CAPTAIN ROKOS (ROCUS) - Virgin Gorda & Anegada

The Captain Rokos is a proper old-school wreck, no mucking about. She was a steamship, went down in 1931, and what’s left of her sits in just 5 metres of water, spread out across the seabed. It’s an easy dive, barely a swim really, but fascinating because you’re looking at history. You can trace the outline of her hull, pick out ribs and plating, and the prop shaft is still visible, which we think is pretty cool. Over the decades, the ocean has taken over. We love spotting the resident parrotfish nibbling algae off the metal, and nurse sharks sometimes snooze under the larger sections. Schools of snapper often hold tight to the superstructure. Because it's so shallow, you get fantastic light penetration, making it a great spot for photographers and really long bottom times. It’s a perfect chill-out dive, especially if you’ve had a few days of deeper, more demanding sites. Our favourite time to visit is mid-morning, before any strong thermals might stir up the sand a bit.

Location
Virgin Gorda & Anegada, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.571383, -64.220970
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - CAPTAIN ROKOS (ROCUS)

Year Sunk
1931
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The waters between Virgin Gorda and Anegada in the British Virgin Islands are home to the historic remains of the Captain Rokos, a steamship that went down on February 20, 1931. Having rested on the seabed for nearly a century, this wreck is a true time capsule, offering a glimpse into the maritime world of the early 20th century. Its shallow grave at only 5 meters makes it an easily accessible site for divers and snorkelers of all levels.

After so many decades underwater, the Captain Rokos has been thoroughly reclaimed by nature. The ship's original structure is now heavily encrusted with a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, transforming the vessel into a spectacular artificial reef. Divers can explore the ship's scattered remains, including its boilers and steam engine components, while being surrounded by the rich marine life that thrives in the BVI's protected waters. It's a dive that beautifully merges history with natural wonder.

Marine Protected Area: Virgin Gorda north

Best Time to Dive in Virgin Gorda & Anegada

The warmest water temperatures in Virgin Gorda & Anegada occur in January, averaging 26.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.8°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • February: 26.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • March: 26.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • April: 26.8°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • May: 26.8°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 26.8°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 26.8°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • August: 26.8°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • September: 26.8°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • October: 26.8°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • November: 26.8°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • December: 26.8°C (air: 26.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Virgin Gorda & Anegada

Nearest Dive Centres to CAPTAIN ROKOS (ROCUS)

Marine Life in Virgin Gorda & Anegada

Home to 462 recorded species including 371 reef fish, 39 hard corals, 11 sharks & rays, 9 other, 6 seagrass & algae, 6 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CAPTAIN ROKOS (ROCUS)

Based on average water temperature of 26.8°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