Virgin Adventures

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I am the captain and the Tortola weather is good, so we can land you no problem." These comforting words were the beginning of our cockpit commentary just prior to take off with American Eagle in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Looking out the rain-streaked window, we all laughed and cinched our seat belts a little tighter. Our cause for concern was real, as a planeload of passengers coming back from St. Thomas was unloading at our gate-they had just left San Juan, flew to St. Thomas, couldn't land and flew back. Visions of spending the night in San Juan while the tail of the hurricane drifted north were quickly quelled as we touched down at the Beef Island airport amid clearing skies. A dive adventure in the British Virgin Islands was about to begin.

Since Columbus stopped by in 1493 and pirates hid their loot in its caves during the 16th and 17th centuries, the BVI's have held seafarers spellbound by their unspoiled beauty. Divers discovered this Caribbean paradise many years ago and have explored and marked dozens of fascinating dive sites for beginners and advanced scuba divers. Many of the islands are in close proximity to each other making for quick runs to the dive sites from the major islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda. The sheltering effect of the island chain ensures some calm dive sites and anchorages regardless of the season. Water temps average 82-84F degrees with sunny skies and 85F degrees topside. A dive skin or light wetsuit is ideal for these conditions. Currents are not usually strong, but always determine which way it is running when you begin a dive and ask the divemaster for their recommendations. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and bug repellent as you would in any tropical destination.

BVI diving is as easy as falling off the back of the boat. Most sites have a maximum depth of 50-60 feet, so getting too deep isn't even an option. Patch reefs, volcanic boulders, coral gardens, caves and grottoes, and shipwrecks are just some of the varied underwater terrain you'll encounter. Many of the best sites are designated underwater marine parks so the fish life is abundant. You'll see schools of grunts, snappers, and tangs on almost every dive. Several species of angelfish and butterflyfish call these waters home. Lots of lobster, crabs, shrimp, starfish, and moray eels make their homes in the cracks and crevices of these reefs.

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