Wreck of the RMS Rhone - Salt Island & Cooper Island

The RMS Rhone is a classic for a reason. This British Royal Mail steamship, wrecked by a hurricane in 1867, offers a proper historical dive. We usually start at the stern section, shallow enough at 10m to explore the huge propeller and shaft, then follow the debris field to the deeper bow at 25m. Look for the giant wrenches and those distinctive black-and-white tiles scattered around. Over time, the Rhone has become home to plenty of schooling fish and a good number of moray eels tucked into its iron structure. It's a great wreck for divers who appreciate a bit of history and don’t mind splitting a dive between two distinct sections.

Location
Salt Island & Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.350000, -64.678000
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Frenchmans Cay

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 Wreck of the RMS Rhone

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 Wreck of the RMS Rhone

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 are the typical depths for diving the RMS Rhone shipwreck?
The Wreck of the RMS Rhone offers varying depths, making it accessible to different skill levels. The stern section rests at approximately 35 feet (10m), while the bow section lies deeper at 80 feet (25m). This allows divers to explore different parts of the wreck based on their comfort and certification.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the RMS Rhone wreck site?
Divers exploring the Wreck of the RMS Rhone will encounter a fascinating array of historical artifacts. You can expect to see its massive bronze propeller, a prominent drive shaft, and impressive 100-pound wrenches. Other intriguing finds include black-and-white tiles, silver teaspoons, and various pieces of glass and metal, offering a glimpse into the ship's past.
Is the RMS Rhone considered a difficult dive, and what skill level is recommended?
The RMS Rhone is officially rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. However, its varying depths make it accessible to a wide range of divers. The shallower stern section is suitable for novice divers, while the deeper bow section caters to more advanced divers.
What is the best time of year to dive the RMS Rhone for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the RMS Rhone for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the RMS Rhone?
While specific certifications are not explicitly stated in the provided data, the RMS Rhone is described as accessible to both novice and advanced divers. For the shallower stern section, an Open Water Diver certification would typically suffice. To safely explore the deeper bow section at 80 feet (25m), an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would be highly recommended.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like when diving the RMS Rhone?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current or visibility conditions for diving the RMS Rhone. We recommend checking with local dive operators closer to your planned dive date for the most up-to-date conditions.