WHY

The wreck of the Rhone is one of the Caribbean’s most famous, still in great condition and with an abundance of life. The wreck lies in two parts, the shallower stern, which is closest to Black Rock Point, is less intact than the bow, but offers beginner divers and snorkelers more opportunity to explore. The main attractions include the lucky porthole, which still features some of the original glass. Divers often rub the brass housing for good luck. In addition to the porthole, the propeller, which is now the oldest brass propeller in the world, sits partially embedded in the rock; viewing it allows divers to complete a short swim-through, passing under what remains of the hull. Captain Wooley’s teaspoon (although no one knows if it’s actually his) is also embedded in nearby coral. The deeper bow part of the wreck is the most intact, and offers an amazing opportunity for divers to enter the wreck easily and comfortably. The wreck is open at several points and allows large entry and exit points, as well as a lot of light for divers. Bursting with marine life, it’s common to see stingrays, turtles and green morays, as well as large schools of fish. We also offer Night Dives on the RMS Rhone. This is a fantastic way to see what goes on at night on a fantastic wreck. Lobsters, eels, and turtles make for some great dive buddies. We provide the lights, the boat, and the fun-loving crew. You’ll enjoy a slow guided dive around the middle and stern sections of the wreck as we try to find the giant sleeping turtles, nudibranchs and basket starfish for you. A night dive on the RMS Rhone is definitely one to remember.

GETTING THERE

There are two ways to get to the British Virgin Islands. The first is to fly directly to Beef Island Airport on Tortola (airport code:EIS) The second is to fly to Cyril E. King airport in St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands (airport code: STT) and then take the ferry to Tortola, BVI.

WHEN

All year round.

WHERE

Area: 800 acres (including Dead Chest Island) The Wreck of the Rhone is the first and only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands. It is the most celebrated dive site in the BVI, and a major recreational attraction. The park includes examples of fringing reef habitat and sea grass beds. The wreck is that of a Royal Mail Steamer, which sunk during the hurricane of 1867 with 125 people on board. At 310 feet long and 40 feet wide, the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer lies in two main parts in waters between 30 and 90 feet deep. Much of it is still intact and visible, including decking, parts of the rigging, the steam engine, and propeller. The marine park stretches from Lee Bay on Salt Island westward to include Dead Chest Island. The ship's anchor broke away outside Great Harbour, Peter Island, and this site forms the second portion of the park. The park is used by several commercial dive operators daily. Other dive sites in the park include Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock, and Painted Walls. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the area in and around the Rhone. The National Parks Trust has installed mooring buoys for use by all commercial, charter, and private vessels. If moorings are unavailable around the Rhone, vessels are required to use the Salt Island Settlement or Peter Island anchorages.

DIVE WITH

The Bitter End Yacht Club, snuggled into a steep hill on the scenic North Sound, is a relaxed, family-friendly resort in the BVI perfect for divers wanting a home away from home.