The Rhone
National Marine Park

Founded in 1980, Rhone National Marine Park is the BVI’s first and only sea park. The protected area covers nearly 800 acres between Dead Chest Island and Salt Island and is renowned for exceptional diving.

The park is home to numerous reefs, wrecks, and underwater caverns, including the RMS Rhone, a mail ship that sank in 1867. Today, the wreck is considered one of the world’s premier wreck dives and a highlight of a BVI yacht charter.

Explore the Rhone National Marine Park by private yacht and discover some of the British Virgin Islands’ most celebrated underwater sites.

About the RMS Rhone Wreck Site

The RMS Rhone is one of the Caribbean’s most renowned wreck dive sites. The 310-foot Royal Mail Steamship sank off Salt Island in 1867 during a hurricane and became a protected site within the Rhone National Marine Park in 1980.

The wreck remains remarkably intact. Divers can explore the iron bow, original artifacts, stern propeller, and 500-horsepower engine while encountering abundant Caribbean marine life.

Why Dive the RMS Rhone?

• Historic Wreck: Explore a remarkably preserved 1860s steamship, including its iron bow and artifacts such as tools and silverware.
• Marine Life: Tropical fish, corals, turtles, barracuda, eels, and lobsters inhabit the wreck. Goliath groupers have also been spotted around the stern.
• Diverse Diving: The stern sits in approximately 30 feet of water and is popular with intermediate divers. The bow reaches approximately 75 feet and offers a more advanced dive.
• Swim-Throughs: The wreck provides open swim-through opportunities without enclosed areas, making it a distinctive BVI diving experience.

For guests exploring the British Virgin Islands by private yacht charter, the RMS Rhone offers a compelling combination of maritime history, underwater exploration, and Caribbean marine life.

Dive Sites in The Rhone National Marine Park

Rhone National Marine Park is one of the British Virgin Islands’ premier diving destinations. The park features the two sections of the RMS Rhone wreck, along with vibrant reefs, underwater caverns, and an intentionally sunken aircraft.

Top BVI Dive Sites

• RMS Rhone Bow: Resting in approximately 75 feet of water, the mostly intact bow offers memorable swim-throughs beneath the crow’s nest and lifeboat davits. Tropical fish and corals surround the wreck.
• RMS Rhone Stern: Located closer to Salt Island in approximately 20–40 feet of water, the stern features the ship’s 15-foot propeller, 500-horsepower engine, and visible artifacts including tools and silverware.
• Rhone Reef: An advanced dive at approximately 70 feet, this vibrant reef features hard and soft corals, tropical fish, turtles, and nurse sharks.
• Blonde Rock: Located between Salt Island and Dead Chest Island near Peter Island, this approximately 70-foot dive is known for yellow fire corals, clownfish, triggerfish, barracuda, and angelfish.
• Painted Walls: A popular BVI dive site off Dead Chest Island, known for colorful corals, Hawksbill turtles, nurse sharks, and moray eels.
• Coral Gardens: At approximately 50 feet, this intermediate dive features an intentionally submerged aircraft that has become an artificial reef attracting tropical fish and corals.

For divers exploring the British Virgin Islands by private yacht charter, Rhone National Marine Park offers a diverse selection of wrecks, reefs, marine life, and underwater sites to include in a custom itinerary.

Where to Go Nearby

While Rhone National Marine Park is renowned for diving, the surrounding islands along the Sir Francis Drake Channel offer opportunities for sailing, snorkeling, hiking, history, and relaxation. These nearby destinations are ideal additions to a BVI yacht charter itinerary.

Peter Island

The privately owned 1,800-acre Peter Island is home to a luxury resort and villas. Its beaches and natural surroundings make it well suited for sailing, scuba diving, hiking, biking, and relaxation. Peter Island is a popular stop for private yacht charter guests.

Dead Chest Island

Legend holds that Captain Blackbeard marooned 15 crew members on Dead Chest Island, each with a cutlass and bottle of rum. The story is traditionally associated with the famous phrase, “fifteen men on the Dead Man’s Chest, yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.” Beyond its history, the island offers nearby diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Salt Island

Tiny and uninhabited, Salt Island sits close to the RMS Rhone wreck and is a popular stop for divers. Visitors can also explore the island’s historic salt ponds and enjoy a traditional mud bath.

These nearby islands provide an easy way to combine BVI diving, private yacht travel, and island exploration in a customized itinerary.

Visiting The Rhone Marine Park on a Yacht Charter

Rhone National Marine Park is a popular stop on a BVI yacht charter, with nearby moorings and anchorages providing convenient access to its renowned dive sites.

Anchoring is prohibited within the park to help protect divers, but moorings are available near the RMS Rhone wreck. Additional nearby options include:

• RMS Rhone Wreck: Moorings provide access to the park’s iconic wreck dive sites.
• Salt Island: Beautiful anchorages are available at Lee Bay and Salt Island Bay, offering convenient access to the island and surrounding waters.
• Peter Island: A deep-water marina makes Peter Island a popular stop on private yacht charters through the British Virgin Islands.

With its exceptional diving and convenient yacht access, Rhone National Marine Park is an ideal addition to a custom BVI yacht charter itinerary.