Great Dog, Beef Island Travel Guide

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Discover Great Dog Island: Uninhabited BVI islet offering world-class snorkeling, diving, and a tranquil escape in the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

Great Dog Island, part of the Dog Islands in the British Virgin Islands, is an uninhabited islet known for its excellent snorkeling and diving spots. The island offers clear turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and a peaceful escape.

A brief summary to Great Dog

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Great Dog.

Bring your own snorkeling gear to fully enjoy the underwater scenery and marine life.
Consider visiting during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more secluded experience.
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as there is limited shade on the island.
An underwater camera is a must to capture the vibrant marine life and unique snorkeling spots.

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Explore Great Dog on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Great Dog, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat

The most common way to reach Great Dog Island is by boat. You can hire a private water taxi or join a snorkeling tour from nearby islands like Tortola or Virgin Gorda. Several ferry services also operate between the islands. Check with operators like Speedy's or Smith's Ferry for schedules and private charters. A private boat charter from Beef Island (Tortola airport) to North Sound, Virgin Gorda, costs around $450. Ferries from Virgin Gorda to Road Town (Tortola) are approximately $20 one way.

Discover more about Great Dog

Great Dog Island, one of the five Dog Islands located between Tortola and Virgin Gorda, is a hidden gem in the British Virgin Islands. These islands got their name from the barking sounds of Caribbean monk seals, which sailors mistook for dogs. Sadly, these seals are now extinct due to overexploitation.Today, Great Dog Island is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers. The island boasts clear waters and vibrant marine life, including colorful fish and coral reefs. A notable dive site on the south side of the island is a deliberately sunk Air BVI aircraft. Although the plane is missing its wings, the emergency oxygen masks still hang from the roof.Snorkeling at the Great Dog Chimney site is considered one of the best in the BVI, featuring coral arches, ridges, and canyons. Another popular spot is the Coral Gardens/Airplane Wreck, also on Great Dog. The island also provides habitat for various wildlife, including the crested anole, the Virgin Islands coqui, and the big-scaled least gecko.