Why Honeymoon on Anegada
Anegada is about space and quiet. While other islands in the BVI have marinas, resorts and busy anchorages, much of Anegada's coast is empty beach backed by sea grape and dune. It is easy to walk for half an hour along the sand and meet no one.
The snorkeling is also among the best in the territory. Reefs near Loblolly Bay come close to shore, so you can swim from the beach over coral heads with fish, rays and sometimes turtles.
The island feels like a throwback, with simple guesthouses, beach tents and casual restaurants where the cook pulls lobster from a trap and grills it on the spot. There are no big resorts and no nightlife beyond a beach bar or two.
Couples who love wild places, long walks and quiet evenings will find it deeply romantic. If you need marble bathrooms and a spa, visit on a day trip from Virgin Gorda or Tortola instead of staying overnight.
When to Go
Anegada follows the same broad seasons as the rest of the BVI, though its flat terrain and exposure to the Atlantic make wind and swell more noticeable.
December through May is the best time, with dry weather and steady trade winds. Winter brings the most sailors, who anchor at Setting Point and come ashore for lobster dinners. Kitesurfers like the steady breeze over the lagoons.
June and July are warm and usually calm, with some rain. Sea conditions are often ideal for snorkeling while the island is quiet.
Hurricane season officially runs June through November, with the highest risk from August to October. Several businesses on Anegada close for part of the fall. Ferry service can be reduced or suspended in poor weather. Because the island is so low, storms can also cause flooding.
Plan visits during the main season for the widest choice of places to stay and eat. Always check ferry schedules before you commit.
Where to Stay
Accommodations on Anegada are small and simple. The Anegada Beach Club, on the north shore, offers beach tents and rooms right on the sand, with a restaurant, bar and kitesurfing on site. It suits couples who want a barefoot, glamping-style stay with ocean views from bed.
On the south side, near Setting Point, the Anegada Reef Hotel has rooms close to the main anchorage and restaurant scene. Neptune's Treasure, a family-run guesthouse with a restaurant, is also near the harbor, popular with sailors and visitors who want a local feel.
Cottages and villas dot the north coast near Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Bay. They are often simple but well placed for long beach walks and snorkeling.
Wherever you stay, expect a relaxed style of service, limited menus and basic amenities. Book well ahead for high season, as the number of rooms is small.
Romantic Things to Do
Spend a morning snorkeling at Loblolly Bay, where coral heads rise close to the beach. The eastern end, sometimes called Flash of Beauty, has calm pools when the wind is light.
Rent a jeep or scooter and drive the sandy roads to Cow Wreck Beach for an afternoon swim and a drink at the bar. The beach takes its name from an old wreck that spilled cow bones along the shore.
Visit the salt ponds in the west of the island to see flamingos, which were reintroduced after disappearing in the last century. Bring binoculars and keep your distance.
In The Settlement, stop by the iguana headstart facility, where endangered Anegada rock iguanas are raised until they are large enough to survive in the wild.
Book a lobster dinner on the beach at Setting Point or one of the north shore restaurants, then walk back along the sand under the stars.
Getting There and Around
Most couples reach Anegada from Tortola. Ferries run from Road Town on a limited schedule several days a week, taking around 90 minutes. Times and days change, so confirm them well before your trip.
Charter boats and water taxis from Tortola or Virgin Gorda offer more flexibility. Many sailing charters also include Anegada, but the reef makes navigation tricky and some charter companies have rules about approaching the island.
Short charter flights land at Auguste George Airport, taking about 10 to 15 minutes from Tortola. They are the quickest option, though more expensive.
On the island, rent a jeep, scooter or bicycle to explore at your own pace. Roads are flat but sandy in places. Taxis can be arranged through hotels and restaurants. Some places offer pickups from the ferry dock. Fill up with fuel when you can, as supplies are limited.
Food and Drink
Lobster is the star. Anegada's fishermen supply much of the BVI's lobster. On the island it is often cooked whole over open fires on the beach. Expect it to be the most expensive item on the menu, but also one of the most memorable meals of your trip.
Most restaurants on Anegada are open-air and casual, serving grilled fish, conch, chicken and sides like rice, peas and salad. Some bars and restaurants close on certain days or run limited hours, so check ahead.
Beach bars at Cow Wreck Beach, Loblolly Bay and Setting Point serve Painkillers, rum punches and cold beer. Many restaurants ask for lobster orders by early afternoon so they can prepare.
The Settlement has a bakery and a small store with basic groceries, but supplies are limited. If you are staying in a cottage with a kitchen, bring snacks and staples from Tortola.
Honeymoon Tips
Plan your timing around transport. Ferries do not run every day. Weather can change plans, so leave a buffer before your flight home.
Order lobster in advance. Most restaurants ask you to reserve and choose your meal by midafternoon.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent. The sun is strong, shade can be limited and mosquitoes appear around dusk.
Carry some cash. Many businesses take cards, but connections can be unreliable. There is no bank on the island.
Respect the reef and wildlife. Do not stand on coral, do not feed fish or iguanas and give flamingos plenty of space.
If you go out on a boat, choose a captain who knows the reef well. Horseshoe Reef is beautiful but dangerous for inexperienced navigators.
