Newbie diving in BVI

[Texasdivechick]

I am planning a diving trip to BVI in April 2007 for about 10 days and would like some "expert" (read: honest) opinions about dive operators, accommodations, nightlife. I will stop in Nevis for a few days before flying to Tortola but otherwise I have no set schedule. I want to miss the cruise ship influx so what days should I plan on diving? Who has the best rental equipment and dm? I have a budget of about $2500 USD set aside for the BVI portion of the trip and want to get the most for my money, but still have some luxuries, and most of all, have a safe diving experience. I am only recently certified to dive, but have been all over the Caribbean many times. I'm no stranger to de islan ways mon!

 

[altaskier]

I've dived with DiveBVI on Virgin Gorda and have been very happy with them (returning for my third time). Virgin Gorda is quieter, and I like that.

 

[The Chad]

My wife and I went into ortola on a cruise ship in Dec and strayed away from the cruise op (thank god) we used Dive Totola for the Rhone. There were only 6 in our group, very knowledgable dive staff. Put them in your list of options 284-494-9200

 

[Scuba-Jay]

avoid the USVI and you should be ok re: the cruise ships. Loads of small Ops on Tortola. We chartered a Cat when i was out there and had a DM on board so I dont have any experience with the local OPs other than fills. Have fun and post a report when you get back!!

 

[diversteve]

I second DiveBVI but only if you're going to Virgin Gorda - or Marina Cay...Don't have a recommendation for a Tortola dive outfit but whoever you find make sure you dive the Rhone - it's the signature BVI wreck - and probably one of the best preserved wooden wrecks I've seen...

 

[Hoyden]

We dove with Sail Caribbean Divers and had a good experience. I would second the Rhone comment and suggest diving the Indians. It can be a nice, easy dive with lots to see.

 

[DPJ]

No experience with land based ops, but see my trip report at http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=177494. For details of some of the sites, here is great report http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=137482.

 

[Scubagal]

We did our diving in Tortola with Blue Water Divers and were happy with them. As others have said, don't miss doing a two tank dive on the RMS Rhone. It was the highlight of our trip. Not sure it's within your budget, but we enjoyed our stay at Long Bay Beach Resort. I wrote a trip report if you're interested, Tortola Trip Report.

 

[eagleray2003]

Sail Caribbean Divers is a great choice, they definitley have the best boats on Tortola and very professional staff.

 

[Don Wray]

Sail Caribbean Divers owned by the Rowe's are great folks and support the board.