british virgin island DIVE SITES

Most of the dives are not deep or demanding. There are some deep sites in the BVI but most of the diving is shallower than 80 feet. Surface conditions are normally quite calm. The 8 to 10 inch tidal range normally doesn't generate the swift currents found elsewhere. Another advantage of diving aboard Cuan Law is that Captain won't hesitate to crisscross the islands to put you into the best conditions each day. Barring hurricane conditions, you can be certain of enjoyable diving any time of the year.

You'll see a year's worth of critters and coral no matter where you go. Although large animals such as Caribbean reef sharks, manta rays, and spotted eagle rays are not uncommon, the British Virgin Islands are known for the incredible diversity of reef fish. Pick up a fish ID book for the Caribbean and you can find almost everything in it here. You will likely see huge jewfish and culebra snapper, green and spotted morays, nurse sharks, and virtually every manner of "pretty fishes" you'd ever hope to see.

All of the waters of the British Virgin Islands are protected under the National Parks Trust who works in association with the BVI dive operators to protect the natural abundance of the reefs. Several special areas, such as the wreck of the Rhone, receive extra protection as marine parks. As a result, divers enjoy healthy reefs with an enormous variety of fish. Mooring buoys minimize anchor damage and regulations prohibit damaging or removing any plant or animal, keeping the reefs packed with life.

Visibility is normally in the 60 to 100 foot range, with occasional days of 120 feet at some dive sites. The water temperature stays between 80 and 84'F most of the year, dropping to around 77'F in the winter. Dive skins are the favorite apparel aboard Cuan Law but a shorty wetsuit will probably keep you comfortable any time of the year.

There are literally scores of dive sites in the British Virgin Islands, many only visited by Cuan Law.