DMA Yachting's Dive Map of the British Virgin Islands

Top 10 Best Dive Sites in the British Virgin Islands

8. THE PLAYGROUND (Jost Van Dyke)

Eagle Rays

The Playground – Jost Van Dyke

  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (shallow reefs and calm waters)
  • Scuba Dive or Snorkel: Both (accessible for snorkelers and divers)
  • Depth: 20 to 50 feet (6 to 15 meters)
  • What It Is: A vibrant reef site featuring dramatic pillar coral formations, rocky outcroppings, and sandy areas, offering a “playground” for marine life and divers to explore.
  • Marine Life: Reef sharks, barracudas, eagle rays, garden eels, lobsters, and thriving schools of reef fish.
  • Interesting Fact: The Playground is named for its variety of underwater terrain, where divers can explore towering corals, sandy patches, and rock formations in one dive.

Yacht Charter Idea

24 reviews
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MAHASATTVA

From $44,700/week
4 cabins
62 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2018

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7. THE WRECK OF THE KODIAC QUEEN & THE KRAKEN (Virgin Gorda)

The Wreck of the Kodiac Queen the Kraken art installation by Aydika James and Mike Cline and their engineering team.
Scuba Diver in the tentitcles of the Kraken on the Kodiac Queen Wreck built by Aydika James and Mike Cline and their engineering team.

Kodiak Queen (The Kraken) – Virgin Gorda

  • Skill Level: Intermediate (calm conditions but deeper wreck sections)
  • Scuba Dive or Snorkel: Both (shallow portions are accessible to snorkelers)
  • Depth: 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters)
  • What It Is: A WWII Navy fuel barge turned artificial reef, featuring a massive Kraken-inspired underwater art installation with steel tentacles sprawling from the wreck.
  • Marine Life: Schools of jacks, snappers, barracudas, reef fish, spiny lobsters, octopuses, and occasional eagle rays.
  • Interesting Fact: The Kodiak Queen is one of the few surviving ships from the Pearl Harbor attack. Its transformation into an art reef was led by engineers Aydika James and Mike Cline and the team at the **BVI Art Reef Project**.

Yacht Charter Idea

10 reviews
Jacuzzi
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MARIAH PRINCESS III

From $77,000/week
4 cabins
77 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2020
15 US Gall/Hr

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6. ALICE IN WONDERLAND & THE STEPS (Ginger Island)

Alice in Wonderland Dive Site at Ginger Island, British Virgin Islands

Alice in Wonderland & The Steps (Ginger Island)

  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (calm waters with gradual slopes and reef formations)
  • Scuba Dive or Snorkel: Both (ideal for exploring corals and marine life)
  • Depth: 20 to 70 feet (6 to 21 meters)
  • What It Is: - **Alice in Wonderland** features sprawling coral gardens resembling an underwater wonderland, with large mushroom-shaped coral heads. - **The Steps** offers a series of stunning underwater ledges and terraces descending like steps into deeper waters. Both sites offer some of the best thriving coral in the BVI.
  • Marine Life: Angelfish, parrotfish, sea turtles, barracudas, nurse sharks, spiny lobsters, and vibrant sponges.
  • Interesting Fact: The name **Alice in Wonderland** comes from the surreal, oversized coral formations that feel like something out of a dream, while **The Steps** offers excellent wall diving opportunities.

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13 reviews
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KINGS RANSOM

From $52,000/week
5 cabins
76 ft
Matrix Yachts
10 guests
Refit: 2022

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5. SHARKPLANES & THE CHIMNEY (Dog Island)

Great Dog Island Airplane Wreck 1993
Sharkplane Dive Site at Dog Island, British Virgin Islands with Scuba Divers.jpg.

Sharkplanes & The Chimney (Dog Island)

  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (shallow depths, great visibility)
  • Scuba Dive or Snorkel: Both (perfect for divers and snorkelers)
  • Depth: 20 to 50 feet (6 to 15 meters)
  • What It Is: Sharkplanes features wreckage from two small aircraft, now overgrown with corals, while The Chimney offers stunning rock formations, tunnels, and swim-throughs teeming with marine life.
  • Marine Life: Reef sharks, snappers, jacks, groupers, moray eels, parrotfish, and healthy coral gardens.
  • Interesting Fact: The Sharkplanes wreckage earned its name because reef sharks often patrol the site, making it an exciting dive for shark enthusiasts.

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32 reviews
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BIG NAUTI

From $32,000/week
4 cabins
55 ft
Bali Catamarans
8 guests
Built: 2020

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4. THE INDIANS (Norman Island)

Fantastic shot of the catamaran Liquid Zen moored at the Indians off Norman Island, BVI. Located just off the southwestern tip of Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands, 'The Indians' are deemed one of BVI's best shallow dive sites. Descending about fifty feet beneath the surface, these rocky pinnacles unveil a mesmerizing underwater world with abundant coral gardens teeming with colourful fish. You can also find a 15-foot underwater tunnel!

