2nd Largest of the British Virgin Islands
Anegada is about 18 miles northwest of Virgin Gorda, making it a leisurely sail on a good day. The channel to the anchorage at Setting Point is well-marked. You will pass many coral heads as you sail in with good weather and light. Anegada is an excellent destination for those who enjoy beaches, fresh lobster, conch meals, and down-to-earth entertainment.
Anegada is the second largest of the British Virgin Islands, measuring 11 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. The coral island is unlike its mountainous sister isles in the area. It has extensive salt ponds, reaching its highest point at 28 feet, hence its name, which means “drowned land.” Anegada has miles of beautiful sandy beaches with primeval quality.
Horseshoe Reef
Anegada is “guarded” by the famous Horseshoe Reef to the southeast. At 18 miles long, it is one of the most extensive and longest coral reefs in the Caribbean. Horseshoe Reef has claimed more than 300 shipwrecks, making it a popular site for wreck diving. However, it is not illegal to anchor on Horseshoe Reef.
Anegada Activities
Water Sports
Anegada is well known for wreck diving, bone and deep sea fishing, lobsters, conch, flamingos, and beautiful deserted beaches. Anegada Reef Hotel arranges deep-sea fishing and bone-fishing trips for island guests.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are best on Horseshoe Reef. There, divers will delight in the reefâs mazes, tunnels and drops. They are rich in needle fish, mojarra, stingrays, parrot fish and other marine life.
Ship Wreckage Exploration
Try and explore the wreckage of numerous Spanish galleons, American privateers and British warships. The northern end of the island offers magnificent reefs and clear blue water for fabulous snorkeling. Loblolly Bay, Jack Bay and Cow Wreck Bays are some of the most popular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. Be sure to bring your own snorkeling gear to the island as there are no rentals available.
Go sailing with the Spirit of Anegada and climb aboard a classic gaff-rigged schooner. Enjoy quality snorkeling and sailing among the beautiful BVI. The skipper anchors at secluded snorkeling areas so you and your party can enjoy the spectacular reefs. Charter the boat privately or join the scheduled half and full day sails.
Natural Beauty
Clear springs that bubble from coral beds support a variety of flora special to the Virgin Islands area. They include loblolly, frangipani, turpentine trees, feathery sea lavender and wild orchids. On the nature trail at Bones Bight, catch a glimpse of the rare rock iguanas native to Anegada. Discover the local birds, including the Roseate Flamingos at Nutmeg Point.
Heritage & Culture
Discover the islandâs history through a maze of stone walls that surround The Settlement. You can also visit the Arawakâs ancient conch burial mounds at the East End of the island. Anegada has a sparse population (about 200) and indigenous culture. Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard, used Anegada as one of his favorite hideouts.
Shopping
- Faulkner’s Country Store , The Settlement
Faulkner’s Country Store is in The Settlement (or âVillage Squareâ as many like to call the area). It sells vegetables, canned goods, detergents, frozen meats, and fish. If you can’t find what you need here, nearby Pal’s General Store may be able to help you.
- Purple Turtle (Formerly Sue’s Gift Shop)
This newly expanded shop sells island clothing, handcrafts, music, spices and candles. The store sells items made in the Caribbean, which makes this the perfect spot to shop for gifts to take back home. Check out their beautiful sarongs, dresses, hats and t-shirts â these make for great island wear.
- Pat’s Pottery & T-Shirts, Nutmeg Point
Located near Bonefish Villa, Pat’s Pottery offers a selection of plates, mugs, pitchers, platters and more. They decorate each item in an island motif such as palm trees, sea grapes, and fish.
- VNJâs and Henryâs Souvenir Shop at Nutmeg Point â Features locally made pottery and gifts.
WANT MORE? GO TO…TOP 7 THINGS TO DO ON ANEGADA
Anegada Anchorages
- Setting Point â This is the main anchorage on Anegada.
- Benderâs Bay Anchorage â Bay adjoining Setting Point.
Anegada Beaches
Coral reefs surround Anegada. They include Horseshoe Reef, the Eastern Caribbeanâs third largest continuous reef. The reefs protect the island’s secluded sandy beaches. Among them is Loblolly Bay, ranked among the world’s best beaches.
Loblolly Bay has a natural lookout point with 360-degree views of Caribbean perfection. Other beaches include Cow Wreck Beach, Jay Back Beach, Flash of Beauty, and Bones Bight.
- Cow Wreck Beach
Located on the north shore of Anegada, Cow Wreck Beach is a beautiful spot to relax, swim and snorkel. The beach got its name from the cow bones that washed upon it after ships carrying these animals wrecked on its reefs. After soaking in the sun, stop by the Cow Wreck Beach Bar for lunch, dinner, or a beverage.
