Top Diving Hot Spots in the British Virgin Islands

St Bernard’s Hill House’s Resident Concierge team give you their take on the BVI’s best diving.

The BVI is home to absolutely incredible diving. It’s one of the premier diving destinations in the Caribbean.

The reefs are well-preserved. The wrecks are varied – from historic to novelty. The waters are crystal clear, warm and abundant in marine life.

It’s no wonder that dive aficionados flock here every year in their thousands.

Here are our four favorite diving hotspots, and the stories behind them.

1. The RMS Rhone: A famous and historic wreck

Built in England in 1865 for the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, the Rhone transitioned to a Caribbean route in January 1867 as she was considered almost unsinkable at the time. Only 9 months later she found herself at the bottom of the ocean.
On October 29th, the Rhone was refueling at Peter Island when Hurricane San Narcisco hit. Unprepared for the violent storm, the Rhone was dragged across the harbor.

Unfortunately, the steam ship’s anchor tangled and had to be cut free as Captain Robert Wooley tried to run for a safer hiding hole.
Running out of time, and having little choice left, the Captain Wooley made for the open ocean only for the ship’s hull to be breached between Dead Chest Island and Black Rock Point on Salt Island.

This has been her resting point ever since that fateful day.

The Rhone is a two-tank dive as the ship split in two as she went down, and the two halves are about 100 feet apart. The stern of the Rhone sits in around 40 feet of water with the bow sitting in around 80 feet.

Along with viewing the wreck during your dives, you can expect to see sennets, jacks, sergeant majors and yellowtail snapper. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles as well.

2. The Willy T: A pirate-themed dive site

The William Thornton floating bar and restaurant has been famous in these parts since 1989. Now on its third iteration, the Willy T has legendary status amongst the sailing community.

The second Willy T to grace these parts was sadly washed up onto the shore of Norman Island during Hurricane Irma in 2017. This misfortune for BVI party goers has since turned into good fortune for divers visiting the territory.

Beyond The Reef, a local non-profit organization, spent many months transforming the wrecked hull of the Willy T into a pirate themed dive site. She was sunk during August 2019 and sits off Key Bay at Peter Island.

It’s a fun dive with the opportunity to have your photo taken with one of the many pirates on the deck! The Willy T lies in 65 feet of water with the crow’s nest at 35 feet.

3. The Indians: An unmissable BVI favorite

One of the best dive spots for marine life in the BVI, The Indians is a rock formation sitting just off Pelican Island and a stone’s throw from Norman Island. A very popular spot for snorkelers, it’s often forgotten that the diving here is also incredible.

There is a very interesting series of caves and tunnels at The Indians that the more experienced divers amongst you will find fascinating.

Keep your eyes peeled for parrot fish, damsels, and grouper, as well as yellow snappers and angel fish. There are often turtles hanging around this area as well.

4. Ginger Steps: A fantastic wall system

Ginger Steps is named after Ginger Island and has three different steps.

The shallowest step is at 40 feet, the second step at 65 feet and the deepest step at 95 feet. Divers typically get to see sea fans, tube sponges, as well as brain and star coral formations.

Be on the lookout for eagle rays, turtles, pompano, and jacks. Closer to the surface you are likely to encounter squirrelfish and damsels.

The BVI truly is a diver’s paradise. But the breathtaking sights aren’t exclusive to the deep blue sea.

After diving, it’s time to refresh and re-energize in luxury.

St Bernards Hill House is an exclusive-use villa in eight-acre grounds and sleeps up to 10 people.

Set on top of Tortola’s highest mountains, St Bernard’s Hill House gives you a 300-degree vantage point to sit back with a handmade cocktail and admire the ocean and sister islands from above.

On the expansive terraces of your exclusive retreat, you can reflect on the day’s dive with your diving buddies while you enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by your private chef.

Then at the end of the day, breakaway from your group and retire to your private villa so you’re ready for another day beneath the waves.

Planning a diving vacation in the BVI? St Bernard’s Hill House is waiting for you. Check availability