Caribbean · British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
The RMS Rhone and 60 islands to sail between.
Destination snapshot
Best time
November–May
Water temp
79–84°F
Visibility
60–100 ft
Skill level
Beginner to advanced
Flight time (US)
~3 hrs (Miami)
Currency
US Dollar
Great for
Sailing · Wrecks
Avg cost
$$$
Why visit
Sailing central of the Caribbean, with the most famous wreck dive north of the equator.
Tortola or Virgin Gorda for hotels; a catamaran for the full experience. Half your dives are wall/reef; the other half are the Rhone and its neighbors.
Best dive sites
- RMS Rhone
- The Chikuzen
- The Indians
- Painted Walls
- Blonde Rock
Best snorkeling spots
- The Baths
- Devil's Bay
- Loblolly Bay
What you may see underwater
Best time to visit
November–May for the calmest sailing
Interesting fact
The wreck of the RMS Rhone, sunk by a hurricane in 1867, is one of the Caribbean's most storied dives and a starring location in the film 'The Deep.'
Who this destination is best for
- Sailors
- Groups
- Wreck divers
- Families with older kids
Travel planning
Average budget
$2,400–$5,000 / week
Suggested length
7 nights
Where to stay
Tortola, Virgin Gorda, or a liveaboard yacht
When to go
November–May for the calmest sailing
Frequently asked questions
- Is BVI better for sailing or diving?
- Both — many divers combine a bareboat or crewed catamaran charter with dives on the Rhone, the Chikuzen and the Indians.
- How's the visibility?
- Typically 60–100 ft, best in the calmer months of April through August.
- Do I need an experienced level?
- No — most sites are 40–80 ft with mild current. The Rhone has a shallow bow (30 ft) and a deeper stern for progression.
Ready to dive British Virgin Islands?
Tell us your dates and experience level — we'll match you with the right resort and operator, and handle the details.
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