Moskito Island: British Virgin Islands

Rumours abound regarding what the future will hold for Moskito Island and Drake's Anchorage Resort, located in the North Sound just off shore from Anguilla Point, Virgin Gorda. In years past, this little BVI jewel (often mistakenly referred to as "Mosquito" Island) was once a popular playground for visiting sailors and scuba divers.

Moskito Island: Home to the currently abandoned Drake's Anchorage Resort

Its impossible to talk about Moskito and Drake's Anchorage Resort without paying homage to its original proprietor, Bert Kilbride who is somewhat of a British Virgin Islands legend. Bert, spent the better part of 50 years searching for underwater treasure in the BVI and describes himself as the "Last Pirate of the Caribbean". He built the resort in the 60's and it quickly became a favourite hangout for scuba divers as well as the sailing crowd.

Drake's Anchorage was built just yards from the treacherous Colquhoun Reef. My guess is that Mr. Kilbride (who was always dreaming of discovering the motherload) was hoping to hit pay dirt should a yacht or ship of substance hit the reef and sink! At the resort, he would virtually be sitting atop whatever treasures (or salvage rights) there were to be had!

Colquhoun Reef off Moskito Island, BVI

Colquhoun Reef has claimed its share of bareboat and private yachts in recent years and is one reef which demands respect from those approaching the North Sound!

There was once a really lovely hiking trail called "The trail of Palms" which one could follow around Moskito island from the resort. As the trail has not been maintained in several years, I imagine it has become quite overgrown. However, hardy explorers, suitably dressed for the challenges several years of unmanaged growth may present, would be rewarded by the experience should they wish to follow the trail.

There are a couple of notable beaches here as well. My favourite is Hay Point Beach. This is a lovely, white sand beach which offers great snorkeling immediately offshore. Honeymoon Beach is another nice little spot and, as the name suggests, is just large enough for a couple to enjoy some BVI style solitude.

Since 1997, the resort on Moskito has been closed with a brief reopening in 2000/2001. Financial troubles have plagued the owners and it seems nobody really knows for sure what the future holds.

I have no doubt that Moskito Island is destined to once again become a popular destination. Its anyone's guess as to whom it will be sold. The current scuttlebutt is that Sir Richard Branson (British tycoon and owner of Necker Island) has in fact bought the island. If that is true, the likelihood of this little BVI treasure ever again being the low key, "all are welcome" kind of place it once was ... may be in doubt. I have nothing against Mr. Branson, but I do fear that the "everyman" may soon lose access to yet another of the British Virgin Islands. Let's hope my fears are unfounded!

Stay tuned for further developments!
Photos and information for neighbouring islands and attractions ...

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