Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - Salt Island & Cooper Island

Batt Reef is one of those spots on the GBR we always recommend to people looking for something a bit different, away from the more trodden paths. You're not going to find massive pelagics tearing through here, but what Batt does, it does brilliantly: intricate reef diving with a focus on corals and the smaller, shyer residents. We love dropping in on the northern side, especially in the late morning when the sun really lights up the shallower sections. The coral formations are what really grab you. Think massive heads of brain coral, delicate branches of staghorn, and those striking yellow scroll corals that seem to glow. Keep an eye out for blue-dash butterflyfish flitting between the branches, and we’ve often spotted the oddly beautiful silver-cheeked toadfish peeking out from under ledges. It’s a photographer's dream for macro shots, particularly if you’re patient enough to find the leopard cones or a well-camouflaged dragonfish. This isn't a drift dive, it's a slow potter, letting the colours and the subtle movements unfold around you. Ideal for divers who prefer to linger and observe rather than chase big encounters.

Location: Salt Island & Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates: 18.289960, -64.706830
Type: reef

Marine Protected Area: Norman 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 Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument

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

Mustard hill coral (Porites astreoides) - Hard Corals
Massive Starlet Coral (Siderastrea siderea) - Hard Corals
Gutong (Sparisoma aurofrenatum) - Reef Fish
Great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa) - Hard Corals
Parrotfish (Thalassoma bifasciatum) - Reef Fish
Finger Coral (Porites porites) - Hard Corals
Blue Doctor (Acanthurus coeruleus) - Reef Fish
Yellowhead Wrasse (Halichoeres garnoti) - Reef Fish
Lettuce Coral (Agaricia agaricites) - Hard Corals
Barber (Acanthurus bahianus) - Reef Fish
Dark Green Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) - Reef Fish
Bicolor Damselfish (Stegastes partitus) - Reef Fish
Gutong (Scarus iseri) - Reef Fish
Sammy Johnson (Scarus taeniopterus) - Reef Fish
French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) - Reef Fish
Longspine Squirrelfish (Holocentrus rufus) - Reef Fish
Butterfly (Chaetodon capistratus) - Reef Fish
Sharpnose Pufferfish (Canthigaster rostrata) - Reef Fish
Blushing Star Coral (Stephanocoenia intersepta) - Hard Corals
Barred Hamlet (Hypoplectrus puella) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument

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