Carval Rock - Salt Island & Cooper Island

Flintstones is our pick when we're around Virgin Gorda and fancy something a bit different. It’s a jumble of massive boulders, like a giant spilled a bag of rocks, and we love drifting through the natural swim-throughs and around the formations. You’re never really deep, maybe 19 metres at most, but the action is all about those nooks and crannies. Bring a good torch, because every overhang and small cave could hold a Green Finger Sponge or a shy Onestripe Eel. We often spot Eyed Flounder perfectly camouflaged on the sand patches between the rocks, and there are always plenty of Sharpnose Pufferfish darting about. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; we’ve found American Crested Pipefish tucked away in the weed. Visibility averages 12 metres, which is decent enough to appreciate the scale of the rocks as you glide past. This site is excellent for divers who enjoy exploring structure and have an eye for the smaller, more unusual reef residents.

Location
Salt Island & Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.372200, -64.489000
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Marine Protected Area: Ginger Island

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Salt Island & Cooper Island

Nearest Dive Centres to Carval Rock

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Carval Rock

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Carval Rock?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at Carval Rock is 21 meters. Divers can explore the exposed rock face and surrounding boulders within this depth range. This depth makes it accessible for a variety of certified divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Carval Rock?
Divers at Carval Rock can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life around its large exposed rock face and surrounding boulders. This site is a favorite for schooling sennet and often visited by larger pelagics such as reef sharks, barracuda, and mackerel, with Caribbean Reef Sharks frequently sighted. Keep an eye out for schools of Bermuda Chub, Creole Wrasse, Black Durgeons, and Sergeant Majors, alongside many other kinds of reef fish.
Is Carval Rock considered a difficult dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended given the varying descriptions?
Carval Rock is considered an intermediate difficulty dive site. Given its exposure to current flows, divers should have experience managing currents. This level of experience ensures a safe and enjoyable exploration of the site's rich marine environment.
What is the best time of year or specific conditions to dive at Carval Rock for an optimal experience?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" or particular conditions for an optimal experience at Carval Rock. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 18 meters at this site. For general information on dive conditions, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What are the typical current and water conditions divers might encounter at Carval Rock, and how do they vary?
Carval Rock is notably open to current flows, meaning divers should anticipate encountering varying current conditions. The site's exposed location between Ginger and Cooper islands contributes to these dynamic water movements. Despite the currents, divers can typically expect good visibility, averaging around 18 meters.
What scuba diving certifications are generally recommended or required for diving at Carval Rock?
Given that Carval Rock is rated as an intermediate dive site with a maximum depth of 21 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended. This ensures divers are comfortable with potential currents and the depth. Divers should also be proficient in buoyancy control and navigation.