BVI Trip

[JillianAnnO]

Hubby and I are headed to Tortola to island hop with 2 other couples. Any suggestions on where to stop to dive?

[diversteve]

Most of the better divesites are off the smaller islands. Some of my favorites:

Norman Island - The Indians
Cooper Island - Thumb Rock
Ginger Island - Ginger Steps & Ginger Backside
Peter Island - Carrot Shoals

the Dogs:
Great Dog Island - Coral Gardens (small plane wreck), The Chimney
Seal Dog Island - Seal Dog Rock is just a small pinnacle out in the middle - It's the Caribbean on one side, Atlantic on the other. Not epic visibility but you may see some big stuff feeding off there. We had barracuda and big silver fish (Smook?) come in and hit a baitball while we were inside it.
George Dog Island - The Ledges

The Rhone is the classic wreck in that area. It's off Salt Island. 2 dives to do both ends. If you're on your own boat, move to the other mooring between dives. Otherwise it's a fairly long swim to the stern. The front is where they filmed "The Deep". You can swim through the front half safely. Don't go on Friday though, several diveops make the run over from St. Thomas and it's a parking lot.

Although I liked the back half better, more preserved with more interesting mechanicals. Portholes, a huge driveshaft and the prop must be 20' tall. You can swim between it and the rudder. As you're going along one side, there's a porthole that's still intact. That's the cabin of the only civilian who survived the wreck.

If you're chartering a sailboat, several diveops on Tortola or DiveBVI on Virgin Gorda do "rendezvous diving". Set it up in advance and they'll come out with tanks and escort your dive.

[Birdy]

Ditto on Dive BVI--dove with them in Virgina Gorda last Sept. Top notch operation--great DM's and nice boats. Also, Dove with Capt. Colin with Jost Van Dyke Scuba ( my wife and I did our open water check out dives with Colin) Check out these galleries for pics of the Indians, Dogs, The Chimney and Rhone . All great dives . Have a great time Ted
honeymoon2 : photos : BVI JVD Scuba White Bay Reef, Cathedral with JVD Scuba- powered by SmugMug

[rye_a]

Sounds like the others have the diving covered for you, now the surface intervals not to miss:

Foxys on Jost Van Dyke - just get there early to get a good spot for anchorage

Bitter End Yacht Club - Worth the expensive mooring ball

The last Resort for dinner - Just off Beef Island

Anchor on the back (east) side of Peter island and use the resort's facilities. You can enjoy the amenities of an $800/night resort for the price of a cocktail

Have fun and drink a painkiller (or 10) for me!

[dutch]

I used to work in the area for a few years and the recommendations already made are good. I will add these...
...If you get the chance, dive the south corner of Brewers Bay. The big silver fish from the earlier post, a tarpon, will be found here in abundance.
...Blue Water Divers of Nanny Cay, Tortola is another great op.
...Take a walk down Main Street in Road Town in the morning and when you smell the Banana Bread, hang a sharp left and buy yourself some. You will thank me and curse me in the samd breath because you will eat way too much of it.
...Oh, try Anegada for the BBQ lobster

[rfb3]

Just got back Saturday from a bare boat trip. Will you have your own boat?
I used Blue Water Divers of Nanny Cay for my tank rental.
The angel fish and sea fans were some of the largest I've ever seen!
Also, gotta go to Little Harbor on JVD, and hit Syndeys Peace and Love for lobster! $45

[rfb3]

Oh, by the way, I'd take at least a 3/2. I took my skin and nearly froze! And we weren't diving that much (circa 1 per day)...

[Masterchief]

Anyone Stayed On Long Island Beach Resort, Were You Happy With The Rooms, For My Wife, Lol. And The To The Diving, Alot Of The Sites That Have Been Mentioned I Have Heard Were Good.

[longtailbda]

If you are talking about long bay beach resort; my wife and love it. Try not to stay on the beach the views and breezes are blocked we usually stay in the deluxe hillside units for the views. The only other advise I can give is be prepared to leave the resort, for the best, meals depending on the season your traveling. Breakfast however are very good.

[Rileybri]

Some very good info in the thread!!! Very good info indeed. I would like to add the following....

As per the bandanna bread, I could not agree more! But i will add that if you have the will power (not to scarf it all down right then and there) and the means, make French toast out of it for breakfast!! There is nothing better than fresh banana bread French toast. JMTC

If you go out to the Indians (great sea life dive, I have only snorkeled it but wish I had scuba) stop on Normand Island for lunch at the beach bar and get the Jerked Chicken salad wrap!!!! Its out of this world.

Hit up the Soggy Dollar Bar at least once, its a not to miss spot.

The William Thornton can be fun for a visit. I don't think they let you walk the plank any more or jump from the masts any longer though.

Pain Killers, Pain Killers, Pain Killers!!!!

You will get funny looks if you ask for Bacardi! Cruzian rum it the spirit of choice where you will be.

lastly, if you happen to be in the BVI during a full moon, well don't be surprised if the freaks come out to play at night as they LOVE there psychedelic mushrooms there, and have regular full moon parties....

Have fun,

BTD