Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the British Virgin Islands offer a great display of underwater scenery and marine life. And, as you’d expect from an iconic Caribbean destination, scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands is characterised by crystal-clear waters and calm conditions, with plenty of sites for all levels of diver. In fact, the waters surrounding this closely-knit cluster of islands is so shallow, it is often joked that you’d need a shovel to explore beyond 30-metres. The British Virgin Islands boasts some 60 or so dive sites, the majority of which focus on simple yet stunning reefs, with copious coral coverage, including forests of sea fans and swaying soft corals. Popular sites include Alice in Wonderland, Flintstones, Ginger Steps, Painted Walls, The Aquarium, The Chimney, and Blonde Rock.

Diving Anegada and Horseshoe Reef

Given the name Anegada – or “flooded island” – by Christopher Columbus, this is the British Virgin Islands’ only coral island, and rises just eight-metres above sea level at its highest point. The country’s most northerly island, Anegada is known for endless stretches of white sand beaches and the 29-kilometre Horseshoe Reef – one of the largest coral reefs in the Caribbean. Horseshoe Reef makes navigation to Anegada difficult, and has claimed many vessels over the years. Most charter companies prohibit journeys to the island for this reason, and the British Virgin Islands Government has made it illegal to anchor on the reef. But, one dive centre, We Be Divin’ has recently been granted exclusive access to Horseshoe Reef, allowing divers to witness the many kaleidoscopic mazes, tunnels, and outcrops where nurse sharks, rays, and turtles can be found. You’ll also see schools of tropical fish, barracuda, and huge groupers.  

Wreck diving in the British Virgin Islands

While the British Virgin Islands may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wreck diving, to those in the know, this destination is home to several must-see shipwrecks – alongside plenty more little-known vessels. The exposed Chikuzen Wreck and the RMS Rhone are two of the most famous sites on offer, with the latter having starred in the 1977 adventure film, The Deep. A recently scuttled US Navy vessel now known as the Kodiak Queen, one of only five ships to have survived the Pearl Harbour attack, is fast becoming another favourite.