THE R.M.S. RHONE:
The R.M.S. Rhone lies off Salt Island in three distinct sections. The Rhone, a 310 twin-masted steamer, is regarded as a classic by wreck divers. She lies in 30 ft-9 ft of water. Marine life is abundant, particularly inside the hollow bow structure. Within the bow structure is a cave like area, transforming day into night as you enter, a safe exit always visible.
PELICAN:
Pelican off of Norman Island has giant brain corals and canyons with a maximum depth of 60 ft. Nurse Sharks are often found sleeping in the cracks and crevices around the canyons while a Sand Eel colony resides on the sandy bottom.
ANGEL FISH REEF:
Angel Fish Reef off Norman Island has shallow canyons rising to the surface. A rock and coral bottom with a grassy bed borders the reef. This site is a crossroads for species from different habitats. Nudibranchs, Blennies, Jawfish, Soldierfish and an assortment of Angelfish are common sights.
PAINTED WALLS:
Painted Walls at Dead Chest Island is a five-fingered canyon, covered in colorful sponges and soft corals. This shallow site is a joyful vision as the light plays through its arches and crevices. Well-camouflaged frogfish live here while squid patrol the area daily. Being inside the cave is like diving into a box of fruit loops, with colors of the soft corals like a painter’s palette.
THE INDIANS:
The Indians, located just off Norman Island, are three cone-shaped rock formations rising from 30 ft below to 30 ft above the water. This is a great site for macro photography! Shallow pools on the rocks eastern side fill with Silversides during the summer, inviting a feeding frenzy of Rays, Barracudas, Groupers, Boobies and Pelicans.
BRONCO BILLY:
Bronco Billy's at the Dogs was named by Jacque Cousteau. It was his favorite dive site in the British Virgin Islands. High arches and deep cutting canyons create a maze for exploration. The elusive Clingfish can be spotted here.
THE CHIMNEY:
The Chimney at the Dogs. From a depth of 25 ft you swim between two large boulders, forming an arch, which narrows to a depth of 50 ft leading. The Chimney offers a view of colorful soft corals where Banded Coral shrimp and Spiny lobsters are always found.
THE MARIE L AND BLUE CHROMIS REEF:
The Marie L and Blue Chromis Reef at Cooper Island is a scuttled 90 ft freighter lying upon the edge of a sand bar. Small sharks patrol a mass of iridescent blue chromis. Visibility exceeds 90 ft and Grass Eel colonies blanket the sandy bottom surrounding the wreck.
For information on Discover SCUBA courses and open water completion courses go to www.bluewaterdiversbvi.com or
Email: bwdbvi@surfbvi.com Phone: 1 284 494 2847
