With more and more people looking to explore undiscovered, quiet, secluded islands, Mark Figgins, BVI Commercial Operations Manager at Sunsail, a leader in yacht charter holidays, has shared his thoughts on why the BVI is the ultimate Caribbean hidden gem and outlined some of the BVI’s best kept secrets.
Why do you think more people are moving away from popular tourist spots and looking for hidden gems?
Certainly, over tourism of popular tourist spots is becoming a much publicised problem. Popular destinations now over crowded are driven by social media campaigns & an increase of cheap flights & cruises. People are choosing to step away from the crowds and seek out and support sustainable tourist destinations.
Why is the BVI a Caribbean hidden gem?
The British Virgin Islands offer a serene and tranquil environment for relaxation, wellness, and unwinding in a tropical paradise. With so many islands, islets, secluded coves and secret beaches to discover, there’s so many opportunities to escape the crowds, switch off from the world and enjoy authentic Caribbean experiences. The proximity of the islands allows for easy island hopping and exploring the unique charm of each island, from secluded anchorages to lively beach bars.
Each island offers unspoiled natural beauty with white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush hillsides. The BVI is also known for its low light pollution, making it an ideal location for observing stars, planets, and even the Milky Way!
What are your top secret treasures in the British Virgin Islands?
Anegada
Anegada, the only coral island in the BVI, is one iconic spot that still feels like a secret. The island is 38sq km of white sandy beaches with a population of just 450 people. The ultimate chill spot, fun in the sun, and excellent snorkelling, Anegada is a hidden gem in the Caribbean that steals the heart of anyone who discovers it.
The island is surrounded by Horseshoe Reef, among the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean. Bring your snorkel gear along and head for Loblolly Beach. The coral heads are so close to the shoreline, you simply walk into the water, and immediately the show begins. You can snorkel for a few minutes or all day, never tiring of the marine life and clear turquoise waters. Its reefs are littered with marine life, conch & lobster. When you’ve worked up an appetite, walk over to Big Bamboo restaurant for some beach side refreshment.
Anegada is also known for its delicious lobster, which is a must-try for seafood lovers. Many restaurants on the island, such as The Lobster Trap and Big Bamboo, serve freshly caught lobster grilled to perfection. Pair it with a cold drink and enjoy your meal with your feet in the sand, overlooking the stunning Caribbean waters.
In particular, couples tend to love the island of Anegada. Take romantic walks along quiet beaches, enjoy delicious seafood while watching the sunset, or head to Tipsy’s where you can swing with your loved one on the adult-sized swings overlooking the crystal clear waters. Pure magic!
Salt Island
Salt Island is a beautiful uninhabited island steeped in rich history. Best known for the famed Wreck of The Royal Mail Steamer Rhone, Salt Island makes a great stop to explore the famous sunken vessel.
RMS Rhone is a fantastic scuba diving spot, but also great for snorkeling in clear weather, expect to see a range of life there, from the pair of resident barracuda, turtles and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot a reef shark cruising by. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, this historic site promises a thrilling dive experience.
Alternatively, if you’d like to venture onshore you can explore the three evaporation ponds, once an important source of salt for the ships of the Royal Navy. The salt ponds on Salt Island are particularly interesting as they used to be a vital part of the island’s economy!
The island is also a great spot for a quiet picnic or a leisurely hike, offering beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
Guana Island
When you really want to unplug, the BVI offers seclusion for those who know where to find it. If you dream of waking up in calm, aquamarine waters off a secluded beach, you can do just that at Guana Island’s White Bay. The beach is private, which eliminates crowds, and the destination is exquisite, quiet, and unbelievably beautiful.
White Bay offers a slice of paradise for sunset seekers. Sunsets splash across the sky contrasting brilliant blue water with bright orange, pink, and lavender hues. Evenings spent here are peaceful and quiet, inviting you to disconnect from distractions and simply soak in the beauty.
Monkey Point is easy to reach from here too, situated at the southern tip of Guana Island. It’s a treasure trove of natural beauty, with gorgeous white sands, coral reefs and unbelievable blue waters. The views really do need to be seen to be believed, it’s one of the most underrated hidden gems in the Caribbean.
Diamond Cay
Diamond Cay makes a lovely day trip or overnight spot if you’re after some peace and quiet, it’s never usually too crowded. Ashore you will find plenty of bars and restaurants, including Foxy’s Taboo Bar and Restaurant, and Bline Bar, a ramshackle Caribbean beach bar with tons of character.
A small hike away you will find the Bubbly Pool on Jost Van Dyke, which offers an unforgettable experience. An exceptional geological phenomenon, this is a true hidden gem of the BVI. Where waves from the bay crash through a series of rocks, a jacuzzi-like effect is created so it’s like sitting in your own personal hot tub! There’s no feeling like relaxing in nature’s jacuzzi, having a spa day from nature itself.
Sandy Cay
Not far from the Bubbly Pools is Sandy Spit, a tiny island with nothing but powdery white sand and a pretty little cluster of palm trees. Time it right, and you just might get to enjoy this dot of paradise without another soul in sight.
Or try local Sandy Cay, another splendidly secluded stretch of sand you can call your own private island for a romantic afternoon under a palm tree. Sandy Cay is a National Park, gifted back to the BVI by Laurence Rockefeller. Let the botanical trail show you the way through the island, but watch out for the many resident hermit crabs scuttling around! This is a picture postcard setting and the perfect daytime stop for swimming, relaxing, and switching off from the world.
