Call BVI Diving: (954) 734-7115 or (800) 327-9600 for Diving Vacation Information Today.
Island Excursions - Spring Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVI
One of our favorite stops during your BVI sailing vacation is Spring Bay in Virgin Gorda which lies east of the Baths. Giant boulders line the beach where our crew sets up a delicious BBQ lunch of grilled burgers, hot dogs, fish, salads and cooler of mixed drinks, wine and beer.
Its small coves, which provide safe snorkeling are perfect for families with kids. Massive boulders form coves that allow a steady but calm flow of water back and forth.
Marine life is vibrant at Spring Bay since fishing is not permitted. A unique enclosure of boulders forms a natural pool called The Crawl. In the past, this was used by fishermen to hold turtles and fishes alive until they were ready to be used.
To book your luxury sailing vacation in the BVI
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A dear Thank You note to the wonderful crew on Cuan Law! We have just returned from an amazing week of sailing, diving and fun on board of Cuan Law. Cannot depart without thanking the crew, the wonderful team of Cuan Law for an amazing vacation. Outstanding Captain Jamie kept us safe and provided great dives together with Chris, superior dive master. Great engineer Travis, kept us cool, going and enjoying the beautiful trimaran. Wonderful chef Sue, made us happy every day with wonderful magic food. Emma and Alayna, our angels, provided high class assistance with activities and keeping luxury around us at all times on this great sailing trip. All crew members: Jamie, Chris, Travis, Sue, Alayna, Emma, watched over us to make sure we had all we needed and wanted, and more! They all delivered excellent quality service in an atmosphere of lots of fun, safe diving and loving friendship. We did not want to leave!! Again, Warm thanks from the bottom of our hearts! Lumi Vladutu and Stella Diniz, Tampa Florida
Another wonderful review on TripAdvisor, thanks so much for your vacation with us sailing the BVI with Cuan Law.
This was the best vacation ever for someone who loves being on the water. Whether you love SCUBA diving, relaxing in the hammock on the top deck, taking out kayaks and Hobie cats or watching the sunset with a rum punch you can do all of that on this trip. The staff is amazing, the food is wonderful, the dive master takes you to incredible dive sites with ship wrecks and coral reefs like nowhere else. I was completely relaxed and overjoyed on this vacation. Highly recommend it!!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147355-d11760548-r469796620-Cuan_Law-Road_Town_Tortola_British_Virgin_Islands.html#
We love to hear positive reviews about our guests vacation in the BVI on Cuan Law. There is so much to do be it sailing, snorkeling, diving and just relaxing at the beach.
"We chartered the boat for 5 days of diving. There were 20 of us and 7 crew members. The boat is large and spacious. It is beautifully decorated. Our stateroom was larger than the bedroom in my first apartment. And each had a private bath. The food was fabulous. The diving was awesome! The trip to the beach and the Baths was amazing! The crew was the best...ever! The most adorable and hardest working group that you'll find anywhere. It was sad to get home and not have anyone to wish me "good morning". I hope that we can go back next year."
We love to hear guest reviews about their sailing vacation on Cuan Law in the BVI. David R. from Oxford Mississippi recently commented "Just got back from a week on the Cuan Law. The crew was outstanding, we met 7 crew members on the first day and left with 7 new friends at the end of the trip. The accommodations are first class, the meals are prepared and presented as well as any gourmet restaurant. The whole experience was like being in Utopia. It was an unforgettable experience!" Thanks so much David we look forward to seeing you back in the BVI soon!
Island Excursion: Cooper Island, BVI
Top three: The Rum Bar, Snorkeling, Dive Sites
The Rum Bar
Guests aboard Cuan Law are welcome to venture to shore via kayak or dinghy to sample aged rums from all over the Caribbean. Order a sampler board and the knowledgeable and friendly bartender JJ will explain the history, recipes, and origins of the rums.
