Anegada, BVI - "The Drowned Island"

This is the only major coral island within the British Virgin Islands. Anegada features fabulous beaches, an immense barrier reef, salt ponds, flamingos, rock iguanas, spectacular sunsets, and great lobster dinners! Known as the "drowned island", Anegada's highest elevation is only 28' above sea level. (See photos below)

This Island can be divided into 6 different sections:

1) The Anchorage: Lies between Setting Point & Pomato Point and is a favourite of BVI sailing enthusiasts. There are several beach bars and restaurants to choose from such as Potter's By the Sea, Anegada Reef Hotel, Neptune's Treasure, The Lobster Trap and Pomato Point Bar & Restaurant. A handful of other businesses are located a short distance inland.

Sunset over Pomato Point & Setting Point Anchorage

2) Beaches: The north shore offers miles of beautiful, uninterrupted beach, an incredible barrier reef with views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is sparsely dotted with uniquely charming BVI beach bars and restaurants including Cow Wreck Beach Bar and Grill, Flash of Beauty at Loblolly Bay East, and Big Bamboo Restaurant also on Loblolly Beach. Each offers fresh seafood (including fresh lobster and conch) as well as great island refreshments! These beaches are also a major attraction for surfing and kite boarding enthusiasts.

Loblolly Beach at Big Bamboo Restaurant & Bar

3) Salt Ponds: Much of this island's interior is made up of salt ponds, the largest of which is the Flamingo Pond seen in the picture below. Not surprisingly and as the name would indicate, you'll find a relatively good sized flock of flamingos here.

Salt Ponds cover approximately 1/4 of the island's 21.5 square miles!

4) The Settlement: Though many Anegadians still live in The Settlement, some have spread out and built homes in other locations. This is primarily a fishing village. You will find a small Post Office, Dotsy's Bakery, Government Administration Building, a medical clinic and several intriguing little homes, many of which have goats roaming their yards.

A typical home in The Settlement - British Virgin Islands

5) Outback: This desolate area is of great interest to botanists and zoologists concerned with maintaining a delicate ecosystem existing on Anegada which boasts several species unique to this island such as the Rock Iguana as well as several plant species. This is also a natural habitat for Caribbean Flamingos. You will encounter other (somewhat more domesticated) wild life here as well!

Read about the British Virgin Islands Rock Iguana Head Start Programme.

Donkeys Grazing		Anegada Rock Iguana

6) Anegada Reef: This fascinating part of of the British Virgin Islands is protected on its northern coast by a huge barrier reef which, at nearly 18 miles long is one of the largest in the Caribbean! The entire island is rimmed by approximately 14 miles of powder white beach and the reef itself is teeming with a vastly diverse ecosystem which includes conch, lobster, a myriad of corals, reef dwellers and big game fish.

Aerial picture of the Reef

Auguste George Airport, BVI: This tiny Airport (NGD) lies close to The Settlement, and other than traveling by boat or ferry (which runs three times per week), is the only way to access this most remote of all British Virgin Islands. The airport is often unmanned and is serviced by small charter planes & helicopters. Its takes about 12 to 15 minutes to fly from Beef Island airport.

Landing at Anegada Airport, BVI		Auguste George Airport (NGD)

Smith's Ferry is now offering service to Anegada every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Departure Times:
Road Town, Tortola at 7:00 am and 3:30 pm - $50.00/person (round trip)
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda at 7:30 am and 4:00 pm - $65.00/person (round trip)
Setting Point at 8:30 am and 5:00 pm

There are special ferry runs on the last Sunday of every month from Road Town departing at 9:30 am & returning at 5:00 pm. This run does not generally stop in Virgin Gorda, but will stop in Spanish Town for groups of 10 or more if you call in advance. Phone (284) 494-4454 or (284) 494-2355 for reservations.

Of all the islands in the BVI, this is one you really won't want to miss!

For British Virgin Islands sailing charters and power boat vacations,
Contact our BVI yacht charter specialist!

Phone: (284) 495-4168 Tortola, British Virgin Islands
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