About Anegada
Anegada is a low, flat coral island in the northern Caribbean and part of the British Virgin Islands. It stands out in the archipelago because it is built of limestone and coral rather than volcanic rock.
The island’s main draws are its reef and beaches - a large surrounding reef system that offers snorkeling and diving, and long sandy bays that attract beachgoers and anglers. Salt flats and shallow lagoons also support birdlife including flamingos.
Historically the island’s reefs caused many shipwrecks and the surrounding waters have long been navigationally hazardous. The human settlement on Anegada is small and oriented to fishing, tourism and services for visiting yachts and day-trippers.
Geographically Anegada sits at the northern end of the British Virgin Islands chain in the Caribbean, separated from the higher volcanic islands of the group by reef and shallow channels. Access is by ferry or small aircraft from other islands in the British Virgin Islands and nearby territories.
- Geology: The island is low-lying and formed from coral and limestone rather than volcanic rock, so it is very flat with extensive tidal flats and reef-protected lagoons.
- Navigation hazards: Strong reef currents and shallow coral heads make navigation hazardous on approach; local pilots and marked channels are used by ferries and charter boats.
What to See#
- Horseshoe Reef: A broad coral and limestone reef system that surrounds much of the island and includes the hazardous Horseshoe Reef, one of the Caribbean’s largest reef structures and a frequent site for snorkeling and diving.
- Beaches: A chain of sandy bays and beaches known for shallow turquoise water and coral flats; popular spots include Loblolly Bay and Cow Wreck Beach for swimming and sunbathing.
- The Settlement (main village): The main settlement on the island, a small village that provides the island’s few shops, guesthouses and transport connections by ferry and small aircraft.
Best Time to Visit Anegada
The dry winter months (December-April) are the most reliable for sea conditions and full service on the island.
Weather & Climate near Anegada
Anegada's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1035 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 22° - 29° | 25° | 60 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 22° - 29° | 25° | 50 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 57 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 75 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 110 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 61 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 24° - 31° | 28° | 66 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 95 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 24° - 31° | 28° | 114 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 24° - 31° | 28° | 121 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 130 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 96 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Anegada
Anegada is typically reached by ferry from Tortola (Road Harbour) and by private charters. Small aircraft services are occasionally available to the island’s airport from Tortola/Beef Island or other BVI airstrips.
Tips for Visiting Anegada
- Anegada is an atoll - its roads are flat and salt-swept; rent a four-wheel drive if planning to explore the salt ponds and western reef flats after wet weather.
- Try the locally famed Anegada lobster at beachfront restaurants in Loblolly Bay and The Settlement.
- Ferry crossings from Virgin Gorda or Tortola can be rough in wind; check schedules and arrive early at the terminal.