It's also worth a trip to grab a coffee from Virgin Islands Roasters next door at the Coffee Shop. A full range of gourmet delights are on offer such as espresso, smoothies, gelato, pastries and salads, and our favorite...chocolate fudge! (Free WIFI)
Snorkeling
Machioneel Bay, Cooper Island is world renowned for white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Cuan Law guests can explore the waters by kayak or hobie cat. Enjoy the snorkeling at Cistern Point - keep an eye out for turtles, eagle rays, tarpon, angel fish, and schools of squid.
Diving
The beautiful waters surrounding Cooper Island offer a variety of different dive experiences.The famous RMS Rhone, a British steamship, which foundered on Black Rock Point and is known as one of the world's top dive sites.
We had so much fun hosting April & Billy's wedding on Cuan Law charter a few weeks ago. They had requested a simple BVI wedding ceremony and what better place to do this than Salt Island? Our talented artist/hostess Emma had put together some wedding decor made from local driftwood, bottles and hand written invitation cards for all the guests on Cuan Law. After a breakfast and afternoon dive we set up the beach with chairs, a hand made arch with candles and flower bouquet picked directly from Salt Island. Chef Susannah and crew prepared light bites and champagne for the ceremony at sunset, so beautiful.
Lovely to hear the wonderful feedback from the bride, "It was absolutely amazing! I had a fairytale wedding on a private island. Thank you so much Cuan Law. Hugs to everyone for making my day special, especially Emma James." The night ended with a dinner on Cuan Law and wedding cake prepared by our culinary team.
If you are interested in having a BVI beach wedding, BVI wedding ceremony or wedding party during your stay on Cuan Law, please contact us so we can start planning your dream wedding today!
It is easy for divers to get caught up in the numbers game of spotting and remembering fish species as they explore the BVI’s diverse underwater environments, but there are a host of other lives down there - especially invertebrates - just as worthy of attention. From the tiny, brightly colored Christmas tree worms, to the large and elusive slipper lobster, there is much to appreciate that doesn’t boast a backbone! Whether your Cuan Law diving adventure takes you to the shallows of Coral Gardens or the atmospheric depths of the Wreck of the Rhone, there are myriad life forms to discover in the vibrant reefs of the BVI.
Do you like shells? Well don’t be fooled by the Flamingo Tongue Cowry as it sits on its favorite perch- a gently swaying purplish-blue fan coral. This snail, with its stunning, almost giraffe-like patterning of creams and browns, is actually playing tricks. Deceptively, the pattern is not part of the shell at all, but rather its foot (which covers the shell)! We don’t recommend disturbing anything on a reef, but should you dislodge the cowry from its resting spot then wait a minute or so as the little critter ponders its next move, the pattern will creep back into the shell, revealing a plain pinkish creamy shell surface.
Check out the sponges! Large and aptly named Barrel Sponges are easy to spot on BVI diving trips, but there are numerous others including some more reminiscent of a science project gone wrong - think green slime! Then there’s the coral. Many of the most striking examples are named for the hard, calcified external features resembling elk or stag horns, yet the BVI reefs are home to a spectacular diversity of other coral species. Look more closely - especially on a night dive, or if you’re able to find a gloomy rock overhang - as it’s under these conditions that the living coral polyps peep out from their hard protective homes. The tiny feathery tentacles’ colorations range from brilliant yellows, golds and oranges on cup-coral, to purples and iridescent blues and greens on some of their cousins.
Are anemones your thing? Or perhaps you like worms and nudibranchs? Go slowly and seek out all the crevices and you’ll be sure to turn up examples of all of them. The large and not exactly handsome Donkey-dung Sea Cucumber will be one of the easiest to find as he traverses the sandy floor, but even that less than beautiful worm offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the reef. He lives a pure recycling life, with sand going in one end and coming out the other, with a little gentle cleaning happening in between.
And then there are this writer’s favorites - the Reef Squid. Definitely not the behemoths of legend; nevertheless these guys are smart. At around one foot or so in length (and very tasty), they are usually secretive. I have been lucky enough to see what can only be described as school outings à la “Finding Nemo”, twice! The first was whilst snorkeling at Little Harbour, Peter Island, when what looked like Mama and Papa stood guard at either end of a line of more than 70 squid of all sizes. They were on a mission, and stayed in formation as they moved at a reasonable pace across the shallow natural sandy harbor. The second was at Sandy Spit off Jost van Dyke, and again Mom and Pop looked to be in charge. While not as numerous as the school in the previous encounter, they were all close to adult size and seemed less skittish. I tried to “talk” squid, moving my fingers together to resemble their outstretched arms. They did allow me to stay with them for quite some time, so I guess they at least tolerated the human, even if they could not comprehend what it was trying to communicate!
