Virginia offers a variety of diving opportunities along its coast, with several wrecks and artificial reefs attracting diverse marine life.
Best Diving Spots for Experienced Divers:
- The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: This bridge-tunnel system features several artificial reefs and wrecks, attracting a variety of marine life such as schools of fish, rays, and even sand tiger sharks.
- USS Monitor, Virginia Beach: This Civil War-era shipwreck is an advanced dive site, with strong currents and limited visibility, but offers a unique historical diving experience and the possibility of encountering marine life such as barracudas and sand tiger sharks.
- The Triangle Wrecks, Virginia Beach: This area is known for its several shipwrecks and abundant marine life, including schools of fish, rays, and occasional sand tiger sharks.
Best Diving Spots for Beginners:
- Lake Phoenix, Rawlings: This former quarry now serves as a popular training ground for beginner divers, with clear water and underwater attractions such as sunken structures and a school bus.
- Little Island Park, Virginia Beach: This beach park offers easy entry and exit points, as well as the possibility of encountering marine life such as crabs and small fish.
- Stingray Point, Deltaville: This protected cove is a popular destination for beginner divers, with calm waters and the possibility of encountering marine life such as stingrays and crabs.
Marine Life:
Divers in Virginia can encounter a variety of marine life, including sand tiger sharks, rays, barracudas, and a variety of fish species such as snapper and grouper.
Dive Conditions:
Dive conditions in Virginia can vary depending on the location and season, but generally offer moderate visibility and water temperatures ranging from 50-80°F. Divers should be aware of potentially strong currents in some areas, particularly around the wrecks.
Cost:
The cost of diving in Virginia varies depending on the location and type of dive. Certification courses can range from $300-$500, while guided dives and equipment rental can cost $100-$200 per person. Some dive sites may also require permits or entrance fees.
Overall, Virginia offers a range of dive opportunities for both beginners and experienced divers, with a diverse range of marine life and dive conditions to explore.
