Monkey Point - Salt Island & Cooper Island

Post Office Rock, deep in Fiordland, isn't your average dive. It’s a site that really forces you to slow down and look. We love the dramatic topography, a rocky reef that slopes down to a sand floor around 18 metres, draped in those long, swaying kelp fronds. Visibility can be a bit variable, averaging around 11 metres, but that’s part of the charm here; it adds to the mysterious feel. Keep your eyes peeled for the smaller stuff – we've spotted iridescent Oblique-swimming Triplefins darting between rocks and the unusual Eleven-armed seastars clinging to the walls. The sheer volume of Pintado Petrels and Sooty Shearwaters flying overhead during your surface interval is a show in itself. On the reef, Cowfish drift past, and the Butterfly Perch are almost always present, their colours a striking contrast against the darker rock. Our tip? Go slow, let your eyes adjust to the low light, and really search the nooks and crannies. This isn't a site for chasing big pelagics, though the occasional Rig or even a curious Seven Gill Shark might glide past. Instead, it’s about appreciating the unique Fiordland ecosystem, a truly distinct dive experience that rewards patience and a keen eye. It’s perfect for those who appreciate temperate water marine life and a dive that feels genuinely wild and remote.

Location
Salt Island & Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.463800, -64.570700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Guana Island PA

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 Monkey Point

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 Monkey Point

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 scuba diving at Monkey Point in the British Virgin Islands?
At Monkey Point in the British Virgin Islands, the maximum depth you'll typically encounter is 14 meters (approximately 45 feet). This site is particularly well-suited for snorkelers and divers looking for a shallower experience, with depths often around 20 feet.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Monkey Point?
Divers at Monkey Point can expect to explore a vibrant reef environment. Keep an eye out for a distinctive rock formation resembling a pulpit or podium. The site is also home to diverse marine life, including stingrays, nurse sharks, and a variety of colorful fish.
How difficult is the Monkey Point dive site for scuba divers?
The Monkey Point dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. However, it's also known to be accessible for groups with non-divers, suggesting it offers a relatively relaxed and enjoyable experience for certified divers.
What is the best time of year or day to dive at Monkey Point for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive at Monkey Point for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving seasons in the British Virgin Islands, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What level of scuba diving certification is recommended or required to dive at Monkey Point?
Given that Monkey Point has an intermediate difficulty rating and a maximum depth of 14 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is generally recommended and sufficient. This site is also suitable for groups including snorkelers, indicating its accessibility.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Monkey Point dive site?
The provided data does not specify the typical currents at Monkey Point. However, divers can generally expect good visibility, with an average of 11 meters, making for clear views of the reef and marine life.