Book your BVI diving adventure on the luxury liveaboard the Cuan Law. Experience the vibrant marine environments of the Caribbean, exploring the numerous shallow reefs, open water dive sites and murky wrecks of the BVI.
A visit to the BVI, especially if you are on board the Cuan Law, should include some time at Cooper Island across the Sir Frances Drake Channel from Tortola. The tropical island, fringed with palm trees and gentle sandy beaches, is beautiful in itself, yet the waters surrounding it shelter some of the Caribbean’s top coral reefs and dive sites. The short stretch of water between Cooper Island and Salt Island is the BVI’s own mini Wreck Alley and has become the unlikely resting place of the Beata, a stoic little tug boat reportedly built by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Her BVI story starts with an extension of our Cruise Ship Pier. She was a part of the construction team and by all accounts did a great job. As a “well-used” vessel, once the pier project was finished she was not able to find another task close at hand, and work further afield was serviced by newer boats. This led to a sabbatical at the Sand Spit at West End, Soper’s Hole; once a haunt of pirates and their ships and a perfect spot for them to intentionally ground themselves for repairs – they loved the seclusion and protection of the soft, gently-sloping sand shallows. And so, two centuries on, the Beata sat, but alas no-one needed her. As the fall hurricane season approached, the authorities became concerned that if a storm did pass through and she broke free, she might cause a problem to other boats in the tight quarters at West End.
So what to do? The local dive operators were delighted to come up with a great solution that would grant little Beata a new lease on life. She would become a reef/dive location. In 2001 she was towed around to Road Town and had the engines and other gear removed so no contamination would occur once she went down. The sinking then went ahead – almost to plan! She did resist for a minute, almost taking one of the attending boats along with her, but all ended well. After almost two decades the Beata is still holding up well and has become a home for fish, coral and lobsters. A fitting end for such a tough little tugboat!
The creation of intentional wreck dive sites is relatively new to the BVI, and it took a team effort to ensure the Beata ‘reef’ was ecologically beneficial for the region. The wreck location itself is a perfect level sandy bottom at around 70ft. A short hop from both Cooper Island and Salt Island, it is easily accessible for shore-based divers as well as those lucky enough to be on the stunning live-aboard, Cuan Law. Wreck Alley is a fairly narrow stretch of water, and although our Caribbean tides are relatively small, there can be current here, so divers need to pay attention before taking the plunge. Once at the bottom, as well as the Beata, you can also dive the nearby Marie L, which is next to a magnificent coral encrusted reef wall. Another common sight are large southern stingrays who seem to love the sandy seafloor and have become quite accustomed to seeing scuba divers.
Book a place on the luxury live-aboard Cuan Law, the best way to explore the atmospheric wrecks and colorful coral reefs of the BVI! We hope that you get to experience this intriguing dive before too long!
The waters of the BVI are home to a number of magnificent coral reefs that teem with fish and provide sanctuary for an incredible diversity of marine life, including sea turtles, lobsters, nurse sharks and rays.
These spectacular BVI reefs are a year-round attraction for scuba divers and snorkelers, who descend beneath the waves or drift along the surface at dive sites such as Coral Gardens and Ginger Steps, observing and exploring these vibrant underwater ecosystems with their gorgeous coral networks.
April has brought both good and bad news for coral, with the discovery of an expansive new reef and growing fears over the severe coral bleaching of the Australian Great Barrier Reef. What does this mean exactly?
Well, a coral bleach episode is a die-off of the symbiotic algae living within the harder calcium shell of the reef, which is created by tens of thousands of microscopic animals. The algae give the reef its color, photosynthesizing and providing nutrition to the animals forming the reef and to other fish and invertebrates within the reef system.
