Anegada

Anegada, the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, is the archipelago's odd one out: while the others are green and mountainous, Anegada is a low, flat island of coral and limestone, its highest point barely eight metres above the sea, ringed by the vast Horseshoe Reef, one of the largest in the Caribbean. This remote, tranquil island is a place of glorious emptiness, with miles of deserted, dazzling white and pink-tinged beaches often without another soul, calm turquoise shallows for swimming and snorkelling, flocks of flamingos wading its inland salt ponds, and a handful of laid-back beach bars famous for their fresh, succulent Anegada lobster.

Highlights

• The deserted beaches - the miles of empty white and pink sand.
• The flamingos - the flocks on the inland salt ponds.
• Horseshoe Reef - the vast reef for snorkelling and diving.
• The Anegada lobster - the famed fresh lobster at beach bars.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the best weather and calmest seas; Anegada is reached by ferry or a short flight from Tortola, and its remote, empty beaches and reef reward a relaxed overnight. The famous lobster is best enjoyed grilled at a laid-back beach bar, ideally arranged ahead.

Things to know

Anegada is genuinely remote, flat and undeveloped, with limited facilities, few accommodations and a handful of beach bars, so it suits those seeking empty beaches, nature and total tranquillity rather than amenities or activity; reaching it depends on ferries or small flights, and the surrounding reef, while superb, has claimed many ships. For the reward of miles of deserted, beautiful beaches, flamingos, snorkelling and famed fresh lobster in glorious peace, though, Anegada is a rare and special escape.

Nearby

Virgin Gorda, Tortola and the sailing grounds are reached by boat or air.

Key facts