Anegada (literally “drowned island” in Spanish) is finally coming up for air.
For years, the minimally-developed, pancake-flat, and often inaccessible landmass, guarded by an impassable barrier reef–the third largest in the Caribbean–was an afterthought on British Virgin Islands itineraries, whether by land or by sea. If visitors went at all, it was usually just for a day. The lack of daily ferries meant that spending the weekend was nearly impossible.
But, that’s changed. Anegada, which all predictions said would get wiped out by Hurricane Irma, was spared, while the storm devastated neighboring Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Consequently, BVI itineraries have undergone a monumental shift. Charter boats are rejiggering their entire schedules to spend five days there instead of one. In a year of wholescale devastation, the island’s handful of boutique hotels and lodgings are reporting record seasons.
But that’s only part of the story. The island now has daily ferry service, allowing visitors to turn their one-day visits into long weekends. At last, the BVI’s murky “drowned island” is back into sharp focus–and Anegada is ready for its closeup. Here’s why you need to book a trip to Anegada before the crowds arrive.