Dreaming of a Caribbean escape that’s off the beaten path? Look no further than Anegada, a hidden gem in the British Virgin Islands. Unlike its volcanic island neighbors, Anegada boasts a low-lying coral charm. It offers guests secluded beaches, vibrant wildlife, and a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
Are you a beach lover, an underwater adventurer, or a curious explorer? Whatever your personality, you’ll find many unique and exciting things to do on Anegada.
Eat Lobster at Cow Wreck Beach
Anegada is the “Lobster Mecca” of the Virgin Islands. Locals catch fresh lobsters on the reefs and sell them to Tortola retailers and other BVI restaurants. Take a taxi to Cow Wreck Beach, a remote outpost on the northern shore. The small restaurant there serves delectable lunches, lobster being the show’s star, steamed and served dripping with garlic and butter.
Cow Wreck got its name from the cow skulls and bones washed ashore from wrecked ships carrying tons of bones. You may still find brittle, bleached skulls above the high-water mark.
Scuba Dive or Snorkel Horseshoe Reef
In years gone by, many ships passed near Anegada and came to grief on the 18-mile Horseshoe Reef, which guards the island. This reef is one of the longest in the world. Scuba diving and snorkeling here are a must to see the wrecks, underwater caves, and abundant sea life and corals. The reef offers snorkelers a maze of tunnels, drops, and caves boasting rich marine life.
Top Things to Do on Anegada: Bonefishing
Anegada is ground zero for flats fishing or bonefishing. Bonefishing is a sought-after sport here, with many shallow flats home to bonefish and snook. Are you a first-time fisherman or an experienced fly-fishing angler for bonefish and tarpon? Whatever your experience or lack of it, you can rely on local guides to know where the fish are biting.
Kiteboarding off Pomato Point
Pomato Point is probably the best location in the BVI for anyone kite-boarding from a charter or private boat. If you’re a beginner, Carib kite-boarding at the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda will set you up with a lesson. They will supply you with all the gear you’ll need and a boat charter to take you on an unforgettable ride. Anegada Reef Hotel also provides kite-boarding adventures.
Bird Watching at the Salt Ponds
If you enjoy bird watching, you won’t want to miss the salt ponds on Anegada. Saltwater ponds, mud flats, and mangrove swamps are home to various colorful birds. They include sandpipers, ospreys, terns, kaloo birds, blue herons, and frigate birds. Flocks of Roseate Pink Flamingos gather in the ponds near Nutmeg Point.
Top Things to Do on Anegada: View Rock Iguanas at Bones Bight
The rock iguana made his home here thousands of years ago and almost reached extinction. When people arrived to occupy the island, they introduced cats as house pets or to control the rodent population. Over the years, some abandoned cats turned feral. They ate the rock iguana young and almost eradicated the entire species.
Quite recently, locals started catching and neutering cats. Consequently, the rock iguana is again resuming its place on the island. To help expedite their recovery, the National Parks Trust nurtures and releases them into the wild. The nature trail at Bones Bight is the best place to catch a glimpse of this endangered species native to Anegada.
Tour Anegada Museum
On land, you can read the island’s history in the maze of stone walls surrounding the Settlement, the main town. In the East End, ancient conch burial mounds and small islands attest to the presence of the Arawaks. These were the people who called Anegada home nearly a thousand years ago.
At the Anegada Museum, maps reveal the location of over 200 wrecks. It also displays the recovered booty — cannons, musket balls, and ships’ timbers. Listen to tales of buccaneers, drowned ships, and hoards of gold still undiscovered. Or, tour the private museum at Pomato Point, which contains marine and other artifacts from Anegada’s past.
Top Things to Do on Anegada: Beyond the Checklist
Anegada is about more than just ticking off activities. It’s about soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and unwinding on pristine beaches. It’s also about connecting with the island’s natural beauty.
As one traveler recently shared:
“This island is like stepping onto a postcard. The beaches are incredible, the people are friendly, and the pace of life is just what I needed. Anegada is truly a hidden gem in the Caribbean.”
Plan Your Anegada Adventure Today!
Ready to start crafting your unforgettable Anegada visit? Contact ILX Travel BVI Rental-Specialist, your experts in creating personalized vacations in the British Virgin Islands. We’ll handle all the details, ensuring your trip is seamless and stress-free.
So, what are you waiting for? Let ILX Travel BVI unlock the magic of Anegada for you! Don’t just dream it, live it!