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)

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

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

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