
    J
    19
    J
    19
    A
    3
    S
    2
    O
    8
    N
    3
    D
    13

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish
    173 Sightings
    J
    14
    F
    5
    M
    30
    A
    19
    M
    23
    J
    40
    J
    18
    A
    11
    S
    0
    O
    4
    N
    5
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    170 Sightings
    J
    27
    F
    8
    M
    19
    A
    16
    M
    21
    J
    16
    J
    20
    A
    4
    S
    1
    O
    8
    N
    18
    D
    12

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    157 Sightings
    J
    19
    F
    1
    M
    18
    A
    26
    M
    24
    J
    33
    J
    13
    A
    12
    S
    1
    O
    4
    N
    1
    D
    5

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    154 Sightings
    J
    13
    F
    6
    M
    24
    A
    13
    M
    12
    J
    35
    J
    16
    A
    13
    S
    4
    O
    4
    N
    1
    D
    13

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    151 Sightings
    J
    18
    F
    2
    M
    21
    A
    19
    M
    23
    J
    34
    J
    16
    A
    9
    S
    1
    O
    2
    N
    2
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    134 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    7
    M
    16
    A
    24
    M
    13
    J
    39
    J
    13
    A
    10
    S
    1
    O
    1
    N
    3
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    133 Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    4
    M
    22
    A
    20
    M
    17
    J
    28
    J
    7
    A
    9
    S
    1
    O
    7
    N
    4
    D
    3

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    133 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    2
    M
    14
    A
    24
    M
    16
    J
    35
    J
    17
    A
    15
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    2
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    131 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    5
    M
    20
    A
    16
    M
    26
    J
    30
    J
    5
    A
    10
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    8
    D
    3
    iStock-ShaneGross
    Caribbean Reef Shark

    Caribbean Reef Shark
    114 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    11
    M
    9
    A
    8
    M
    13
    J
    21
    J
    3
    A
    9
    S
    0
    O
    3
    N
    8
    D
    22

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 2

    iStock-stock_colors
    Tarpon

    Tarpon
    111 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    4
    M
    23
    A
    14
    M
    16
    J
    14
    J
    8
    A
    4
    S
    0
    O
    3
    N
    5
    D
    10

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    102 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    1
    M
    17
    A
    8
    M
    16
    J
    18
    J
    16
    A
    8
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    98 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    3
    M
    9
    A
    7
    M
    18
    J
    23
    J
    3
    A
    15
    S
    4
    O
    1
    N
    3
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    96 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    4
    M
    15
    A
    8
    M
    15
    J
    19
    J
    6
    A
    17
    S
    3
    O
    1
    N
    3
    D
    2
    AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
    Blacktip Reef Shark

    Blacktip Reef Shark
    80 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    7
    M
    16
    A
    5
    M
    7
    J
    17
    J
    4
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    13

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shutterstock-Shane Gross
    Shrimp

    Shrimp
    69 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    3
    M
    2
    A
    11
    M
    9
    J
    24
    J
    4
    A
    3
    S
    2
    O
    2
    N
    4
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    66 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    3
    M
    6
    A
    18
    M
    12
    J
    12
    J
    3
    A
    2
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    iStock-stephankerkhofs
    Porcupinefish

    Porcupinefish
    53 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    1
    M
    4
    A
    13
    M
    2
    J
    11
    J
    4
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    1
    N
    5
    D
    5
    AdobeStock-_italo
    Moon Jellyfish

    Moon Jellyfish
    26 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    1
    M
    2
    J
    2
    J
    14
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0
    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Common Seahorse

    Common Seahorse
    20 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    3
    M
    2
    J
    5
    J
    8
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    AdobeStock-Composer.
    Flounder

    Flounder
    19 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    1
    J
    5
    J
    2
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    3

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
    Squid

    Squid
    18 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    2
    A
    0
    M
    6
    J
    3
    J
    2
    A
    2
    S
    0
    O
    2
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    Shutterstock-s_a_j
    Sand Eel

    Sand Eel
    17 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    1
    J
    8
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    14 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    3
    A
    1
    M
    1
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    iStock-Christian von Mach
    Pipefish

    Pipefish
    13 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    2
    M
    2
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    2
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
    Garfish

    Garfish
    12 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    4
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    11 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    2
    M
    2
    A
    1
    M
    1
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    11 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    4
    M
    0
    J
    2
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    1
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3500

    Unsplash-pascal van de vendel
    Soft Corals

    Soft Corals
    11 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    6
    M
    3
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0