Chromis Reef (middle) - Salt Island & Cooper Island

Grand Bazar is one of those sites we always recommend if you’re staying near Beau Vallon. It’s an easy run out, and while sometimes you get a little current, it's usually manageable, flowing around the coral heads and cleaning the visibility. We love anchoring just off the sand and then drifting over the main reef, dropping to about 17 meters. What really sells Grand Bazar for us are the schools of fusiliers. They drift in the current, forming these shimmering walls, and when a yellow spotted trevally zips through them, the whole school explodes. We’ve had some great encounters with boomerang triggerfish here, often hovering around the open brain corals. Keep an eye out for blennies too, especially the red-streaked variety peeking from small holes. It's a busy reef, lots of parrotfish crunching away, and if you move slowly, you might spot a bluestripe pipefish tucked into the coral. It’s a good spot for a relaxed dive, maybe a long bottom time, just watching the reef do its thing. Definitely one for those who like to take their time and observe the smaller details.

Location
Salt Island & Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.371600, -64.510000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Cooper 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 Chromis Reef (middle)

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 Chromis Reef (middle)

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 diving at Chromis Reef (middle)?
Divers at Chromis Reef (middle) can expect a typical depth range of 20-50 feet (6-15 meters). The maximum recorded depth for this site is 14 meters, making it a shallow and accessible dive suitable for various experience levels.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Chromis Reef (middle)?
Chromis Reef (middle) features beautiful rock formations closer to shore, creating overhangs where fish and lobsters hide. Divers can explore a gentle sloping reef and spot an abundance of reef fish, including many different parrotfishes, schooling tarpon, creole wrasse, sergeant majors, black durgeons, and blue & brown chromis. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
Is Chromis Reef (middle) considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginners?
Chromis Reef (middle) is described as a shallow site perfect for beginner divers and snorkelers. While the general difficulty rating is listed as intermediate, its gentle nature and accessible depth range make it very suitable for those new to diving.
What are the best months or times of year to dive at Chromis Reef (middle) for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or times of year for optimal diving conditions at Chromis Reef (middle). For general information on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Chromis Reef (middle)?
The available information for Chromis Reef (middle) does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required for this site. Given its suitability for beginners, an entry-level certification like Open Water Diver would typically be appropriate to explore this beautiful reef.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Chromis Reef (middle)?
Chromis Reef (middle) boasts excellent visibility, with an average of 18 meters. The data does not explicitly detail the typical current conditions, but its description as a site perfect for beginners suggests generally mild conditions.