Anegada, BVI

If you're looking for powdery white sand under your feet, fresh seafood, great fishing and snorkeling, and truly feeling "away from it all", Anegada is the place for you. If you're in a hurry, like to shop, and dislike relaxing in the sun, stay away.

Quick Tips:

A few things to know before you go:

Most bareboat sailing charter companies prohibit travel to Anegada unless you are a very experienced sailor or accompanied by a captain.

Anegada restaurants require early reservations so they can order the food and fish for your meal. Be sure to contact the restaurant by mid-afternoon to make your dinner plans.

The ferry from Tortola sails to Anegada only three times during the week.

Best Way To Get Around:

With miles of beautiful, deserted beaches and flat topography, Anegada is great terrain for walking. If you get tired, sit in the shade next to the road and eventually you'll be offered a ride by one of Anegada's friendly residents or taxi drivers. Since there's only 250 people on the island, you may have to wait a while, though.

Neptune's Treasure offers simple, clean, friendly accommodations just steps from the water. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature waterfront views, private bathrooms, and small refrigerators. The hotel features its own restaurant and bar, and they serve some very rich lobster omelets. Neptune's is within a 10-15 minute walk from the ferry dock, restaurants, and a few shops. The innkeeper, Randy, provides excellent service and corresponds reliably via e-mail and fax.

If you're looking for a taste of fresh, local seafood, try Potter's on the Sea. With tables on the beach and sand underfoot, Potter's is a relaxing place to kick back with a cold drink and enjoy a meal on one of the most remote islands in the British Virgin Islands.

The portions are fairly generous, and the red snapper and mahi-mahi is delicious! Remember, like most (all?) restaurants on Anegada, you need to call or radio ahead (by 4pm or earlier) to make your dinner reservation... otherwise you may go hungry.

If you're looking for a place to get away from it all, but not too far away, Cow Wreck Beach is the place to go. The beach features powdery white sand, a view of the surf breaking over the Anegada reef, and a relaxed island bar serving cold drinks and food. Walk 10-15 minutes down the beach and you'll find yourself alone with a variety of bird life, including royal terns, brown pelicans and brown boobies.

Wendell is the captain of one of the few large fishing boats on Anegada. When you arrive on the island, ask a local how to get in touch with Wendell (since there's only 250 people on the island, everyone knows him). For about $1000 he will take you out for a morning of offshore fishing. I went with a group of 8 people, and we found Wendell's boat to be well appointed, with quality rods and reels, outriggers and a comfortable onboard lounge. Wendell and his mate do most of the work, organizing the bait and lures, setting the lines, and preparing the fish you keep so you can eat it for dinner. You just have to reel in the big ones.