There’s an amazing underwater world to be discovered just below the surface of sparkling

turquoise waters of the British Virgin Islands. A flourishing paradise teeming with colorful fish

and other abundant sea life, striking multi-colored coral formations, twisted and craggy volcanic

rocks, and a whole armada of shipwrecks, is more effortlessly explored by snorkeling. Exploring

underwater here is particularly intriguing because none of the more than 50 islands are the same.

Each has its own unique charm and attraction. Tortola, the main island ringed by emerald

mountains, is home to Road Town, the original main shipping port of the chain. Virgin Gorda

exhibits the most dramatic natural features from the volcanic explosion that created the BVI.

Anegada is all white sand beaches and coral. And Jost Van Dyke is a quaint, party place. A

number of the BVI are either undeveloped or owned by the rich and famous.

Snorkeling is easy, allowing you slip into the warm water and concentrate on the natural beauty

surrounding you under the surface. There is no heavy gear or special lessons and something the

entire family can enjoy. You can swim from shore or slip over the side of your dinghy to get to

some of the best places. or Whether swimming from shore, slipping over the side of your

dinghy, or simply jumping off the transom of your charter yacht, grab a mask, snorkel and a pair

of fins and explore the underwater world of the BVI. The National Parks Trust of the British

Virgin Islands has made it even easier and more enjoyable through preservation of the reefs and

marine life, with thousands of acres captured in National Parks and other protected

environments.

If you’re new to snorkeling, start your snorkeling experience off Virgin Gorda. The BVI

government has established a self-guided trail to the finest snorkeling spots on Savannah Bay,

where underwater signs describe the species of hard and soft corals, marine plants, and colorful

fish. Starting just off the beach allows someone new to snorkeling to stand at any time they are

uncomfortable.

The Baths on Virgin Gorda

The Baths on Virgin Gorda have become a wildly popular place for splashing about, where you

can snorkel with just a mask and fins to see the colorful parrotfish and peacock flounders

swimming by. As the sea washes between the spectacular massive granite boulders scattered by

ancient volcanic activity, it fills natural pools, pierced by shafts of light, hence the name “the

baths.” Huge numbers of tropical fish live in the tunnels and crevices in the rocks. If you are

feeling adventurous, you can snorkel from the white sandy beach at Devil’s Bay all the way to

the entrance of the Baths.

The Bight on Norman Island

Moving now to Norman Island, the Bight, with a beach that gently drops off, is another really

popular place for snorkeling. The bowl-like shape of the Bight blocks rough waters, and a large

sea grass field is home to ever present sea turtles. You’ll find the best snorkeling at the eastern

end of the harbor, just south of the beach. Once in the water, you can float above sea fans,

sponges, parrotfish, wrasse, elk horn and brain corals. You may also see rays and nurse sharks.

The Caves on Norman Island

Some call the caves on Norman Island the best spot for snorkeling on the BVI. Even though the

calm protected waters here deliver great snorkeling no matter what when the conditions are just

right, the caves offer an exciting underwater adventure. There are two large caves and one small

cave filled with bright orange cup coral and red sponge formations. After a short dinghy ride

from the Bight, you can tie up right nearby. As you swim through, you may find schools of

yellow tails, blue tangs and sergeant majors following you into the cave. Be sure to bring a light

and keep your eye out for buried pirate treasure. Legend has it that Blackbeard stored his

treasure in these caves.

The Indians

Just north of Norman Island, you’ll find the Indians, named for a series of tall, jagged, giant rock

formations. Coral covers a wall that plunges 40 feet to the sea floor. Four cone-shaped rocks rise

from a depth of 40 feet to about 30 feet above the surface. Three of the rocks are adjacent to

each other, while a fourth is across a narrow channel. Sea fans and coral of nearly every color

dot the walls surrounding schools of reef fish and crustaceans.

Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island

Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island, another favorite snorkeling spot in the BVI is named for the

tall Manchioneel trees with poisonous fruit that dot the area among the palms. In spite of this,

the water surrounding the u-shaped reef here, here is crystal clear. Cistern Point with lovely coral

formations, lots of interesting fish and seahorses hidden in the rocky and grass covered

underwater terrain is marked by a dramatic rocky outcropping. Follow the shallow boulders to

patchy coral sloping down where you may spot large tarpon, turtles, eagle rays, damsels, angel

fish, file fish, butterfly fish, schools of blue tang, clownfish, blueheads, butterfly fish, snapper,

parrot fish and grunts, with an occasional octopus.

Buttonwood Bay on Peter Island

Buttonwood Bay on western end of the Great Harbor on Peter Island is a good place for both

beginning and experienced snorkelers. The slope underwater starts at about 20 feet offshore in

eight feet of water, gently slopes to about 18 fees and then drops vertically to about 40 feet.

You’ll discover thousands of small fish swimming about along with variety of corals and huge,

deep purple sea fans.

The Wreck of the RMS Rhone

Even though the Rhone Wreck is world renown as a dive site, it’s also great for snorkeling tool.

The actual hulk of the ship ranges between 20 and 80 feet below the surface is part of the British

Virgin Islands Trust Marine Park including a number of dive sites.

The ship has been resting here since 1867, when it broke in pieces during a hurricane. Three well

preserved sections (divers can still see the silverware!) sit on the sandy bottom. Snorkelers can

see parts of the ship’s decking, rigging, steam engine and propeller, now home to colorful

sponges, flourishing corals, sea fans and tropical fish.

Alice’s Backside on Ginger Island

Snorkelers can enjoy the long coral reef teeming with marine life on the north side of

uninhabited, virtually untouched Ginger Island, where the water is almost always calm

surrounding the huge sand patch dotted with enormous brain coral and mushroom coral heads.

The Dogs, Great Dog Island

At the Dogs, the reef with rock ledges, overhangs, tunnels and grottoes that are home to crabs,

lobsters, and thousands of other reef fish. Covered with sea fans and purple and orange sponges,

it drops from 10 feet down to 60 feet.

The Chimney on Great Dog Island

The Chimney on Great Dog island is made up of very interesting underwater structures featuring

amazing colors and a long reef teeming with schools of fish, spiny lobsters, and crabs.

Monkey Point on Guana Island

The southern tip of the private Guana Island is a beautiful rocky outcrop known, you can swim

behind and watch the sea turtles that make their home here, peacefully glide through the water.

Nearby hundreds of electric blue fish dart about.

Loblolly Bay on Anegada Island

Some believe that snorkeling in Loblolly Bay is must when visiting the BVI. The 18-mile

barrier reef is one of the largest in the Caribbean, with hundreds of coral heads that are home to

thousands of fish in all shapes, sizes and colors. It is also the lobster capital of Caribbean. You

can snorkel directly off the beach, but just be careful, the current can be very strong.

Ready To Plan Your Dream BVI Vacation?

The British Virgin Islands are known for crystal clear water, plethora of sea life, and world class snorkeling. If snorkeling the British Virgin Island is on your to do list and you wish to experience the vacation of a lifetime your travel concierge at LaRoma Yachts is ready to plan your dream vacation sailing the BVI.