History of Dive BVI

How it all began…

A 1964 University of Notre Dame graduate, Joe learned to dive while finishing his USMC tour at Camp Pendleton, CA in 1968. He became a NAUI #3491L instructor in September 1973 in West Palm Beach and a short time later added his PADI Instructor rating #6773. He first arrived in the BVI in January 1972 as Resident Manager of Marina Cay Hotel having left the real world as an IBM salesman. Joe was lured to the BVI by his brother Mike who was in the construction business. After many years of visiting the BVI, Joe decided to forego the winters of the cold US and move down permanently.  

Bert & Jackie Kilbride started Dive BVI early in 1975. Dive BVI was the first lease signed at the then newly built shopping center located in the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor. The shop was only 100sq ft and divers were few and far between. Bert & Jackie sold Dive BVI to Joe Giacinto on October 1, 1975 when it became a Limited BVI company. The business consisted of a great lease, a 24ft center console boat, 16 rusty steel tanks and no compressor! Air fills had to be done at Marina Cay each evening, which resulted in long days. The first Bauer compressor was installed at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor in March of 1976. Operations were extended to include Leverick Bay in 1990, Marina Cay in 1995 and Scrub Island in 2010.   We proudly celebrated our 40th year of business in 2015.

Dive BVI has continued to lead the dive industry in the British Virgin Islands by maintaining the highest standards, retail facilities and establishing the first Nitrox fill center in the BVI. Continuing on with new offerings, Dive BVI and Scrub Island Resort and Marina have partnered together to open a new 1200 sq. ft retail dive education center at the new Scrub Island Resort (2010). Dive BVI General Manager Jeff McNutt says, “with the opening of this new facility at Scrub Island, Dive BVI will be able to continue to professionally serve the diving, boating, and snorkeling needs of eastern Tortola and Beef Island as well as provide exceptional service to the guests at Scrub Island Resort and Marina”.

Joe sold Dive BVI in 2007 to a customer of Dive BVI.  The new owner partnered up with the management team of Jeff McNutt and his wife, Casey.  This diving power couple oversee the daily operations of Dive BVI having been promoted through the ranks after arriving in the BVI in early 2003. They are a dynamic, fun-loving couple who really share their love of diving and island life with their guests and customers. And yes, they still get out on the boats leading dive tours, private charters and teaching Scuba!  Casey McNutt, Managing Director, is out actively searching for the latest in resort fashions as well as making sure that we have a great selection of top quality Scubapro diving equipment in all of our locations.   Jeff is in charge of Operations, and also oversees our Nitrox production, dive boats, and SSI Diver and Instructor Education programs.

Through the many years of operation, Dive BVI has seen the islands change, storms blow through and tens of thousands of happy guests. With over 48 years of experience, Dive BVI has been a leader in safety, environmental awareness, and dive education in the BVI. Our team continues to promote conservation efforts, provide exceptional customer service, and professional education programs to all residents and visitors alike.  Come join us for a truly amazing BVI adventure!