Anegada is one of the Caribbean’s lowest island

There are many options to choose from when visiting the British Virgin Islands (BVI), including Virgin Gorda, Tortola and St. John. A perfect island, however, if you want to see some pristine beaches off the main road. Besides having beautiful, white sand beaches and sparkling clear waters, it also has some amazing wildlife to see on land and in the water. Additionally, if you enjoy snorkeling, this is your dream come true. Unlike other volcanic islands, this location is coral and limestone. In addition, part of the Horseshoe Reef, the largest in the Caribbean, the third largest on Earth and one of the most amazing, is located there reefs in the world. This is Anegada Island, which means “flooded land.”

The endangered Anegada rock iguana and the western salt lake pink flamingo are two amazing animals that call Anegada home. To the east, there is a small island built of shells that have been kept by fishermen for hundreds of years. Wrecks of the ship can be found underwater, and there is an 18-mile Horseshoe Reef for diving and snorkeling. But before you travel, there are a few things you should be aware of.

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All About Anegada Island

The BVI’s second largest island is Anegada. There are only around 300 permanent residents, most of whom live in a single village called a settlement. For things like school, they travel by boat to Virgin Gorda or Tortola. At its highest point, Anegada is only 28 feet above sea level. From Bones Bight, you can take a scenic walk to Anegada.

Make sure you have cash as there are no banks or ATMs on the island. Additionally, there are no dive shops in Anegada, so you have to rent gear from other islands like Tortola and bring it with you. In the city, you can hire water taxis, jeeps or even scooters for transportation. The island is just that 11 miles long and 3 miles wide, so you can walk to many places as well.

The only way to get here is by boat from Tortola, which departs from Virgin Gorda and runs only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It costs $55 for adults and $40 for children, or $35 and $20 one-way, respectively, and takes about 75 minutes. The schedule is available online, and reservations are not required. You arrive about twenty minutes early. Be sure to try the Caribbean lobster dinner and fresh conch fritters at one of the island’s eateries. Wander and discover the endangered Anegada rock iguana, which is threatened by feral cats.

Snorkeling On Anegada And The Conch Island

One of its features is the Conch Island situated on the east coast of Anegada. The island you see above was built by fishermen who collected and discarded shells here for hundreds of years. Beautiful beaches abound on Anegada, with quirky names like Cow Wreck Beach (with a wonderful beach bar) and Loblolly Bay. Despite the occasional strong current, Loblolly Bay is known for some amazing snorkeling, however they are all well worth the trip. In addition, there are other ships nearby, such as the Parramatta sunk in 1853 and the Rooks Wreck, which is useful for novice divers.

In addition to seeing turtles, rays, nurse sharks (see Explore’s article on shark safety), groupers, barracuda, needle fish, parrotfish and bonefish, the snorkeling in the sea near Anegada is fantastic. Kelly’s Land and Sea Tours is one of the favorite snorkeling tours in the area. It lasts thirty minutes and includes snorkeling at Conch Island, free breakfast and a chance to see some flamingos. (You can also bring your own binoculars or take a scooter out west to see through the telescope.)

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