The Caribbean’s clear blue sea is ideal for all sorts of water sports.  Warm water and excellent visibility make scuba diving and snorkeling two of the region’s most popular tourist activities.

There are coral reefs in many Caribbean destinations but if you are looking for a truly unique underwater experience you need to consider making Virgin Gorda your next vacation destination.

Located just off the coast of Salt island, the wreck of the RMS Rhone, is the BVI’s most famous dive site. The RMS Rhone was a 310 feet long British packet ship owned by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. She was wrecked off the coast of Salt Island in the British Virgin Islands on October 29, 1867 during a category 3 hurricane.

While attempting to reach open seas to ride out the storm the ship ran aground on Salt Island’s Black Rock Point.  When cool seawater made contact with the ships burning hot boilers the ship exploded and split into two sections.  With passengers strapped into their bunks by crew, seemingly to protect them during the storm, 123 of the ship’s 146 passengers went down with the ship.  The bow section settled in 80 feet of water, the stern rests just 30 feet below the surface.

The Rhone is now a popular dive site.  The area around her was turned into a national park in 1967.  The Rhone has received a number of citations and awards over the years as one of the top recreational wreck dives in the Caribbean.  It is highly regarded both for its historical interest and for the site’s abundance of marine life.

The Wreck of the Rhone is easily accessible from Virgin Gorda.  Regularly scheduled trips are available from local dive operators.  We can also help you arrange a private expedition.