This interlocking web of plants and animals feeding, growing and dying increases the nutrient flow for all. In return for the algae’s nutrients, the creatures that create the reef skeleton provide much-needed shelter for other marine creatures. Fortunately, there are glimmers of hope for the Aussie reef system. Judging by the pattern of recovery following a similar episode in the BVI in 2005, the algae has the potential to regenerate if the water temperature drops quite soon, although the sheer scale of the Great Barrier Reef event makes this a very daunting situation!
Another glimmer of hope has just been discovered half a world away off the South American coast. Completely unknown until just a few weeks ago, a thriving 600-mile barrier reef, straddling the waters off the mouth of the Amazon, has been discovered! Shallow warmwater reefs, such as those visited on many Cuan Law BVI dive trips, rival rainforests in their biodiversity, so it is only fitting that a location so closely linked with those same rainforests should shelter an ecosystem so diverse and complex that many areas on the moon are better understood!
Silt has always been believed to be the enemy of a reef, and indeed it has caused problems with the BVI’s reefs. It was assumed that the Amazon’s silty plume, which extends far out into the South Atlantic, was too dense to allow reef algae to photosynthesize. However, oceanographers now believe the seasonality of the flow has allowed this Amazonian reef to flourish while the varying levels of sunlight deprivation and differing depths have contributed to the development of a highly diversified reef, with huge variation along its length.
Since the Brazilian reef is deep and far offshore it doesn’t lend itself to the casual visitor, but here in the BVI you can make a date with coral, anytime - both day and night! If you are able to join us on the Cuan Law we offer day dives to get you accustomed to a particular site’s topography and then a night dive on the same locale so you can enjoy all the reef has to offer.
The daytime is for the algae and the fish, but the nighttime is for the tiny animals! Many coral inhabitants emerge from the nooks and crannies to filter feed at night when predatory fish are not around to nibble on their soft tendrils. You’ll see the cup coral change from their drab brownish bumpy look to a stunning orange array of mini florets. Sea fans develop feather fringes and basket starfish, which in the daytime curl up into a ball, spread fantastic tendrils far and wide to catch their microscopic dinner.
Join us for a BVI diving trip you will never forget aboard the majestic Cuan Law. Explore a colorful and magical world beneath the waves; visit atmospheric wrecks, towering sponge-encrusted rock formations and beautiful reef systems that are home to a dizzying diversity of marine life!
On a trip to the BVI, you’ll be able to get that precious stamp in your passport, proving you really have visited somewhere unique. From the moment of your arrival, the glorious sunshine and fresh air will greet you during the walk from plane to customs hall. But wait, the currency is the US Dollar and the lilting accents have a little something extra too, so how British can the BVI actually be? It won’t take you long to answer that question for yourself as you drive away from the airport on the “wrong” side of the road! Then there are special occasions like the upcoming 90th birthday celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II which allow everyone, visitor and resident alike, to revel in that Britishness.
The first official event of this month-long celebrating Britain’s longest-sitting monarch, was the annual Salt Breaking ceremony on March 24th at Salt Island. As the Queen’s representative here in the BVI, our Governor, John S Duncan exchanged the traditional bag of salt with our Premier, the Honorable Dr Orlando Smith – actually on Salt Island. In case you’re not familiar with this little piece of history, the story is linked to the hurricane and the shipwreck of the RMS Rhone in 1867…
Almost 150 years ago, during a storm so great the waves broke over the top of Black Rock Point, the Salt Islanders braved the elements to try and save the souls on board the Rhone. At the time, all those recovered from the sea were deemed survivors, whether or not they succumbed. To this day, you can visit some of the “survivors” buried in the tiny graveyard on the edge of the island. Despite the speed with which she sank, 23 people did make it out alive.
In thanks for the heroic efforts of the Salt Island residents on that terrifying night of October 29th 1867, Queen Victoria bequeathed the whole of Salt Island to its inhabitants in perpetuity, for the sum of a bag of salt per year. The RMS Rhone has now become one of the world’s premier dive sites. One of the highlights of any BVI diving trip, Cuan Law usually devotes an entire day to the atmospheric site, which provides spectacular opportunities for both day and night dives.
