Cistern Point
Cooper Island · British Virgin Islands
Cistern Point is the rocky headland at the northern end of Manchioneel Bay, and it is one of the easiest genuinely good snorkels in the BVI — you can reach it by dinghy in a couple of minutes from the Cooper Island moorings, or swim it if you are moored close in.
What You Will See at Cistern Point
The reef runs along the point in relatively shallow water, with coral, sea fans and reliably large numbers of reef fish. Turtles are common in the grass beds nearby, and rays are a regular sight over the sand. Because the site is close to the mooring field and reasonably sheltered, it works well as a first snorkel for anyone still finding their confidence in the water.
Current can run around the point itself, so it is worth entering on the bay side and working outward rather than starting at the tip.
Getting There on Your Crewed Charter
Manchioneel Bay has a large mooring field and is one of the more comfortable overnight stops in the chain, which makes Cistern Point an easy addition to an afternoon rather than a detour.