Good Caribbean reef diving which has vastly improved in the last few years following the introduction of marine parks and mooring buoys for all dive boats. The star attraction is the wreck of the Rhone - one of the best wreck dives in world. It starred in Peter Benchley’s film “The Deep’ and is home to a vast amount of marine life.

Affectionately known as ‘one of natures little secrets’ the British Virgin Islands are a collection of over 50 islands, rocks , and cayes. Unique to the Caribbean, and perhaps the world, these islands are perhaps best known for their wonderful sailing. Coupled with this the islands are also rapidly growing in reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier dive destinations.
The diving in the British Virgin Islands has something to offer divers of all skill levels. From ocean pinnacles and wrecks for the advanced diver to shallow sandy bottoms for training divers, you will find a range of sites to meet your needs. Some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful creatures are found here, a real treasure chest for those interested in reef life, including impressive trumpet fish, French and grey angelfish, several species of moray eel, sharks and grunts – which form impressive shoals. Not known for large pelagics, the islands are visited occasionally by Whale Sharks. Other impressive creatures that are often seen include hawksbill turtles (as they nest on the nearby islands of St Croix), schooling barracuda, elusive jacks, manta and eagle rays.
Wrecks are a speciality of the islands, not for their numbers but for their quality. The star attraction is the wreck of the Rhone, a Royal Mail steamer that sank in a hurricane in 1867 just off Norman island (reputed to be the island that Treasure Island is based upon.) - one of the best wreck dives in world. It starred in Peter Benchley’s film "The Deep’ and is home to a vast amount of marine life. With a great reputation, due to her age, the massive amount of colourful sponges and corals that adorn her 130 year old frame. The entire bow section, including the sharp prow, mast and lifeboat davits, can be seen from the surface.
When not diving, the major islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda are well worth exploring by jeep. Rental is very reasonable by the day, or week, and driving is on the left. On compare the lobster lunches and the beachcombing on Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, both easily visited in a day. Just doing nothing is fun too...

Getting There

The best way to get there, is to fly to Antigua, St. Maarten, St. Thomas or Puerto Rico. Then take the short hop with a local carrier such as LIAT, American Eagle, Winair or Fly BVI.

Departing from the UK there are many low cost charter flights to Antigua with tour operators such as Thompson. However most people travel with BWIA or British Airways to Antigua. British Airways and Caledonian Airways have started to offer joint flights weekly to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bookings are through BA. Air 2000 (Tel: +44 2392 222226 for bookings) have started a weekly charter flight leaving Gatwick at 10.25 each Wednesday and flying non-stop to St. Thomas, arriving at 15.25. You can then get a local ferry from St Thomas to Tortola. Air 2000 also have direct flights from the UK to St. Kitts from where you can get a local flight to the BVI. British Airways, BWI and Virgin Atlantic also have direct fights to St. Kitts.

BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION in association with amazon.co.uk

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