General
With little desire for mass tourism, the BVI has remained an escape from the bustling souvenir shops and glittery nightlife associated with many Caribbean islands. The BVI has miles of serene beaches, and is considered one of the best sailing locations in the world. The crystal clear blue waters also provide a perfect setting for unparalleled diving, snorkeling, kayaking and a myriad of other adventures.
Located only 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, and right next to the US Virgin Islands St John and St Thomas,the British Virgin Islands are very accessible. Tortola is the largest island in the BVI chain and is easily reached by air from San Juan, PR or by ferry from St. Thomas, USVI.
With several flights daily these airlines will get you where you need to go; American, Seaborne, Delta, United, Cape Air, and Liat. The smaller airlines offer connecting flights with many major airlines.
US citizens are required to have a passport. Non-US citizens should check with the appropriate consulate regarding a possible visa. Everyone visiting the BVI must have a return ticket.https://www.bvitourism.com/entry-requirements
Yes, there is a $10 arrival tax for the Environment and Tourism levy. There is also a $50 departure tax which is normally included in ticket price if you leave by air. There is a $20 departure tax by ferry at $15 for residents.
With average 80 degree water temperatures, every month offers incredible diving in the BVI. The trade winds offer spectacular, consistent sailing conditions throughout the entire year.
Yes, in service industries such as restaurants, bars, diving operations and yacht charters, a 15%-20% gratuity is appreciated.
No. Products and services are not taxed in the British Virgin Islands. What you see is what you pay.
Diving
The British Virgin Islands have some of the most popular wreck diving in the Caribbean. Discover the history and hidden secrets of wrecks like the famous R.M.S. Rhone, the Beata, the Marie L., and the Pat. Crystal blue waters and spectacular corals highlight graceful creatures such as sea turtles, rays, barracuda, and even sharks, making this a perfect dive location for every skill level.
Yes we have a full line of well maintained, Aqualung scuba equipment available for rent. There is no equipment rental fee charged to divers who are diving from our dive boats or on dive packages.
The water temperature ranges from 78° in the winter months to 84° in the summer months. We recommend (and provide) a short, 4mm wetsuit if you tend to get cold during a dive.
Bring any personal equipment that you are comfortable using. Our dive boats are equipped with quality masks, fins and snorkels. We use 80 cubic ft. aluminum scuba tanks and provide BCDs with integrated weights. We will have spare scuba equipment onboard at no additional cost. If you do not wish to bring your own equipment, please let our office know what you will need before your trip so we can have the right sizes available.
We welcome photographers and videographers. Our large dive boats are equipped with a fresh water rinse bucket and double tiered camera table that has enough room to store camera cases.
Absolutely! As a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Dive Center & Resort we offer a full range of training and certification courses, including all professional levels. Please make arrangements before your vacation so that all of the necessary paperwork can be completed.
There is a chamber located nearby on St. Thomas, USVI and in San Juan, PR.
Many visitors to the British Virgin Islands are here for the sailing experience. As sailors may not wish to sail back to port to meet a dive boat, we bring the dive boat to your sailing vessel. You can contact us by phone or email to make arrangements. We pick you up, take you diving and deliver you back to your boat.
We most frequently meet our divers at Cooper Island at the middle dock next to our dive shop in the Cooper Island Beach Club Resort. We also commonly pickup from both Peter and Norman Island.
Diving is always dependent on weather and conditions at hand. However, depending on your pickup location and what has been requested on your trip some sites are more common than others.
As seen on our Dive Sites page Ginger Steps, Thumb Rock, the R.M.S. Rhone, Wreck Alley, Painted Walls, Rainbow Canyons, & Santa Monica Rock are common dive sites.
Let us know what you would like to see (sharks, shipwrecks, pinnacles, etc.) we can cater dives to those requests.
To confirm your reservation please submit our SCD Deposit Form & Boat Liability form with copies of certification cards attached. If email is not available, feel free to Whatsapp us.
Rental FAQ
Do you deliver rental equipment to my boat?
Yes! SUPs, kayaks, and scuba equipment can be delivered directly to your charter boat.
For scuba rentals, all divers must be present for an equipment briefing at delivery, and SCD must verify a valid certification card for every diver before equipment is released
Can I rent scuba equipment?
