Diving in Salt Island & Cooper Island

Explore 36 dive sites in Salt Island & Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Salt Island & Cooper Island

The warmest water temperatures in Salt Island & Cooper Island occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • February: 27.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • March: 27.1°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • April: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • May: 27.1°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • June: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.1°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • August: 27.1°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • September: 27.1°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • October: 27.1°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • November: 27.1°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • December: 27.1°C (air: 26.3°C)

Marine Life in Salt Island & Cooper Island

Home to 504 recorded species including 410 reef fish, 39 hard corals, 13 sharks & rays, 9 other, 7 whales & dolphins, 6 seagrass & algae.

Dive Site Difficulty in Salt Island & Cooper Island

Salt Island & Cooper Island has 1 beginner, 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Salt Island & Cooper Island

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Salt Island & Cooper Island

  • Wreck of the Rhone - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • West Dog Island - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • The Dogs - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Little Jost Van Dyke - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Norman Island - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • North Sound - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Anegada Island - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Cane Garden Bay - Habitat Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Guana Island PA - Fisheries Protected (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cooper Island - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Ginger Island - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Cockroach Island - Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mosquito Island - Habitat Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Peter Island - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • The Seal Dogs - Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Dead Chest Island - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Sandy Cay - Habitat Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Horseshoe Reef - Fisheries Protected (IUCN Category IV)
  • Diamond Cay, Jost van Dyke - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Broken Jerusalem - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)
  • East Seal Dog - Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Beef Island - Fisheries Protected (IUCN Category IV)
  • Smugglers Cove - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Great Thatch - National Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Beef Island - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Frenchmans Cay - Fisheries Protected (IUCN Category IV)
  • Green Cay - Habitat Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Anegada south west - Fisheries Protected (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ginger Island - Fisheries Protected (IUCN Category IV)
  • Great Harbour - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Great Thatch - Managed Resource (IUCN Category II)
  • Sopers Hole - Fisheries Protected (IUCN Category IV)
  • Virgin Gorda - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category II)
  • Great Thatch - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Virgin Gorda - Marine Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Virgin Gorda South - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Sandy Spit - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)
  • Thomas George Bay - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Shark Bay - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Anegada west - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Green Cay, Sandy Cay, Sandy Spit - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Tobagos - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Lee Bay - Managed Resource (IUCN Category VI)
  • Long Bay - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • The Indians - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Virgin Gorda north - Fisheries Protected (IUCN Category IV)
  • Norman Island - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Tortola - Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Watsons Rock - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • RMS Rhone anchor - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Scrub Island - Landscape/Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Virgin Gorda - Fisheries Protected (IUCN Category V)

Getting to Salt Island & Cooper Island - Nearest Airports

  • Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), Beef Island - 8 km away, approx 24 min travel time
  • Cyril E. King Airport (STT), Charlotte Amalie - 43 km away, approx 62 min travel time
  • Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), San Juan - 151 km away, approx 180 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving conditions like around Salt Island and Cooper Island, including visibility and currents?
Divers exploring Salt Island and Cooper Island can expect consistently warm water temperatures, averaging around 27.06°C. While specific visibility and current data are not provided in our current context, the British Virgin Islands are renowned for their excellent diving conditions. This makes the area ideal for exploring its numerous reefs and wrecks.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when exploring the dive sites near Salt Island and Cooper Island?
The Salt Island and Cooper Island sub-region is home to 28 dive sites, including vibrant reefs and walls like Diamond Reef and Spyglass Wall, as well as numerous wrecks. While specific marine life species are not detailed in our current data, these diverse habitats typically host a rich array of Caribbean fish and invertebrates. Divers interested in learning more about common species can visit our wildlife database.
What are considered the best dive sites around Salt Island and Cooper Island, and what makes them popular?
The Salt Island and Cooper Island area is famously known as home to the legendary RMS Rhone wreck, a must-dive site for many. Beyond the Rhone, popular sites include the intermediate-level Willy T (Wreck) and diverse reef dives such as The Indians and Alice in Wonderland, BVI. These sites offer a variety of captivating underwater experiences.
Are the dive sites in the Salt Island and Cooper Island region suitable for all experience levels, from beginner snorkelers to advanced divers?
The majority of the 28 dive sites around Salt Island and Cooper Island are suitable for intermediate divers, including famous wrecks like the Wreck of the RMS Rhone. For those new to diving, the RMS Rhone Bow offers a beginner-level wreck experience. While specific snorkeling information isn't provided, the region's clear waters and shallow reefs often make it appealing for surface exploration.
How do divers typically get to Salt Island and Cooper Island for diving excursions?
Divers typically access the dive sites around Salt Island and Cooper Island through one of the 3 local dive centres. These centres usually provide boat excursions to the various sites, including the renowned RMS Rhone wreck and surrounding reefs. This ensures convenient access to all the sub-region's underwater attractions.
What are the best times of year to dive Salt Island and Cooper Island, considering seasonal weather and sea conditions?
The waters around Salt Island and Cooper Island maintain a consistently warm temperature of approximately 27.06°C across the listed best months. While specific named months for optimal diving conditions are not detailed in our current data, this consistent warmth suggests comfortable diving year-round. For more detailed seasonal information, consult our When to Dive guide.
What is the depth and accessibility of the RMS Rhone shipwreck near Salt Island, and what can divers expect to explore there?
The legendary RMS Rhone shipwreck is a highlight for divers in the Salt Island and Cooper Island area. While specific depths are not provided, different sections cater to varying skill levels, with the RMS Rhone Bow suitable for beginners and the RMS Rhone Stern for intermediate divers. Divers can explore its well-preserved remains, which are rich in history and marine life.
Beyond the RMS Rhone, what other notable wreck or reef dive sites are there near Cooper Island, and what are their characteristics?
Beyond the iconic RMS Rhone, the Salt Island and Cooper Island region offers a wealth of other notable dive sites. Wreck enthusiasts can explore the intermediate-level Willy T (Wreck) and ISLAND SEA, while reef divers will enjoy sites like the intermediate Diamond Reef, Spyglass Wall, and The Indians. These sites showcase the diverse underwater landscapes of the British Virgin Islands.