7-day BVI Scuba Diving Itinerary | 2026-2027
Discover the Top Dive Sites in the British Virgin Islands on this 7-Day Scuba ItineraryÂ
Day 1: The Indians | Day 2: Santa Monica Rock | Day 3: Wreck of the Rhone | Day 4: Paul's Grotto | Day 5: Times Square and Grand Central Station | Day 6: Shark Alley | Diving Tips
Scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands is a great way to explore all the wrecks and reefs this archipelago has to offer. During your charter on board a luxury crewed catamaran or motor yacht, you have the option of visiting popular dive sites such as the Wreck of the Rhone or The Indians. Many of our yachts will have diving equipment on board; however, if it is not available, you can schedule rendezvous diving, in which a dive master will meet you at the dive site with the proper equipment.
From over 20 years of firsthand sailing experience, the Boatbookings team has compiled a list of the top dive sites in the BVI, so you can come face to face with sea turtles, eels, and stingrays. Experience the freedom of breathing underwater as an eagle ray passes below you, its spots shimmering in the crystal-clear waters. Working closely with one of our charter experts, the best dive sites will be woven into your itinerary for a custom journey you can look forward to each year.
Map of the Top Dive Sites in the BVI
Day 1: Norman Island, The Indians
Enjoy an easy sail from Tortola to Norman Island and arrive at your first dive spot: The Indians, where four rock pinnacles rise out of the Caribbean, resembling an Indian headdress.
With a maximum depth of 15 meters, it is widely considered the region’s best shallow dive. The gentle current makes it ideal for families, allowing divers of all ages and confidence levels to comfortably explore the naturally formed tunnels. A vibrant ecosystem awaits with a kaleidoscope of colorful fish and corals to glide through.
Day 2: Norman Island, Santa Monica Rock
Just off the southern point of Norman Island lies Santa Monica Rock. Near the top of the pinnacle, small fish meander through fire corals and gorgonians, and spotted eagle rays glide regally through the waters.
Due to varying currents and weather conditions, the dive is considered intermediate to advanced, with depths ranging from 6 to 30+ meters. A 25-foot drop will take you to a sandy bottom where horse-eye jacks, barracuda, and eels can be found. This is a great opportunity to capture photos with an underwater camera that many of our top BVI yachts provide.
Day 3: Salt Island, Wreck of the Rhone
Explore the fascinating time capsule of the Wreck of the Rhone on day 3 of your dive itinerary. Over a century ago, a Royal Mail Ship was hit by a devastating storm and sunk. Today, it remains perfectly preserved and now serves as one of the top dive sites in the BVI.
The ship sits at depths ranging from 5 to 24 meters, depending on which end you are at, and is considered an intermediate dive. It is recommended to explore the site in 2 dives, to have enough time to witness all it has to offer. Watch as nature slowly engulfs more of the ship in a spectrum of colored corals, playful fish, and lurking eels. Â
Just off Ginger Island lies Paul’s Grotto, a captivating dive site where you can observe sea urchins, parrot fish, and moon jellyfish.
The grotto lies just a few meters below the surface, making it a shallow, intermediate dive. A series of caves and hills sit below the water and lure guests with a wealth of species of fish that dart between corals. Night dives are also available, offering a rare perspective of nocturnal marine life.
Day 5: Guana Island, Times Square and Grand Central Station
Continue your diving exploration and head to Guana Island for a two-tank, intermediate dive at Times Square and Grand Central Station.
Times Square is a large boulder whose base lies at 18 meters, with smaller boulders that sit as deep as 25 meters. Its size has allowed a large variety of species to call it home. Divers will find everything from tarpon to the occasional nurse shark in its long caverns.
Grand Central Station is an advanced 25-meter dive, but an exceptional one for those who want to explore this underwater cavern system. Enter the tunnel at 25 meters and swim through the narrow passages of the island before exiting near the surface for your safety stop. Be sure to look out for many species, including lobster, octopus, and goliath grouper.
Day 6: Jost Van Dyke, Shark AlleyÂ
A short sail from White Bay will place you in the heart of Shark Alley, the best spot to watch nurse sharks glide gracefully by. Sink below the surface for an intermediate dive and come face to face with these majestic creatures while floating weightlessly in the open water.Â
Boatbookings' Tips for a Successful Dive in the BVI
1- Only dive at your own comfortable depths.Â
2 - Bring a hard copy of your diving certifications with you.Â
3 - Request an instructor for the first dive if you feel out of practice
4 - Book your dives in advance.
5 - Tell your instructor if you do not feel comfortable at any point during the dive.
6 - If you do not have a PADI certification, know the equivalent PADI level to your certification.Â
7 - Don't dive before or directly after a flight.Â
8 - If you have any medical condition, including recent surgery, don't take any risks and follow medical advice!Â
Other Charter Destinations: The Windward Islands | Antigua | British Virgin Islands | Grenada | Guadeloupe | Martinique |Â St Barths | Anguilla | St Martin/Maarten | St Lucia | St Vincent and the Grenadines | US Virgin Islands
