Salt Island, Beef Island Travel Guide

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Discover Salt Island: A British Virgin Islands gem with historic salt ponds, world-class diving at the RMS Rhone wreck, and tranquil natural beauty.

Salt Island, a small, uninhabited island in the British Virgin Islands, is named for its historic salt ponds. Once a vital resource, the island now offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and world-class diving at the wreck of the RMS Rhone.

A brief summary to Salt Island

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Bring your own provisions, as Salt Island has minimal facilities, including no restaurants or shops.
Divers should explore the RMS Rhone wreck with a local dive company for safety and to maximize the experience.
Respect the island's history by not disturbing the salt ponds or taking salt without permission.
Check the ferry schedule in advance, as services to Salt Island can be limited.

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Explore Salt Island on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Salt Island, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat Charter

The most common way to reach Salt Island is by boat charter from Tortola or other nearby islands. Several companies offer day trips or private charters to Salt Island, often including snorkeling or diving at the RMS Rhone wreck. Contact local charter companies in Tortola for pricing and availability. Expect to pay around $100-$175 per person for a day trip including multiple stops.
Water Taxi

Water taxis are available from Trellis Bay on Beef Island, near the airport, to Salt Island. The boat ride typically costs around $20-$30 USD per person, but it's advisable to check the schedule or book in advance, as services may vary.

Discover more about Salt Island

Salt Island, a serene and historically rich destination in the British Virgin Islands, beckons travelers with its unique blend of natural beauty and maritime history. The island, named for its salt ponds, played a crucial role in the region's economy for centuries. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience of its people and the allure of its underwater wonders.Historically, Salt Island's salt ponds were a valuable commodity, providing a crucial resource for preserving food before refrigeration. The island's salt was renowned for its purity and quality, attracting merchants from distant shores. The labor-intensive process of harvesting salt relied heavily on enslaved Africans, whose forced labor played a significant role in the island's salt industry.In 1867, a devastating hurricane struck the island, causing the RMS Rhone, a British Royal Mail ship, to sink off its coast. The shipwreck has since become one of the Caribbean's premier dive sites, attracting underwater enthusiasts from around the globe. The wreck lies in three sections, teeming with marine life and offering a glimpse into maritime history.Today, Salt Island remains uninhabited, with only a few homes and outbuildings standing as silent witnesses to its past. The island's quiet and undeveloped nature adds to its charm, providing a peaceful escape from the busier areas of the BVI. Visitors can explore the salt ponds, hike the trails, and pay respects to the victims of the RMS Rhone at a nearby cemetery.While the island is uninhabited, descendants of Salt Island return annually to keep the traditions of salt production alive. The tradition of presenting a pound of salt to the Queen of England as rent for the island has been revived, symbolizing the island's historical connection to the British Crown.