Cistern Point, Cooper Island Travel Guide

3.7 (11)

Discover vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations at Cistern Point, a top snorkeling and diving spot in the British Virgin Islands.

Cistern Point, located off the western coast of Cooper Island in the British Virgin Islands, is a renowned snorkeling and diving destination. Its clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a must-visit for underwater enthusiasts. The point is easily accessible and offers a blend of natural beauty and underwater adventure.

A brief summary to Cistern Point

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cistern Point.

Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it from a local dive shop to fully enjoy the underwater experience.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid larger crowds and have a more peaceful snorkeling experience.
Keep an eye out for sea turtles, which are frequently spotted in the seagrass around the mooring balls.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Quart -a-Nancy Point

Cooper Island Beach Club

Copper Mine National Park, Virgin Gorda

Old Government House Museum

Manchioneel Bay

Explore Cistern Point on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cistern Point, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat

Cistern Point is best accessed by boat. From Road Town or West End in Tortola, take a ferry to Cooper Island. Several ferry services operate between Tortola and Cooper Island, with journey times varying. Upon arrival at Cooper Island, Cistern Point is a short dinghy ride away from the mooring field at Cooper Island Beach Club. Water taxis are also available for a more direct route.

Discover more about Cistern Point

Cistern Point, situated on the southern end of Manchioneel Bay off Cooper Island, is a premier destination for snorkelers and divers in the British Virgin Islands. The rocky point is teeming with marine life and boasts stunning coral formations. The waters are known for their clarity and calm conditions, making it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced snorkelers.The underwater topography features a series of shallow craters and ledges, providing diverse habitats for a variety of marine species. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of colorful fish, including queen angelfish, blue tangs, sergeant majors, and goatfish. Other commonly spotted marine life includes spot shrimps, damselfish, snappers, grunts, anemones, and the occasional sea turtle. During the late spring and early summer, schools of tiny silvery fry attract larger predators like tarpon.Cistern Point gets its name from the large cistern-like holes in the reef. The site is relatively shallow, ranging from 20 to 60 feet, making it accessible for divers of all levels. The vibrant coral reef system is home to a variety of corals and sea fans, adding to the underwater spectacle. The site is also known for its active cleaning stations, where smaller fish help keep larger fish free of parasites.