The Caribbean Sea surrounding the British Virgin Islands is spectacular and Tortola is no exception. The clear blue water makes Tortola scuba diving a can’t miss activity while staying on-island. A simple certification is all that is needed to begin Tortola scuba diving through sunken shipwrecks and coral reefs, all skill levels and comfort are representing by Tortola scuba dive operators. Most Tortola scuba trips can be organized with one of these organizations, they can generally coordinate day trips, charter boats and equipment rental. Baskin’ in the Sun is one of the most respected Tortola scuba companies on the island.

Many of the chartered Tortola scuba trips will lead to many of the same spots, though there are a few that cannot be missed. Astounding coral formations and an abundance of tropical fish call the Blonde Rock and Painted Walls (Tortola scuba south of the Island) their home. All Tortola scuba enthusiasts must spend a bit of time at the wreck of the RMS Rhone. This British steamer sunk in 1867 and now lays at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea for all Tortola scuba divers to enjoy. It truly is one of the best scuba diving spots in the Caribbean!

Diving:
The British Virgin Islands have over a dozen land-based dive operators.
Some of the best reef and famous wreck diving in the Caribbean is close at hand. Full scale PADI and NAUI certification lessons are available as well as resort courses at the entry level.

Baskin’ in the Sun: Offers a full service with equipment rental and sales.
Phone: 800.233.7938
Fax: 284.494.4303
E-mail: baskindive@aol.com
Internet: www.dive-baskin.com

Snorkeling & Diving:
Tortola offers exceptional close in snorkeling directly off it’s spectacular white sand beaches where snorkelers will see plenty of brilliantly colored parrotfish as well as lots of other marine life.

The diving is well known among scuba divers for the areas colorful coral formations, abundant marine life and wreck diving. Indeed, the nearly translucent waters make for wonderful visibility and the rock formations provide plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

The most popular dive site is the RMS Rhone, a 310-foot royal mail steamer that sank in 1867. Featured in the movie, “The Deep”, the ship’s four parts rest at depths from 15-75 feet. Another favorite dive site are the four caves located at Norman Island, the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

Deep-Sea Fishing:
Vast arrays of big game fish live in the oceans surrounding Tortola.
Several different companies on the island offer guided Tortola fishing excursions with a focus on big game fish like bluefish, shark and wahoo.