Dives off the Sir Francis Drake Channel islands deliver sinkholes and ledges as well as a wide repertoire of caves and canyons. Another feature of the area is some of the finest sponge encrusted walls we have some across in the region. By walls we are referring to the sides of tunnels, the underside of arches and inside caves. The site known as Painted Walls is the most obvious example, but there are many other equally colourful scenes.

Of the Sir Francis Drake Channel dives, the R.M.S. Rhone (see sample dive site 44) tends to dominate the reputation of the B.V.I. but there are several other interesting wrecks, though none as old or with so dramatic a story. However, they are all within the ability level of most divers, so novices or those who have not dived a wreck before can gain some experience of wreck diving.

If you can travel to the area in August you can witness the other great spectacle—coral spawning. See the operator’s section in the book for information about stores that offer special packages to see the spawning. It occurs 1 week after the first full moon in August.

Checkout dive site 44 - RMS Rhone

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