Back to the present - and if you are here over the next week - there are parades and ceremonies, including the lighting of the Queen’s Beacon at the Festival grounds in Road Town, Tortola. The glamor and pomp may not rival scenes in London, but the spirit will be equally heartfelt. Thursday, April 21st is a Public Holiday here, so please come, join in, and say you too have been a part of British history!
Book a BVI vacation aboard Cuan Law today and experience the history and traditions of the islands, and descend below the waves at the atmospheric RMS Rhone dive site.
We're not just sea and sand. The BVI has some lovely trails too!
Of course a trip on board the Cuan Law will offer some of the best diving, snorkeling and sailing in the world, but did you know the BVI also boasts a wonderful variety of scenic walks and trails? Our four main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost van Dyke. The outer islands: Cooper, Peter and Norman Island, all have some intriguing hidden treasures. All you'll need to discover them for yourself is a stout pair of walking shoes and a little time away from the water. We are delighted to be able to recommend a wonderful new guide book, "Trails & Tales", authored by Mr Ron Beard – an old friend of Annie and Duncan's – who was Town & Country Planner for the territory for some years and is intimately familiar with all the nooks and crannies of the BVI.
The BVI are a small group, so you won't need days to enjoy glimpses of the old Caribbean - an hour or two will do it, and the effort will be well rewarded. Starting with the most remote and northerly point in the archipelago, the sandy limestone island of Anegada, with its gentle elevation of just 28ft, is very unlike the rest of the rocky and volcanic BVI. A haven for bird life and the indigenous iguanas, Anegada also has expansive salt ponds where the distinctive Caribbean flamingos were reintroduced and are now staging a great comeback. They share this environment with wading birds, osprey and other raptors.
One of our favorite trails skirts the spectacular and virtually undeveloped shoreline for more than four miles, providing picturesque views of the ocean and the pristine white sand beaches, that Anegada is famous for, stretching into the distance. Alternatively, another popular route follows the trail through the center of the island between the tiny airport and Jack Bay, providing views of the Caribbean Sea in the south and open Atlantic Ocean to the north. Make sure to take plenty of water - you won't be climbing much, but the flat sandy roads can be challenging! Bike and moped rental options are also available for visitors who do not feel inclined to walk.
Virgin Gorda – the "Fat Virgin" – offers a very different experience, with a pair of uniquely stunning trails, both part of BVI National Parks. The Gorda Peak trail circumnavigates much of the hillside and then takes you up to the 1,370ft mountaintop. You can also visit the historic Copper Mine Point for more breathtaking ocean views from the exposed granite rock headland. Then the Baths trail at sea level is a highlight of virtually every week on board the Cuan Law. Starting with a lunchtime beach barbecue at The Crawl (to get you fueled up!), the crew will then give you an hour or so to catch your breath before escorting you to the Devil's Bay side of the Baths National Park.
You will combine walking, scrambling and splashing through the park, following well-marked trails back towards The Crawl. Words can't capture the magic of the tumbled boulders, scattered across the beach as if flung about by giants, but you'll hold the memories in your heart forever...
Contact us to book your luxury liveaboard BVI diving and sailing adventure on the magnificent Cuan Law - the best way to explore the idyllic islands and cays of the BVI.
"What if my companion dives, but I only snorkel?" - The BVI has plenty of spots where you can both have it all!
So you both love the water, but for whatever reason only one of you has made it through the SCUBA certification process. Does that mean you now have to take separate vacations? Not if you’re coming to the BVI! With our warm, clear Caribbean water and minimal currents there are plenty of “dive” sites suitable for both diving and snorkelling. From atmospheric wreck sites to shallow reefs teeming with rainbow-colored fish, there is so much for you both to enjoy. A diving trip aboard Cuan Law offers guests the flexibility to tailor a trip to their requirements, so even a group of mixed abilities or even non-divers can explore the vibrant world beneath the surface.
The Indians... Nestled at the south-western end of the BVI chain off Norman Island.
