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BVI Art Reef: An Underwater Oasis

Explore the BVI Art Reef: Where art meets marine conservation in a unique underwater experience off Virgin Gorda.

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The BVI Art Reef is an artificial reef and underwater art installation off the coast of Virgin Gorda, featuring the Kodiak Queen, a former WWII warship, and a giant kraken sculpture. It serves as a habitat for marine life and a unique dive site, promoting ocean conservation and tourism.

A brief summary to BVI Art Reef

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Bring your own snorkeling gear to ensure a comfortable fit and avoid rental fees.
  • Visit early in the day for the best visibility and fewer crowds.
  • Consider booking a guided tour for expert insights into the art and marine life.
  • Don't forget your underwater camera to capture the stunning sculptures and vibrant marine life.
  • Wear a wetsuit or rash guard to protect yourself from the sun while exploring.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    To reach the BVI Art Reef, start at the Road Town Ferry Terminal on Tortola. Take a ferry to the Virgin Gorda Ferry Docks in Spanish Town. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes and costs $20. Upon arrival in Spanish Town, taxis are available to take you to the dive site. A taxi ride around Valley/Spanish Town costs $5 per person if sharing with 3 or more passengers. The BVI Art Reef is located at FHWM+HHR, Spanish Town.

  • Taxi

    From the Virgin Gorda Ferry Docks in Spanish Town, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride from Spanish Town to the general area of the BVI Art Reef costs around $5 per person when sharing with 3 or more passengers. Confirm the fare and destination (FHWM+HHR) with the driver before starting your journey. The ride is short, approximately 5 minutes.

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Discover more about BVI Art Reef

The BVI Art Reef is a unique underwater attraction located off the coast of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. This artificial reef combines art and marine conservation, creating a vibrant habitat for sea life and an engaging experience for divers and snorkelers. The centerpiece of the BVI Art Reef is the Kodiak Queen, a former US Navy fuel barge named YO-44, which remarkably survived the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. After serving in World War II and later as a fishing trawler, the ship was abandoned in the BVI. In 2017, it was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Before its sinking, the ship was transformed by artists who created a 24-meter long steel kraken sculpture that sits atop the vessel, adding an artistic element to the underwater landscape. The BVI Art Reef serves multiple purposes. It provides a habitat for various marine species, including corals, sea sponges, sharks, and turtles. The porous surface of the kraken sculpture is designed to encourage coral growth, and the entire site functions as a coral nursery. The reef also helps to rehabilitate over-fished marine populations by providing feeding grounds and hiding spaces. The site is accessible to both snorkelers and divers. The top of the kraken sits just six meters below the surface, making it easily visible to snorkelers. The seabed is at a depth of 17 meters, making it suitable for novice recreational divers. The BVI Art Reef is not only a tourist attraction but also a living laboratory where scientists monitor the local flora and fauna using e-DNA technology.

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