Devil’s Kitchen - Salt Island & Cooper Island

Igo Nyoga sits a short boat ride from Kusu Island, offering a gently sloping reef that maxes out around 20 metres. We often find strong currents here, so it’s a drift dive for sure, but that usually means good pelagic action. The real draw is the shallows, absolutely packed with coral, particularly impressive stands of staghorn. Keep an eye out for Blacktip Reef Sharks patrolling the blue, and if you’re lucky, a Bumphead Parrotfish munching on the reef. It’s a lovely site for a relaxed drift, especially if you appreciate dense coral coverage and a chance at some bigger fish.

Location
Salt Island & Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.375100, -64.506300
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 Devil’s Kitchen

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 Devil’s Kitchen

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 for diving at Devil's Kitchen in the BVI?
The typical depth range for diving at Devil's Kitchen in the British Virgin Islands is 20-60 feet (approximately 6-18 meters). The maximum depth recorded for this site is 17 meters. This makes it suitable for divers looking for a varied depth profile.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at Devil's Kitchen in the British Virgin Islands?
At Devil's Kitchen, divers can explore a unique "swiss cheese reef" formation that leads into a punchbowl, along with numerous hidey holes and overhangs. These formations provide shelter for a variety of marine life, including octopus, lobsters, french grunts, large snappers, and lionfish. Keep an eye out for grunts and snappers around boulders, and lobsters, lionfish, and octopus tucked away in the hidey holes.
How challenging is the Devil's Kitchen dive site in the BVI, and what level of experience is recommended?
The Devil's Kitchen dive site in the British Virgin Islands is rated as intermediate in difficulty. While the description mentions it can be enjoyed by divers of all levels, an intermediate level of experience is officially recommended. This suggests that while some aspects might be accessible, certain conditions or features may require more advanced skills.
When is the best time of year to dive Devil's Kitchen in the BVI for ideal weather and water conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Devil's Kitchen for ideal weather and water conditions. For general information on optimal diving seasons in the British Virgin Islands, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive Devil's Kitchen in the BVI?
The provided information does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications recommended or required to dive Devil's Kitchen. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 17 meters, a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would generally be sufficient. However, always confirm specific requirements with your chosen dive operator in the British Virgin Islands.
What are the typical current and swell conditions like at the Devil's Kitchen dive site in the BVI?
The available data does not provide specific details regarding the typical current and swell conditions at the Devil's Kitchen dive site. Divers should always consult with local dive operators in the British Virgin Islands for up-to-date information on daily conditions before planning their dive.