Diving the British Virgin Islands
Over the last 400 years, many ships have sunk in this area. The combination of reefs and wrecks makes for excellent diving, whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner. Most of the diving is done off the islands and the rocks in the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Some 300 wrecks adorn its shores. Sites are numerous and undisturbed ensuring high visibility and lush coral reef formations. Most dives are between 20 and 80 feet (7-27 m). Big tarpon, barracudas and sharks are particularly impressive, especially around the wrecks. Most areas have little or no surge and only gentle currents. The reefs are protected by law and no living thing may be taken.
Arguably, the wreck diving in the BVIs is the wreck of the RMS Rhone. One of the most famous wrecks in the Caribbean, this 310 foot (103 m) iron hulled steam/sailor was destroyed by a hurricane between Salt Island and Peter Island in 1867.
Best time to dive
October through June.
Visibility
Visibility is often 50 to 100 feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures range from the mid-80s° F in summer and dropping to the upper 70s °F in winter.
Weather and climate
Subtropical climate with temperature moderated by trade winds. The average temperature is 83° F (29°C) with little seasonal variation. The wet season lasts from June to December.
Language
English
Passport/Visa requirements
Citizens of the U.S. and Canada do not require a visa or passport, but should carry a birth certificate or naturalization certificate with a picture ID to prove citizenship. British citizens need a passport but not a visa. Citizens of all other countries need a passport and in some cases a visa. Visitors are permitted to stay up to six months but must have an onward ticket.
Currency
U.S. Dollar – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
Both 110 volts and 208 volts are supplied throughout the islands. It is recommended to use surge protectors with sensitive equipment.
Capital
Roadtown
General information
The British Virgin Islands are grouped tightly together on the northern tip of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. There is a chain of 60 islands, with five major islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island, and Anegada. The BVI has only 19,000 inhabitants, and more than 30 of the islets are unoccupied. Throughout the islands, beaches are splendid and the beach bars exceptional. Gourmet cuisine can be found, along with background music from steel pans and guitars. The economy of the British Virgin Islands is one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean.
Map
Get a map of the British Virgin Islands from WorldAtlas.com.