Cistern Point: A Snorkeler's Paradise

Cistern Point, located south of Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island, is a premier destination for snorkelers and divers in the British Virgin Islands. This shallow diving spot features a vibrant coral reef system, easily accessible by boat. The underwater topography includes craters, ledges, and rocky formations that create habitats for a diverse array of marine life. Cistern Point is known for its crystal-clear waters, teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional reef sharks. The coral gardens are a major highlight, offering a colorful and diverse underwater landscape. Snorkelers can explore various schools of fish, spot shrimps, blue tangs, queen angelfish, damselfish, snappers, grunts, sergeant majors, goatfish, anemones, silvery fry, tarpon, turtles, southern stingrays, moray eels, and nurse sharks. Divers will find a series of shallow craters to explore, with plentiful queen angelfish, schools of sergeant majors and chromis, jacks, and gray snappers. The top of the ridge features schools of blue tang, goatfishes, beautiful anemones, and active cleaning stations. During the late spring and early summer, schools of tiny silvery fry congregate in the shallows, attracting massive tarpon. Compared to other snorkeling spots, Cistern Point is often less crowded, offering a more private and intimate experience. The calm and clear waters make it a safe and enjoyable environment for both experienced and beginner snorkelers.