Q2-Spring-2016_Alert-Diver

SPRING 2016

HOW TO DIVE IT

CONDITIONS

Diving can be done year round; the water

temperature averages 78°F in winter and 82°F

in summer. I recommend a dive skin or a 3mm

wetsuit during the summer and a 3mm-5mm

wetsuit in the winter.

All diving is by boat. There are numerous

sheltered dive sites throughout the year, but

more are typically available in the summer when

the trade winds are lighter and the Atlantic swells

are smaller. Diving depths range from 10 feet to

120 feet, with visibility ranging from 30 feet to

more than 100 feet. In the summer, occasional

plankton blooms can reduce visibility. Currents

can range from nonexistent to strong, depending

on the site.

GETTING THERE

The BVI are about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico and

are easy to reach via Puerto Rico or St. Thomas, U.S.

Virgin Islands. Fly directly to Beef Island, Tortola

(EIS), or fly to St. Thomas (STT) and then take an

hourlong ferry ride to Tortola. Remember to bring

your passport. From Tortola, the other islands can be

accessed via ferry or charter flight, which adds an

island-hopping charm to the adventure.

TOPSIDE ACTIVITIES

Sailing among the islands is the BVI’s No. 1

attraction. Charter a sailboat, or head out on a day

sailing adventure.

Island hop by ferry, and discover the islands

by rental car or tour bus. Discovering the islands’

countless scenic overlooks is its own adventure

— you will be rewarded by stunning vistas of the

other islands and the endless sea.

Take a ferry to Virgin Gorda, and rent a car or

catch a taxi to The Baths. Go later in the afternoon

to avoid the masses of cruise ship guests. Enjoy

the light hiking and wading through water; it’s

beautiful every step of the way.

Take a day trip to the BVI’s only coral island,

Anegada, and enjoy its stunning beaches and

delicious grilled lobster.

For more information, go to

bvitourism.com.

Tortola

Jost Van

Dyke

Virgin

Gorda

Peter

Island

Norman

Island

Dog

Islands

Cooper

Island

Salt

Island

1. RMS

Rhone

2. Blonde Rock

3. Shark Point

4. Painted Walls

5. Chimney Rock

6. Wreck Alley

7. The Baths

[

Below:

Deadman’s

Beach, Peter

Island

Opposite:

Squirrelfish,

French grunts

and goatfishes

hide from the

currents on

the

Rhone