Chimney - Virgin Gorda & Anegada

We’ve always had a soft spot for the East End sites in Curaçao, and Golf Course doesn't disappoint. It’s a boat-only affair, which keeps the crowds down, meaning you often get the place to yourselves. You’ll drop anchor in the sand just above the wall, which gently slopes down to around 19 meters. Keep an eye out for the coral nurseries here; they're a good sign the reef is bouncing back. The wall itself is a lovely tapestry of star corals and a surprising number of smaller reef fish. We’ve regularly spotted rusty gobies peeking out from crevices, and the elusive banded basslet often makes an appearance if you’re patient. The visibility here usually sits around 20 meters, giving you plenty of light to appreciate the colours. It’s a relaxed dive, perfect for photographers wanting to take their time with macro shots or anyone just keen to drift and observe. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light on the wall really pops then. Bring your spear if you’re keen on lionfish hunting; they’re often spotted here, and every one removed helps the local ecosystem.

Location
Virgin Gorda & Anegada, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.483100, -64.461500
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: The Dogs

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 Chimney

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 Chimney

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Chimney dive site?
The Chimney dive site offers a maximum depth of 15 meters, making it accessible for a wide range of divers. This depth allows for ample bottom time to explore the incredible colors and unique structures, which are best appreciated with a dive light.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at the Chimney?
Divers at the Chimney can expect to encounter an unusual underwater structure, including a long swimthrough teeming with life. You'll find an abundance of marine species such as red-banded coral shrimp, various eels, and numerous reef fish. For more details on marine life, explore our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Chimney dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Chimney dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it's a popular and rewarding dive, its intermediate rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Beginners should consider gaining more experience before exploring this unique site.
What is the best time of year to dive at the Chimney for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Chimney is not provided in the current data context. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
Are there any specific dive certifications required or recommended to dive the Chimney?
The provided data does not specify any particular dive certifications required or recommended for diving the Chimney. Given its intermediate difficulty, it is generally recommended that divers have at least an Open Water certification and some experience to fully enjoy the site.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions experienced at the Chimney dive site?
At the Chimney dive site, divers can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 17 meters. The provided data does not offer specific details regarding the usual current conditions at this particular site.