- Loblolly Bay Beach
Loblolly Beach is a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach on the north shore of Anegada. This is arguably the best beach on the island for snorkeling. Swim over the reefs to explore the colorful angel fish, parrot fish, and natural coral. You can see a few small caves and a wreck as well.
Loblolly Beach is also an excellent spot for beach-combing. Walk the long beach to collect beautiful shells and view the islands flora and fauna.
- Jack Bay Beach
Jack Bay Beach is yet another wonderful spot to swim, snorkel, and relax on beautiful Anegada. Located just west of Loblolly Beach, this is a peaceful and relaxing spot.
Anegada Dining
Anegada has a varied selection of restaurants, offering both local cuisine and a wide choice of other dishes. We recommend indulging in the local cuisine by dining on lobster, reputed to be the Caribbeanâs best. Try also the rum-based Rum Teaser or Wreck Punch.
- Anegada Reef Hotel, Setting Point
The Anegada Reef Hotel’s restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For dinner, try the succulent Anegada lobster. If you don’t favor fresh seafood, the restaurant also serves chicken, baby back ribs, and steak.
You can dine in casual attire. They don’t accept credit cards here. Contact: 284-495-8002; www.anegadareef.com
- Loblolly Bay’s Big Bamboo
Big Bamboo is a local beachfront hangout on the island. Order your lunch and then jump in the water to go snorkeling. This beach bar serves all the necessary favorites: cold beer, burgers and Anegada lobster.
Dinner is available on request. Contact: 284-495-2019
- Neptune’s Treasure, The Settlement
Neptune’s Treasure is an unpretentious, family restaurant boasting the freshest seafood on the island. Try the Pink Whoopie, made of rum and fruit juices, which is their signature island beverage.
The restaurant is open daily, 8am-10pm, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can wear casual attire. Contact: 284-495 -9439; www.neptunestreasure.com; neptunestreaures@surfbvi.com
- Potterâs By the Sea at Setting Point
TripAdvisor rated this restaurant #2 of the top 10 restaurants in Anegada. Potterâs by the Sea offers freshly prepared lobster and seafood.
They cook most food on open BBQ grills using special wood, collected from the interior of the island. This gives the dishes a special flavor. Contact: 284-495-9439
- Pomato Point Restaurant
This is a relaxed beach restaurant/bar. Entrées include lobster, stewed conch, and freshly caught seafood. The place is open for lunch daily; call by 4 pm for dinner reservations.
Be sure to view owner Wilfred Creque’s displays of island artifacts. They include shards of Arawak pottery and 17th-century coins, cannonballs, and bottles. You can find them in a little one-room museum adjacent to the dining room. Contact: 284-495-9466
- Cow Wreck Beach Bar, Cow Wreck Bay
Cow Wreck Beach Bar is a local bar and restaurant where visitors come to fill up on tasty conch fritters and fresh local lobster. Bring along your snorkeling gear so you can jump into the water before lunch. The restaurant conveniently offers a changing area, shower and bathroom to use after your swim.
The shaded bar offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy some easy conversation. Try the Wreck Punch – a delicious mixture of rum and fruit. Open for lunch and dinner. Contact: 284-495-8047
- Dotsyâs Bakery
Located in The Settlement, the island’s main village, Dotsy’s offers a selection of fresh baked goods. They include homemade breads, cakes and cookies. The bakery also offers lunch and dinner made to order.
This is a great spot to pick up a sandwich before heading to one of Anegada’s lovely beaches for the day. Contact: 284-495-9667
- Illusionâs Bakery
Offers breads, pasteries, local foods. Call for catering information: 284-495-9202
Getting Around Anegada
Getting around Anegada is easier than you think. Cars, jeeps, trucks, and mini-vans are available for rent on the island. When staying at one of the villas on the island, they can arrange a rental car to pick you up at the airport.
Or, if you prefer to take a taxi across the island, say between a remote beach and the Settlement, they can also arrange this.
CONTACT US for more Information about Anegada British Virgin Islands at (321) 777-1707
Anegada Getting There
- Getting There BY BOAT
Boat Trips are a great way to get to Anegada, especially from the North Sound, which is about 14 miles to the south. Set anchor at Setting Point or Bender’s Bay. You can find regular ferries from Tortola Island to Anegada.
- Getting There BY AIR
VI Airlink is now offering air service to Anegada from Tortola’s s Beef Island Airport. Service is available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Clair Aero has regularly scheduled flights from Beef Island Airport (a mere 10-minute flight) as well. Flights are also available for St. Thomas and Virgin Gorda by reservation.
CONTACT US for more Information about Anegada British Virgin Islands at (321) 777-1707