Day Trippin’ to Anegada

If you think all Virgin Islands look the same, you haven’t been to Anegada. Unlike its mountainous neighbors, this remote island in the British Virgin Islands is flat, coral-based and feels like a secret Caribbean hideaway. A day trip from St. John to Anegada is an unforgettable adventure for those looking to trade jungle hikes for windswept shores, wild flamingos and grilled lobster by the sea.

Getting there

Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, located about 60 miles from St. John. It’s a bit of a journey, but absolutely doable as a full-day powerboat charter, a two-hour ferry ride from St. John or a short 20-minute hopper flight from St. Thomas.

Because you’ll be entering the British Virgin Islands, bring a valid passport for customs.

Why Anegada?

Unlike the other lush and volcanic BVIs, Anegada is a coral atoll, low, flat, and ringed by reef. It feels different the moment you arrive: wider skies, windswept beaches and an open, untouched feeling. It’s known for secluded white-sand beaches, incredible snorkeling and the freshest lobster you’ll ever eat.

This is the BVI’s best-kept secret, perfect for those seeking tranquility and nature with a side of barefoot luxury.

What to do on Anagada for one day

Snorkel Loblolly Bay or Cow Wreck Beach: These two pristine beaches are the island’s crown jewels. Loblolly offers great offshore snorkeling and vibrant reef life. Cow Wreck is quieter, with gin-clear water and a beloved beach bar known for its rum punch and chill vibes.

See the Flamingos: Anegada is home to flocks of wild flamingos! These striking birds were reintroduced to the island in the 1990s and can often be seen in the salt ponds near the center of the island. You can view them from a lookout tower or take a nature tour.

Savor a Caribbean Lobster Lunch: Anegada is famous for its lobster, caught daily and grilled to perfection at beachside restaurants like The Lobster Trap or Big Bamboo. A lobster lunch with a view of the sea is basically a rite of passage here.

Rent a Scooter or Jeep: Anegada is relatively large and flat, so rent a scooter, bike or jeep to explore its windswept beaches and hidden coves. There’s something magical about driving a sandy road with no crowds, no traffic and only the sound of waves.

Explore the Reef: Anegada is surrounded by the Horseshoe Reef, one of the largest coral reef systems in the Caribbean. Some tours include snorkeling trips to deeper reef areas with dramatic coral formations and shipwrecks.

Travel Tips

• Anegada is the furthest BVI from St. John, leave early and plan for a full day.

• Bring Your Passport: Required for customs.

• Water Gear: Snorkel gear, water shoes, and a towel are must-haves.

• Cash: Some local spots may not accept cards.

• Expect Solitude: This isn’t a party island, it’s about peace, nature, and escape.

Why you’ll love it

A day on Anegada feels like you’ve discovered a secret. It’s peaceful, wild, and free from overdevelopment. Whether you’re lounging on a beach with no one in sight or savoring a just-caught lobster with your toes in the sand, Anegada is an escape in the truest sense.

It’s the perfect contrast to the lush hills of St. John, and a reminder that the Caribbean has so many different sides, if you’re curious enough to explore them.