The Indians (Near Norman Island)

  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (calm waters and shallow reefs)
  • Scuba Dive or Snorkel: Both (perfect for snorkelers and divers alike)
  • Depth: 10 to 50 feet (3 to 15 meters)
  • What It Is: Four rocky pinnacles rising from the sea, covered in vibrant coral gardens, with tunnels and swim-throughs perfect for exploration.
  • Marine Life: Parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasse, sea turtles, and colorful sponges.
  • Interesting Fact: The Indians are named for their resemblance to a Native American headdress when viewed from afar.

Yacht Charter Idea

34 reviews
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LIQUID ZEN

From $31,000/week
4 cabins
52 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2022
3 US Gall/Hr

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3. WRECK ALLEY (Cooper Island)

Wreck Alley Dive Site near Salt Island and Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands

Wreck Alley (Near Cooper Island)

  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (calm conditions, shallow wrecks)
  • Scuba Dive or Snorkel: Both (wrecks are accessible for divers and snorkelers)
  • Depth: 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters)
  • What It Is: A collection of small wrecks, including tugboats and barges, intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.
  • Marine Life: Garden eels, stingrays, barracudas, moray eels, spiny lobsters, and vibrant corals.
  • Interesting Fact: Wreck Alley is popular for its easy access and is located just minutes from Cooper Island, making it ideal for a quick, rewarding dive.

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34 reviews
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LIQUID ZEN

From $31,000/week
4 cabins
52 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2022
3 US Gall/Hr

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2. CHIKUZEN

A scuba diver swims over the bow of the ship wreck HMS Rhone. The RMS Rhone is a sunken UK Royal Mail ship that wrecked in a hurricane in 1867 killing 123 people. It is now a hotspot for divers who come to explore the well-preserved wreckage, teeming with marine life.

Chikuzen Dive Site

  • Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced (remote location with strong currents)
  • Scuba Dive or Snorkel: Scuba Dive Only (too deep for snorkeling)
  • Depth: 60 to 75 feet (18 to 23 meters)
  • What It Is: A 246-foot Japanese refrigeration ship sunk in 1981, now an artificial reef attracting marine life.
  • Marine Life: Large schools of fish, barracudas, jacks, nurse sharks, rays, and occasional pelagics like hammerhead sharks.
  • Interesting Fact: The Chikuzen was intentionally scuttled after being damaged, making it one of the most remote yet rewarding dives in the BVI.

Yacht Charter Idea

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AEOLUS 77

From $84,000/week
4 cabins
77 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2024

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1. THE WRECK OF THE RMS RHONE

A scuba diver swims over the bow of the ship wreck HMS Rhone. The RMS Rhone is a sunken UK Royal Mail ship that wrecked in a hurricane in 1867 killing 123 people. It is now a hotspot for divers who come to explore the well-preserved wreckage, teeming with marine life.

RMS Rhone Dive Site

  • Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced (strong currents in some areas)
  • Scuba Dive or Snorkel: Both (better suited for scuba diving due to depth)
  • Depth: 20 to 80 feet (6 to 24 meters)
  • What It Is: A British Royal Mail steamship that sank in 1867 during a hurricane, now a famous wreck dive.
  • Marine Life: Barracudas, moray eels, octopuses, lobsters, turtles, and vibrant coral growths.
  • Interesting Fact: Featured in the 1977 film The Deep and protected as a National Park for its historical significance and biodiversity.

Yacht Charter Idea

Scuba Onboard

AEOLUS 77

From $84,000/week
4 cabins
77 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2024

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Our Favorite BVI Dive Charter

We have been onboard the yacht charters. They have dive equipment and certified dive instructors on staff.

34 reviews
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LIQUID ZEN

From $31,000/week
4 cabins
52 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2022
3 US Gall/Hr

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Scuba Onboard

AEOLUS 77

From $84,000/week
4 cabins
77 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2024

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10 reviews
Jacuzzi
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MARIAH PRINCESS III

From $77,000/week
4 cabins
77 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2020
15 US Gall/Hr

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OHANA

From $32,700/week
3 cabins
59 ft
Fountaine Pajot
6 guests
Built: 2021

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24 reviews
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ZINGARA

From $47,300/week
5 cabins
76 ft
Silhouette
10 guests
Refit: 2020
2 US Gall/Hr

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13 reviews
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KINGS RANSOM

From $52,000/week
5 cabins
76 ft
Matrix Yachts
10 guests
Refit: 2022

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24 reviews
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MAHASATTVA

From $44,700/week
4 cabins
62 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2018

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ISLAND HOPPIN’ 55

From $37,000/week
4 cabins
55 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2024

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32 reviews
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BIG NAUTI

From $32,000/week
4 cabins
55 ft
Bali Catamarans
8 guests
Built: 2020

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Jacuzzi
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Lady Joy

From $199,000/week
6 cabins
157 ft
Christensen
12 guests
Refit: 2023
80 US Gall/Hr

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Jetskis: 2
Jacuzzi

OUTTA TOUCH

From $55,000/week
4 cabins
105 ft
Intermarine Savannah
8 guests
Refit: 2022
50 per hr US Gall/Hr

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Jetskis: 2
Jacuzzi
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UNBRIDLED

From $65,000/week
4 cabins
116 ft
Crescent
8 guests
Refit: 2015
50-70 US Gall/Hr

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