Anegada: Relax and Explore in paradise
Relax
Anegada is a favorite get away because of its unsurpassed beauty, tranquility and laid-back luxury. The combination of hot sun and the cool waters really cannot be beaten. The night sky in Anegada is nearly void of light pollution and star gazing is phenomenal.
The wind blowing through the palms, the waves lapping up on the beach and bird song can often be the only sounds one hears on Anegada until venturing close to local entertainment that may include Fungi, Reggae, Soca and Calypso music. Visitors to Anegada may completely relax and do as little as possible or they can explore the island from land and underwater.
Unspoiled sandy beaches stretch around Anegada boasting turquoise waters and bright blue skies. Top beaches include Cow Wreck Beach, a must-visit as it offers a peaceful environment, self-serve bar, and fun activities like corn hole and sand bocce, making it great for families. Loblolly Beach has a fun atmosphere and great snorkelling. Be sure to place an order for lunch upon arrival so it’s ready when you’re done exploring. Flash of Beauty is another excellent snorkelling spot up the same coastline as Loblolly Beach.
Explore
The dining scene on Anegada offers a number of exceptional options. Enticing smells of fresh caught seafood cooking up with Virgin Islands herbs and spices will lead you to one of the many food establishments that offer the freshly caught Anegada lobster, conch, cornfish and other local dishes.
Anegada is a snorkeler and SCUBA divers adventure paradise with its incredible reefs, underwater caves, tunnel formations and fish watching. Bonefish, needle fish, parrot fish, stingrays and many other local species are plentiful.
Walkers and hikers will want to trek the nature trail at Bones Bight.
The ecosystem of Anegada has been isolated and includes many interesting species only found here including Anegada Rock Iguanas, exotic birds of many colors, wild orchids and the Poke-Me-Boy Tree (Vachellia anegadensis). To learn more, visit the National Parks Trust (NPT) Anegada Iguana Headstart Facility that houses rock iguanas and has a large Poke-Me-Boy at its entrance.
Renting a Moke, scooter or car and driving around Anegada yourself is a fun way to explore the island at your own pace. A map will help you navigate, and traffic is not a concern. With flat roads and straightforward navigation, it’s nearly impossible to get lost. Taxis are also available.
For a unique experience, a visit to Conch Mound is a must. Formed from conch shells, it dates back thousands of years when Arawak people lived on Anegada. Fisherman are know to discarded the shells here for more than 200 years, once the fleshy conch meat is removed from the shell.
History
Anegada is unique in many ways including the fact that it is a coral and limestone island that naturally catches and stores fresh water; it is home to tropically important plant areas (TIPAS) with plants and animals that exist nowhere else on the planet; and it is steeped deep in history including many famous shipwrecks and even pre-historic archaeology. The most interesting wreck is arguably the Portuguese Ship, The Donna Paula, that was human trafficking enslaved Africans and wrecked on the Anegada reef in 1819 of which 235 enslaved people were saved and freed! Davis and Oldfield reported “two pre-Columbian midden sites and other anthropogenic features of probable pre-Columbian age.”
Anegada has its own fresh water. The coral island has many natural vacuoles that catch and hold water. Most locals do not drink this water and only use it for watering and washing.
A trip to Anegada offers a blend of relaxation, culinary delights, adventure and history. Visitors are sure to have an unforgettable time exploring this stunning island. Bring cash, as there is no ATM on island.
