Have you been to Jost van Dyke, Norman, Willy T. and Virgin Gorda already? Looking for something new/different? How about Anegada in the British Virgin Islands. It is about a 50 mile ride and the ocean can be rough, so it is a bit of a stretch, but it is ideal for a weekend trip.

About Anegada, BVI

Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, a group of islands which form part of the archipelago of the Virgin Islands. It lies approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of Virgin Gorda. Anegada is formed from coral and limestone, rather than being of volcanic origin. While the other islands are mountainous, Anegada is flat and low. The highest elevation is 12 feet. Anegada is known for miles of white sand beaches and the 18-mile (29 km)-long Horseshoe Reef, the largest barrier coral reef in the Caribbean, and the fourth largest on earth, a watery graveyard for many an unsuspecting wind-tossed ship, it is known to have over 300 wrecks in its waters, some of whose artifacts can be seen in a local nautical museum.

Anegada is most famous for it’s lobster and has the most consistent surf of any of the Virgin Islands, since it is most exposed to swell.

The flora, fauna and scenery is very different from the other Virgin Islands, there are pine trees, bushes and sand dunes (like at the French Atlantic Ocean). The sand is very fine and soft and has a pinkish white color. The water is very clear and due to the low depth, the colors are just amazing. There are salt ponds that host a growing flock of pink flamingoes. Rare indigenous iguanas are nurtured by the National Parks Trust and released in the wild, and many rare types of plant life are also found on this unique, long, flat atoll.

What to do on Anegada, BVI

You can bring your Paddleboard or Surfboard and explore the wonderful water and breaks, Snorkeling of course, is great too. Or you can rent a scooter to explore the island. When you rent a scooter they will give you an island map with all sights, but you can’t really get lost on Anegada, there is only one road that circles the whole island Make sure to stop at Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly.

And then you of course have to eat some lobster and conch!

Where to stay on Anegada, BVI

Nothing is cheap on Anegada, but Anegada Reef Hotel and Anegada Cottages are great, reasonably affordable places to stay. If budget is not a consideration, Anegada Beach Club is the place to go.

How to get to Anegada, BVI

by Ferry

You can get to Anegada by Ferry from St. John, but it is a bit complicated, you have to go St. John – Tortola Westend, take taxis to East End and from there ferry to Anegada. Same on the way back and the ferry might also stop at Jost van Dyke. If you go by ferry, you might want to plan to spend 2 nights as you will loose a whole day getting over there.

About once a month, there is also a direct ferry from St. Thomas / St. John to Anegada. Check out the latest ferry schedule here.

by Helicopter

the fastest way, costs about 1000$

by Private Charter

there are a few powerboats that also go from St. John to Anegada, make sure you get a good one that provides a comfortable ride, as the ocean can get quite rough. Check out www.rockhoppin.com for example. On their 32 FS Regulator the ride only takes little over an hour on a calm day.