Day 4: Anegada Davita Baby!!!

So when you pull up a map of the BVIs, they focus mostly on Tortola and the isles around it. But there is one more in the group thatsome maps cut off. It is the Island of Anegada. It lies about 12 miles North of the rest of the group.

Anegada is kind of the odd ball out in many ways when compared to the other BVIs. Not only is it the farthest outlying isle, but also in its composition. While the other BVIs came into existence from mountainous volcanic activity, Anegada is comprised of coral and limestone, with its highest point being only 28 ft. above sea level. Its a big long flat island with mile after mile of sandy beach, and a huuuuugeee (reportedly 3rd largest in the world) coral reef system (horseshoe reef) surrounding it almost completely. Therein lies the nautical challenge.

Horseshoe reef has caused over 300 known ship wrecks, it is so shallow and so vast that many a one eyed salin man have run there ships right onto it thinking they were safe in open water. I mean you could literally barely see the island off in the distance (because its so low on the horizon) and already have to be watching out for the choral heads. Add to this the factor of currents and wind strength and you have quite the sailing challenge on your hands. Due to all of these factors, many charter companies have made Anegada off limits as a destination.

Alright, a lil excitement! (as if we needed any more lol) So we set sail on a northern course for the western point of Anegada. There are only a few parts of the island where the coral reef is deep enough to allow a sailboat with a 7ft. keel to pass safely through. As we approached we had to look out for a red and a green buoy, and pass in between them, kind of like a small gateway to the island.

After navigating a tricky course we made it safely through, and anchored right off shore. Did some more snorkeling in some of the reef, then cleaned up and went ashore for dinner. The place was soooo pretty, right on the beach, check out the pics! O, and i had carribean lobster for dinner, it was huge! And quite delish if i do say so myself!