Anegada, the second largest of the British Virgin Islands, is an extremely popular charter destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. As the only coral reef island in the Virgin Islands (the rest are all volcanic islands), Anegada is home to many rare species of marine life, including needlefish, stingrays, parrotfish and sea turtles. The island is also known for its famous rock iguana and beautiful fauna including wild orchids.
Anegada takes its name from the Spanish word for “drowned”. As it is not a volcanic island, Anegada is relatively flat and can be difficult to navigate by boat. At it’s highest it is just 26 feet above sea level. Before the advanced global tracking systems of the modern era, mariners often couldn’t see it and became trapped in the coral of Horseshoe Reef which, at eighteen miles long, is the largest barrier coral reef in the Caribbean and the fourth largest on earth.
Visitors can dive down to sunken ships or snorkel in the turquoise waters from one of the white, sandy beaches such as Loblolly Bay or Cow Wreck beach. Much of the island’s best marine life can be found among the wreckages of Spanish trading ships and British warships. Despite its size, Anegada is the most sparsely populated of the main islands; it is almost like having your own private beach.
After a long day soaking up the sun, many chose to dine at restaurants that serve fresh lobster. Often found in the deep waters off the North Drop, the locally caught lobster have a reputation as the best in the Caribbean.
Anegada is the perfect place to charter a yacht over the festive period. It is an island that really embraces the spirit and traditions of Christmas. The lighting of the biggest Christmas Tree in the BVI, with more than 15,000 lights, has become an annual event. The tree, which stands at 35 feet high, is lit on first Saturday evening of December each year as part of a cultural event that brings together the island’s community.
One yacht that would be perfect for friend and family charters in Anegada is CATSY, a fantastic Sunreef 62 Catamaran, who was voted as the Best Multihull Over 51 Feet at the 2011 Tortola Charter Yacht Show. She has plenty of living space and beautiful al fresco dining areas with stunning views of the Caribbean scenery.
You can find more information about Anegada yacht charters on our website. If you would like some advice and help in planning a trip to the BVI, please send us an email to [email protected], where one of our Brokers would be delighted to assist you.