The spiked rock formations rising up to 50ft above the surface are so called because of their resemblance to the feathered headdress of the Carib Indians who inhabited the islands in the 1500s. The nooks and crannies extend both above and below the water, which is fairly shallow even at its deepest point of around 65 feet. Home to all manner of corals, worms and sponges, the crags also provide hiding places for an abundance of juvenile fish. You may be lucky enough to spot a Damsel Dad guarding his clutch of blue eggs from all the other denizens looking for lunch. Activity at The Indians dive site starts right at the surface, with small crabs and shellfish making their homes around the waterline. Swimmers and snorkelers cruising the calm waters can inch along the rock ledges, while the diver below is treated to the mini-wall effect. You’ll both be able to take photos too!
Coral Gardens... Just off Dead Chest near Peter Island, this location is stunning when the Sir Frances Drake Channel is calm.
Here is another dinghy-friendly spot that will delight both of you. Perhaps the boat is anchored off Deadman’s Bay and you’re ready to work off lunch after either feasting on board, or at Peter Island’s award winning beachside Deadman’s Grill. If so, hop into the dinghy for the three-minute run over to Dead Chest and tie up to the purpose mooring right over Coral Gardens. You’ll both slip into the crystal clear water and a myriad of colors will burst into sight as your eye-line dips beneath the waves. You may hear the clicking of the pistol shrimp amongst the diver’s bubbles too, but they’re pretty hard to actually see. No matter though, the corals and sponges smothering the rocky surfaces are spectacular enough to drift over in wonder for the entire afternoon. That’s the great advantage that the snorkelers have over the SCUBA folk - the lack of a tank means there is no time limit on the surface!
The Wreck of the RMS Rhone off Salt Island.
Just across the Salt Island Passage, between Salt Island and Peter Island, lies the wreck of the ill-fated RMS Rhone. This dive site - regularly voted the #1 Wreck in the Caribbean – may be unique in that it also offers snorkelers the experience of a lifetime. The 310ft vessel split in two as she foundered in 1867 and her stern now rests in as little as 15ft of water. Snorkelers can watch their diving buddies swim through the huge gap between the propeller and the rocks, just a few arm’s-lengths below or explore the more exposed sections of the ship themselves. The wreck is one of the most popular and famous diving locations in the Caribbean, and the marine life there is well-accustomed to visitors - so accustomed in fact that you may be followed as you bob along exploring the wreck and the boulders that make up the shoreline. Keep an eye out for the vibrant Orange Cup Corals, voracious octopuses and if you are lucky the odd barracuda!
Book a scuba diving vacation aboard Cuan Law today – the best way for divers and their non-diving companions to explore the world beneath the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.
Everyone these days loves sea turtles just for themselves, but perspectives have changed and it’s always good to take a glance backwards to see how far we have come....
Turtles are among the most beautiful creatures in the Caribbean waters and are often spotted below the waves on Cuan Law scuba diving trips in the BVI. The most commonly found are hawksbills and green turtles, which nest on the beaches of Anegada, but majestic leatherbacks and loggerheads also visit the white sands of the islands to lay their eggs.
Conservation efforts in recent years have helped increase turtle numbers, particularly measures to protect the nesting sites. Hunting adult hawksbills and green turtles is legal between December and March, but there are growing calls to prohibit this, in particular through the Save The Turtles BVI campaign.
Salt Island stories....
Back in the late 1990’s, Salt Island was home to a remarkable character named “Norwell”. He stayed there alone into his 80’s and despite having a generator on the island, the noise and smell were not to his liking, so when the fuel ran out he didn’t bother getting more from the mainland of Tortola. This left him without electricity, but nonetheless content. The crew and guests of the Cuan Law were regularly lucky enough to sit with him and hear tales of life in the BVI and subsisting off the land and sea. Nothing he harvested was wasted and he appreciated everything that he used. Indeed, Norwell’s way of life was about as “green” as they come, eating food found on the beaches and in the waters around the island.
