Diving in Tortola: British Virgin Islands

Tortola, known for it pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, warm hospitality and of course DIVING! Known by many as one of the world's top 5 diving destinations and one of the best wreck dive locations around, diving enthusiasts definitely have something to look forward to.

Originally known for its sugar plantations, rum distilleries, military gun posts and fortresses, the British Virgin Islands have now become not only historical ruin and landmark sanctuaries, rich in culture, history and tradition, but have since become a wealth of diverse, enjoyable and beautiful diving spots.

Underwater enthusiasts of all ages and abilities can partake in the remarkable beauty associated with the British Virgin Islands. Beginners can become certified temporarily or complete and obtain their PADI certification. Expert divers can also test their ability and needs based on the various spots that Tortola and Virgin Gorda have to offer. With over 60 diving destinations, you will be hard pressed not to find a dive locale that suits your needs.

Starting off at Norman's Island is an excellent choice. Angelfish Reef and Brown Pants are a couple of the best dive sites at Norman's Island. Numerous caverns and canyons will become evident being surrounded by sandy areas affording a wonderful habitat for such small and colorful fish as the Yellow Head Jawfish and Sailfin Blenny. Queen, French, Rock Beauty and Gray Angelfish will be seen grazing within the framework of the rocks, surrounding them for food as well. This biotope affords one a wonderful opportunity to view and study the world of the Seahorse as they are commonplace here. Due to its shallow, sandy structure with deeper water in the background, Angelfish Reef may reward you for visiting as often rays and sea turtles will make their appearance, curious to see you. While exploring Brown Pants, you will come up to a unique open cave in one of the canyons. Larger Angelfish, Moray Eel and Barracuda can be seen here guarding the entrance to this fine diving locale. White Spotted Filefish, Triggerfish, Stoplight and Blue Parrotfish as well as the occasional Green Sea Tuttle and various Rays.

Once you are finished exploring Norman's Island, you will not want to miss Black Forest, a mini reef dive, off of Peter Island. This site gets its name from the rare, endangered and beautiful Black Coral that grows here. Black coral is a popular item for women as alot of jewelry is made with it. Schools of Atlantic Blue Tangs are often seen grazing on the algae prominent around the rocky areas of Peters Island. Creole Wrasses, damselfish and various Butterflyfish can be encountered here not venturing to far away from the safety and comfort of the rocks as well as Acropora, Black and Brain coral head formations.

Carvel Rock off of Cooper Island is another great dive spot close to the other diving locations! Huge boulders are associated with this dive spot offering large spiny lobsters and morays a great place to live. Queen Triggerfish and White Spotted Filefish can be seen within the nooks and crannies of the rocks. Red-Lipped Blennies will greet you while perched up on top of the rocks. Their lack of a swim bladder diminishes their ability to swim very gracefully or for an extended period of time, so they are happy just hanging out and watching the goings on. Fire Coral* and an abundance of diverse sponges and gorgonians can be spotted here as well. The water at this location drops pretty quickly changing color from a light to a dark mysterious blue as the depth increases. Perfect environment for experiencing some of the larger fish in the British Virgin Islands. Kingfish, large Barracuda, and Snook may be seen from time to time here with an occasional Nurse shark sleeping between the rock crevices. This diving spot is sometimes closed due to large swells and strong dangerous currents that restrict the diving here at Carvel Rock, so please be advised and check with your local dive shop on the island.

If wreck diving is for you, you will want to check out the wreck of the "Rhone". The Rhone was a military mail steamer that sunk during a hurricane in the year 1867 with 125 lost soles on board. Much of this wreck is still in tack and represents the best wreck dives in the British Virgin Islands. At 310' long and situated in 30'-90' in depth, this ship is still in great condition with the propeller, engine, deck and rigging very visible. The Rhone also represents the only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands. An abundance of marine life is associated with this dive location and the three other ideal and enjoyable spots in this particular area. Those are Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock and Painted Walls, ideally named for the abundance of various colored sponges growing on the walls and rocks.

The Anegada is a wreck that affords the snorkeling enthusiast, in particular, a wonderful opportunity to see a wreck up close and personal. Yet another wreck dive, the Parmatta sank during her maiden voyage in 1853, with a great showing of Grouper, Pork fish, Eels, Butterflyfish, Angelfish and Tangs and local lobster. Of course, Barracuda, rays and Turtles are not to be counted out!

A few other diving spots that are supremely suited to all levels of diving experiences are the Chimney, Wall to Wall, Great and West Dog. All of these sites are linked to the many types of fish life offering a gorgeous panoramic view and splash of color. Squirrelfish, Blue-stripped Grunts, Angels, Butterflyfish, Tangs and a myriad of smaller inhabitants such as rock lobster, shrimp, crabs, urchin and smaller fish like Yellow Tail damsels, blennies and gobies. Towering Acropora coral, anemones, sponges and gorgonians can be viewed along with the potential to spot an octopus, nurse shark or even a reef shark, turtles and rays.

One of the nicest dive sites is off Ginger Island. It is called "Alice's Wonderland" and for good reason. Huge Jewfish, Pompano, Grouper, occasional Shark can be seen along with a diverse abundance of color provided by the purple whip and Sea Fans(Gorgonians), porifera(sponges), pillar and star corals. This is a great culmination of both corals and marine life living together in harmony portraying a vibrant, mesmerizing and remarkably detailed picture in your head, etched in your brain so that it will not be easily forgotten.

As is the case with any form of diving, boating or leisure water activity, certain rules and guidelines MUST be followed to help ensure that the wonderful gratification that you experienced can be enjoyed by the next person and the next and so on. Carelessness and stupidity should not be employed as the diverse and delicate ecosystem, we call "REEFS" can ill afford this negligence and will succumb to detrimental consequences. What one second of carelessness endures and destroys took years to create...keep this in mind as you delve down into the underwater world to be amazed in what we call our glorious reefs.

By no means, enjoy, be amazed and enthralled...just be cooperative and conscientious water and marine life fanatics, and please don't take what wasn't yours or didn't accompany you when you entered the water!