Sunchaser Scuba

Sunchaser Scuba has been a cornerstone of the diving community in the British Virgin Islands since 1975. Located within the calm waters of the North Sound at the Bitter End Yacht Club, the centre provides a reliable base for exploring the varied topography of Virgin Gorda.

The centre is positioned to access some of the most interesting underwater features in the archipelago, ranging from sheltered reef flats to more exposed offshore sites. Whether you are looking for easy, shallow dives or more challenging excursions, the proximity to key dive sites ensures minimal transit time.

The team is comprised of experienced instructors holding qualifications through PADI, SSI, and SDI. This multi-agency affiliation ensures that divers from various training backgrounds can find suitable programmes and recognition for their certifications.

Instruction covers the entire spectrum of diver development, from initial Discover Scuba Diving experiences to professional-level Divemaster courses. They also provide essential safety training, including First Aid courses, to support the diving community.

Training is available through PADI, SSI, and SDI, covering everything from the very first steps in the water to professional advancement. The curriculum includes the Open Water Course, Advanced Course, and the Divemaster Course.

For those looking to refine specific skills, the centre offers a Referral Course to help transition between training agencies. They also cater to younger divers with specialised programmes for children aged 8 to 9, as well as Try Scuba options for those aged 10 and over.

The centre operates two custom-built dive boats designed specifically for local conditions. The Sunchaser is a 40-foot vessel with a capacity for 12 divers, while the Miss Lavelle is a 39-foot boat suited for smaller groups of 6 to 8 divers.

These boats serve as the primary platforms for daily excursions, reaching sites across the islands within 15 to 45 minutes. They provide the necessary stability and space for managing cylinders and kit during transit to the various reefs and wrecks.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for divers who do not wish to travel with their own kit. The centre also provides cylinder filling services and equipment maintenance for those looking to service their personal gear.

The shop is located on-site and stocks various diving accessories and apparel. For those staying in the area, the centre's location within the Bitter End Yacht Club provides convenient access to shore-based facilities.

The marine life is diverse, with the reefs hosting a variety of larger species. You will frequently encounter hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles, and various species of sharks, including reef sharks and nurse sharks. Large pelagics such as eagle rays, jacks, and barracuda are also part of the local ecosystem.

In the shallower reef flats and coral gardens, look for colourful residents like French angelfish, royal angelfish, and various species of butterflyfish. Schools of sergeant majors, blue chromis, and yellow grunts are common sights throughout the dive sites.

For those interested in macro life, the crevices and corals hold many smaller treasures. You can find nudibranchs, cleaner shrimp, arrow crabs, and various species of lobster and hermit crabs. Garden eels are also known to inhabit the sandy areas near certain sites.

The seafloor and rock formations are home to many crustaceans, including channel crabs and various species of lobster. You may also spot stingrays, including southern stingrays, resting on the sandy bottom or near the ledges.

The diving environment in the British Virgin Islands varies significantly depending on the location. The North Sound offers calm, sheltered waters, but once you move to the northern sites, conditions change.

Sites such as POS and the offshore pinnacles are subject to very strong currents. Some areas, like Alice in Wonderland, can also experience significant surface swell, which may affect boat access and surface intervals.