British Virgin Islands

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.

Centers Map

Sunchaser Scuba

Bitter End Yacht Club, VG1150 Virgin Gorda, VGB

Blue Water Divers

Nanny Cay Marina, VG1110 Tortola, VGB

Turquoise Turtle Charters

Village Cay Marina, Nibs Street, VG1 110 Tortola, VGB

Cuan Law

CSY Dock, VG1110 Road Town, Tortola Island, VGB

Dive BVI

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, VG 1150 Spanish Town, VGB

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Chimney

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!

★★★★☆ Blue Chromis Reef

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.

★★★★★ Ginger Steps

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.

★★★★☆ Diamond Reef

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.

★★★★★ Wall to Wall

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!