Diving in the British Virgin Islands

2020-03-12T11:42:32+00:00By |Uncategorized|

Global Adventures just featured the spectacular diving opportunities in BVI in a post about shipwrecks and corals. The article is complimentary and inviting.

‘The first divers may have come by boat to the British Virgin Islands, since the chain of more than 60 sparsely inhabited islands and rocks is a haven for sailing enthusiasts. Calm waters along with steady breezes culminate to make some of the best sailing conditions in the Caribbean. What has attracted boating enthusiasts for centuries is now drawing scuba divers from around the world to the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Intact reefs, a healthy marine life, and some interesting shipwrecks can easily keep divers busy for a week.

‘The RMS Rhone, a royal mail steam packet ship that transported cargo between England, South America, and the Caribbean, is the flagship dive in the BVI. The 310 feet (94 meter) long vessel was one of two ships deemed unsinkable by the British Royal Navy. Passengers liked to travel on the RMS Rhone due to her speed and 253 lavishly appointed first class cabins. A late season hurricane did sink the ship on October 19, 1867. The wreck was the stage for the movie ‘The Deep,’ based on the novel by Peter Benchley, in 1977.

‘Another wreck is the 268 feet (82 meter) Chikuzen. The former refrigerator vessel went down in 1981 off Tortola’s east end and lies in 75 feet (23 meter) of water. Barracuda, octopus, jew fish, drum fish, and schools of yellow tail frequent the wreck that can be usually seen from the surface. While the dive site can be accessed by boat only, the excellent visibility and the abundance of marine life make the Chikuzen a favorite for underwater photographers.’

Read about the corals, the Caves, the Baths, and other famous dive spots in the Global Adventures article.

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