About Chikuzen
The Chikuzen is a 75-meter Japanese refrigeration ship that sank in 1981 off the northwest of Tortola and now lies on its side in about 23 meters of water. Because it sits further offshore than most BVI sites, the wreck attracts impressive pelagic life, including large schools of horse-eye jacks, barracuda, and frequent visits from eagle rays and reef sharks. The hull is heavily encrusted with sponges and corals, and the open structure allows easy swim-throughs for experienced wreck divers. The exposed position means conditions can be more demanding, with occasional current and surge, so the site is best suited to advanced divers. For many visitors the Chikuzen is the hidden gem of the territory, combining a big-ship wreck with the feel of an offshore reef. It is regularly included on BVI liveaboard itineraries when weather allows.
Highlights
Large 75-meter wreck, schools of horse-eye jacks, barracuda, eagle rays and reef sharks, easy swim-throughs
Season calendar
Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Off-Season
Dive site facts: Chikuzen
- Depth
- 15–23 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Advanced
- Dive type
- Wreck
- Region / port
- British Virgin Islands
- Coordinates
- 18.4667° N, 64.7167° W
Conditions & Currents
Being offshore, the site can have noticeable current and surge, and visibility varies from 15 to 30 meters. Divers should be comfortable in open-water conditions and follow the guide's briefing closely. Dive profiles here run between roughly 15 and 23 metres, so plan your gas and no-decompression limits around the deeper part of the site. It is usually briefed as a dive for advanced divers. The site is reached by liveaboard, so entries are run from the tender or straight off the back deck. Tide, wind and season all shift the picture from day to day, so the crew's briefing on the boat always overrides any general description.
Why dive Chikuzen from a liveaboard?
Chikuzen is one of British Virgin Islands's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Chikuzen on their British Virgin Islands itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Chikuzen
These liveaboards may visit Chikuzen on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
All Star Cuan Law
Virgin Islands
20 guests31.8 m
$564/day
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Brewers Bay Pinnacle
British Virgin Islands
Brewers Bay Pinnacle rises from the sandy bottom off the north coast of Tortola.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 8–20 m
- Theme
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Invisibles
British Virgin Islands
The Invisibles are submerged pinnacles northeast of Tortola that never break the surface, making them a navigation hazard and a magnet for fish.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 12–30 m
- Theme
- Pinnacle / Reef