Yes. Scuba equipment is available exclusively to certified divers. We deliver scuba rentals directly to your charter boat, making it easy to get ready for your diving adventure. Please be advised that tanks may only be rented out at a ratio of 2 tanks to each certified diver.
All divers must be present for an equipment briefing at delivery, and SCD must verify a valid certification card for every diver before equipment is released.
How do I reserve rental equipment?
Choose your equipment, complete the rental reservation form, and email it back to info@sailcaribbeandivers.com please make sure to attach copies of certification cards. A 50% deposit with either a mastercard or visa is required to secure your booking.
Do I need to rent scuba equipment for a rendezvous dive?
No, you do not need to rent SCUBA equipment if you are going on a rendezvous dive with us. All gear is included when you rendezvous dive with us, you only need to rent equipment if you would like to dive independently from your boat.
What happens if equipment is lost or damaged?
Renters are responsible for equipment while it is in their custody. Lost or damaged equipment will be charged at SCD’s established broken/lost fees which are attached to every rental booking form.
Where do I pick up my rental equipment?
Most rental equipment is collected from our SCD retail store. SUPs, kayaks, and scuba equipment are exceptions, as these can be delivered to your charter boat.
Where Do You Deliver?
We deliver rental scuba equipment to many of the BVI’s major charter operators, including:
- Dream Yacht Charters
- BVI Yacht Charters
- Catamaran Company (CATCO)
- The Moorings
- Sunsail
- Conch Charters
- TMM
- Village Cay
If your charter company or marina isn’t listed, please contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss your delivery options.
Where can I refill SCUBA tanks?
There are air-fill stations throughout the BVI, making it easy to refill tanks during your charter. SCD can also provide information about local fill stations
Fishing FAQ
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anyone 18 or older fishing in the BVI must have a valid recreational fishing license. We recommend applying well in advance, as permits can take up to 10 business days to process.
What fishing equipment can I use?
Fishing must be conducted using rod, reel, line, and fishing hooks only. SCD offers fishing and trolling rods with tackle, plus optional rod holders and gaffs.
Where do I pick up my fishing equipment?
Fishing equipment is available for pickup at the SCD retail store. Please have your required fishing permit ready when collecting your equipment.
Is spearfishing allowed?
No. Spearfishing is strictly prohibited under this license. Fishing must be conducted using a rod, reel, line, and fishing hooks only.
Please do not attempt to spearfish. Violations can result in significant fines and penalties.
What can I NOT catch or keep?
You may not take snapper or other bottom-dwelling fish, lobster, turtles, conch, whelks, sharks, or rays.
Can I fish for billfish?
Yes, but catch-and-release only. This includes Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, and similar species.
How much fish can I keep?
A maximum of 30 lbs of fish per boat may be caught or kept.
Where can I fish?
The following fishing map indicates where you are allowed to fish. Please not we have multiple marine protected areas in the BVI and adjust your plans accordingly.
Scuba Rental FAQ
Scuba equipment can only be rented to certified divers. A valid certification card is required for each package, tank, or set of equipment rented.
Certification must be verified before rental delivery.
You may email a photo of your certification card with your rental form. Please note that SCD is unable to research BSAC, SSI, or CMAS certifications.
No. Equipment is included for guests booked on rendezvous dives or training dives.
If you plan to dive independently from your own boat, you will need to complete a separate rental form.
There are air-fill stations throughout the BVI, making it easy to refill tanks during your charter. SCD can also provide information about local fill stations
Please protect your regulator.
Dust caps must remain securely in place on regulators whenever they are not connected to a tank. All regulators must be returned with their dust caps properly installed.
Failure to use the dust cap can allow water or debris to enter the regulator and may require servicing. Any servicing required due to improper dust-cap use will be charged to the renter
We deliver rental scuba equipment to many of the BVI’s major charter operators, including:
- Dream Yacht Charters
- BVI Yacht Charters
- Catamaran Company (CATCO)
- The Moorings
- Sunsail
- Conch Charters
- TMM
- Village Cay
If your charter company or marina isn’t listed, please contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss your delivery options.