Norwell had a very dry sense of humour and was not above toying with the visitors. One of our crew, Jonathan, sat with him between dives on one beautiful sunny afternoon, and was regaled with all the pros and cons regarding harvesting turtles. The meat was tasty and if kept alive would stay fresh without refrigeration. Catching them wasn’t too tricky, but worked best if you used a specific net.
All the while Jonathan grew increasingly uncomfortable, after all he worked on a luxury dive boat and he and his guests were concerned about conservation and the preservation of endangered species. At the same time Jonathan knew this charming and quirky gentleman was not someone who had ever taken anything simply for profit.
Let’s not forget that Norwell was a wily old-timer, and was well aware of Jonathan’s dilemma as he got more excited and offered to show him exactly what he was talking about. Off to one side, under a large coconut palm was a huge chest freezer, just sitting in the sand. Of course it was not connected to anything and as Norwell got more animated, it was obvious that this is where they were about to look.
Jonathan could not turn away. He was going to have to steel himself to survey at Norwell’s latest catch and try not to let his own prejudices get in the way of what had been a lovely afternoon of yarn-spinning. They inched closer - Norwell was not quick on his feet. The chest freezer loomed. The moment was upon them. The lid creaked and groaned. It was just about in one piece, and between them they finally raised it aloft. Jonathan shut his eyes, gritted his teeth and managed to pull himself together. There was no way out - he had to look! TaDa! There it was - the turtle NET! No turtle - just the net and a winking Norwell off to one side.
Today’s BVI Turtles
To get a feel for how today’s generation of BVI folk look at our turtles spend a moment with Gumption, a the remarkable young man from Virgin Gorda who has become an important and active voice in the Save the Turtles campaign.
Book a scuba diving trip in the BVI aboard Cuan Law to explore the underwater worlds of the Caribbean and see first hand the majestic and beautiful turtles that call them home.
The BVI has many spectacular dive sites, but if you had to choose just one location to descend beneath the waves, it would surely be at the Wreck of the RMS Rhone. During a hurricane October 29th 1867, the 310ft Royal Mail Steamship Rhone foundered on Black Rock Point, but has since become one of the most spectacular diving locations in the Caribbean, even featuring in the 1977 adventure film The Deep.
When it sank, the Rhone split in two due to an explosion in the boiler room. The stern sank in 35ft of water, while the bow drifted to deeper waters, settling at about 90ft. The bow of the Rhone is a popular swim-through with divers and as much of the wreck remains open, it is considered a fairly safe wreck dive suitable for intermediate to advanced scuba divers.
At least two dives are required to fully explore the wreck, which is located between Salt Island and Dead Chest Island. Much of the vessel and its contents remain intact, including sections of the rigging, decking, the steam engine and the impressive 15ft propellor. Other objects to keep an eye out for include giant marine wrenches, signaling cannons and the lucky portholes.
In the almost 150 years it has sat on the seabed, the RMS Rhone has become a refuge for a remarkably diversity of marine life. Every inch of the vessel is encrusted with rainbow colored corals and the nooks and crannies of the reef provide homes for a myriad of creatures. Tiny fish peak out from the corals, octopus prowl and the waters regularly attract turtles, barracuda and even the odd nurse shark!
The Wreck of the Rhone is also a popular spot for night diving. When darkness falls, the wreck is transformed into a spooky and atmospheric world. Turtles cruise its waters, sharks patrol, giant green moral eels lurk and the vibrant orange and yellow cup corals make a striking contrast to the murk when they catch the torchlight.
As the Rhone is such a significant dive site with so much to see, Cuan Law usually devotes a whole day to exploring it, offering two day dives and a night dive so guests can get the full experience of this truly magnificent underwater location.
Contact us today to book a trip diving in the BVI with Cuan Law today and explore one of the most impressive wrecks in the Caribbean.
Christmas on Cuan Law is a very special occasion which makes this trip a particular favorite for guests and crew! The spirit of the Holiday Season is embraced for the week, and we enjoy all the exciting festivities in a unique, stunning Caribbean setting. Why not join us for an amazing Caribbean Christmas getaway?
