Kodiak Queen (Wreck) - Virgin Gorda & Anegada

Monkey Reef isn't huge, but it's one of those spots that consistently delivers. We like it for a relaxed morning dive, particularly if you’re staying on Lombok itself and want to avoid the Gili crowds. The entry is pretty straightforward, starting over some stones from the beach, then a sandy slope that leads to the main event. The real magic happens once you hit that small coral block and head left. That's where you'll find the best reef, topping out around 20 meters. We’ve had some fantastic nudibranch encounters here; Cobb's winged murphydoris and Brown-blotched okenia often pop up if you’re looking closely. The Staghorn corals are plentiful, creating shelter for swarms of Glassy Cardinalfish. Keep an eye out for Freckled Anglerfish too – they blend in beautifully. Visibility averages 15 meters, which is usually plenty to enjoy the show. Deeper, around 30-40 meters, you might catch a glimpse of bigger pelagics cruising by, but the shallower reef is where the action is for most. We’d suggest it for divers who appreciate macro life and a calmer pace.

Location
Virgin Gorda & Anegada, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.497100, -64.415000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Virgin Gorda

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 Kodiak Queen (Wreck)

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 Kodiak Queen (Wreck)

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 maximum depth of the Kodiak Queen wreck for divers?
The Kodiak Queen wreck offers a maximum depth of 19m for divers. This makes it an accessible dive for many certification levels, allowing ample bottom time to explore its features as an artificial reef in the British Virgin Islands.
What marine life and unique features, like the Kraken sculpture, can divers expect to see at the Kodiak Queen dive site?
Divers exploring the Kodiak Queen wreck can expect to encounter schooling Creole Wrasse and Yellowtail Snapper around the bow. Keen-eyed divers will also find various juveniles and small crustaceans in the surrounding sand, contributing to its vibrant artificial reef ecosystem. The wreck itself is a unique feature, being the former US Navy fuel barge YO-44, one of only five ships to survive Pearl Harbor, now serving as a dive site in Virgin Gorda & Anegada. There is no mention of a Kraken sculpture at this site in the provided data.
Is the Kodiak Queen wreck a difficult dive, and is it suitable for newly certified or beginner divers?
The Kodiak Queen wreck is classified as an intermediate dive. While it offers a rewarding experience, its intermediate rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some experience rather than newly certified or beginner divers. Always check with local dive operators for specific suitability for your certification level at this British Virgin Islands dive site.
When is the best time of year to dive the Kodiak Queen wreck, considering water conditions and visibility?
The provided data indicates an average visibility of 15m at the Kodiak Queen wreck. However, specific information regarding the best time of year to dive, including seasonal water conditions or temperatures, is not available in the current context. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section on DivePlnr.
What level of scuba certification is needed to dive the Kodiak Queen wreck, especially for wreck penetration?
While the Kodiak Queen wreck has a maximum depth of 19m and is rated as an intermediate dive, the specific scuba certification level required is not detailed in the provided information. Furthermore, there is no data regarding opportunities or requirements for wreck penetration at this dive site. Divers interested in wreck penetration should always seek advanced training and specific guidance from local dive operators.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Kodiak Queen dive site?
Divers at the Kodiak Queen dive site can typically expect an average visibility of 15m, offering clear views of the wreck and its marine inhabitants. Information regarding typical current conditions at the site is not available in the provided data. This British Virgin Islands wreck provides a great opportunity for marine life observation.