The Kodiak Queen - Virgin Gorda & Anegada

Dropping down to the Kodiak Queen, you’re met with a genuine piece of history, albeit one now wrapped in myth. This old Pearl Harbor survivor, a 47-meter fuel barge, rests purposefully on the seabed, but it’s the colossal metal kraken that truly steals the show. Its tentacles coil and stretch, giving the wreck a dramatic, almost theatrical feel as schooling fish weave through the structure. It’s a site that appeals to those who appreciate a dive with a narrative, offering plenty to explore and photograph as you navigate the interplay of historical vessel and modern art.

Location
Virgin Gorda & Anegada, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.470000, -64.400000

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 The Kodiak Queen

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 The Kodiak Queen

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 dive site?
The maximum depth of The Kodiak Queen dive site is currently unknown based on the available information. For precise depth details, it's always best to consult with local dive operators in Virgin Gorda & Anegada.
What marine life and unique features, like the Kraken sculpture, can divers expect to see at the Kodiak Queen?
Divers visiting The Kodiak Queen can expect to encounter a truly unique feature: an 80-foot (24m) Kraken sea monster sculpture crafted of metal, appearing to attack the old barge. As an artificial reef, this site is continually developing its ecosystem, attracting diverse marine life over time. To learn more about potential marine encounters, you can explore our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving the Kodiak Queen, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The difficulty level for diving The Kodiak Queen is classified as intermediate. While not explicitly unsuitable, this rating suggests it may be more challenging than sites typically recommended for beginner divers. Divers should have some experience and comfort in various underwater conditions before exploring this unique artificial reef.
What is the best time of year to dive the Kodiak Queen for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive The Kodiak Queen for optimal conditions or marine life encounters. For general guidance on diving in the British Virgin Islands, we recommend consulting our when to dive resources or local dive operators in Virgin Gorda & Anegada.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore the Kodiak Queen, especially for wreck penetration or swim-throughs?
The provided data does not explicitly state specific diving certifications required for The Kodiak Queen. Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess a foundational certification and adequate experience. While the data doesn't detail wreck penetration or swim-throughs, such activities would generally require advanced or specialty certifications.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Kodiak Queen dive site?
The provided data does not include information on the typical current or visibility conditions at The Kodiak Queen dive site. For the most current and accurate details on these conditions, it is always recommended to consult with local dive operators in the Virgin Gorda & Anegada area.