The BVI is the ideal location for a winter break, with average temperatures in the 80s and warm, crystal clear seas providing the perfect environment for diving, water sports, or as a backdrop for a relaxed sailing vacation.
Cuan Law will be offering the usual varied itinerary of superb dive sites picturesque anchorages and our full range of activities, water sports and relaxation … but with a seasonal twist! There will be a real Christmas tree for you to put your presents beneath. We will be serving a traditional Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings – turkey, ham, stuffing, Christmas pudding and crackers!
This is going to be a marvelous adventure, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Please email us with any questions you have.
Sailing Log - May 31 to 6 June, 2015
We enjoyed hosting this week’s diverse group of guests, which included a family with young, enthusiastic divers, as well as mature divers and non-diving partners. We were particularly pleased to welcome back repeat guests, one of whom had previously come without his family, but felt that his family would get a great deal from the experience and brought along his keen diving teenagers and his non-diving wife. Another repeat guest was very happy that of all this week’s dives, only one - the Wreck of the Rhone - was a repeat from his previous trip.
Sunday, May 31
After our welcome aboard and safety briefing, we sailed
on to
Privateer Bay on Norman Island
for our initial, check-out dive. We anchored here and enjoyed a beautiful
sunset view.
Monday, June 1
After breakfast, everyone was keen to get started on the
morning dive at
Angel Reef on Norman
Island. We then sailed north to West Dog Island and a dive site called
Joe's Cave, which we offered again as a
night dive.
Tuesday, June 2
After diving at
The
Chimney
at Great Dog Island in the morning, we sailed on to the North Sound,
where we enjoyed a couple of hours kayaking and sailing the Hobie
Wednesday, June 3 Cats. We dived The Invisibles by tender in the afternoon. Our day was concluded with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres at sunset at Saba Rock.
We had an early start to reach our morning dive site, the Chikuzen Wreck. This is a popular dive site that can only be visited in good weather. Lunch and was served then we were underway to Muskmelon Bay and the Times Square dive site. Again, the Hobies and other water sports were enjoyed in the calm, protected bay before a late sunset cruise to Jost van Dyke. After dinner there was a night dive at The Cathedral. The after-hours party at the lively and ever-popular Foxy's Bar was enjoyed by all.
Thursday, June 4
An early departure was made, around Tortola and on to
Salt Island for 'Rhone Day' where we spent the day stern to at Lion Point. Three
dives on the
Wreck of the Rhone were
completed.
'The Rhone Story' is a pantomime explaining the history of the wreck, and is a popular regular feature of this day, with enthusiastic involvement from both crew and guests.
Afternoon water sports again were taken advantage of, including the Hobies, kayaks and snorkeling.
Friday, June 5
Friday is Baths Day! The first dive was at
Coral Gardens followed by The Aquarium. Our Beach BBQ lunch at
the Baths was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. After lunch, the crew led guests
on the Baths Walk and up to the hotel for cool drinks and a spectacular view –
Cuan Law could be seen at anchor making a wonderful photo op. A late afternoon
and sunset cruise, flying the Gollywobbler – our back end spinnaker sail – took
us to our anchorage at Peter Island and the night dive at
Randy's Reef was our final adventure of the week.
Saturday, June 6
After breakfast, we headed back to Road Town, where we
made our farewells and wished our guests safe journeys home.
I would like to thank all the crew for their hard work, as always, and our guests in particular for making this week a memorable experience for everyone.
Duncan Muirhead's vessel, "Cuan Law" is one of the worlds premier diving and sail boats in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Come aboard with us and you'll get to experience the best the BVI has to offer. With luxurious accommodations and the best crew in the business you're guaranteed to have one of the most memorable experiences of your lives, whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner having a first time dive experience.
This extraordinary setting provides astonishing underwater visibility, luscious coral and a huge variety of exotic dive sites, with ideal air and water temperatures year-round. Countless reefs, towering coral pinnacles, underwater caves, canyons, massive boulders and grottoes are strewn across this vast submerged shelf, creating a choice of beautiful dive sites that range from shallows for the novice snorkeller to dramatic sea caverns and extraordinary shipwrecks for the experienced scuba diver.
