Sandy Cay, Beef Island Travel Guide

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Escape to Sandy Cay, British Virgin Islands: an untouched paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant snorkeling, and serene hiking trails.

Sandy Cay is a small, uninhabited island in the British Virgin Islands, a true escape offering pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush landscapes. Once owned by Laurance S. Rockefeller, it's now a protected national park, perfect for a Robinson Crusoe-style experience.

A brief summary to Sandy Cay

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Bring your own food and drinks, as there are no facilities on the island.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine environment.
Explore the short hiking trail for panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
Look for nesting sea turtles and birds, but observe them from a respectful distance.
Be prepared to swim ashore, as boats often cannot pull directly onto the beach.

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Explore Sandy Cay on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sandy Cay, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat

Sandy Cay is only accessible by boat. The most common way to reach the island is by chartering a private yacht or joining a sailing tour from Tortola or Jost Van Dyke. Many sailing adventures in the BVI include Sandy Cay as part of their itinerary. There is a small daytime mooring field on the southwest side of the island. Be prepared to swim ashore, as the shorebreak can be rough. A National Parks Trust marine conservation permit is required to use the moorings.

Discover more about Sandy Cay

Sandy Cay, a gem in the British Virgin Islands archipelago, is the epitome of a tropical paradise. This 13.57-acre island, situated between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke, boasts powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse ecosystems.Originally owned by Laurance S. Rockefeller for 40 years, Sandy Cay was maintained as a haven for both people and nature. Rockefeller's team planted over 200 palm trees and established long-term monitoring programs for birds and turtles. In 2008, it was handed over to the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands, ensuring its preservation as a managed wilderness area.The island features a variety of landscapes, including a wide sandy beach, dry coastal woodland, a salt pond, mangrove wetlands, and rocky cliffs. A short hiking trail allows visitors to explore the island's interior, offering stunning views of the surrounding islands. Sandy Cay is also an important nesting site for various species, including hawksbill, green, and leatherback turtles, as well as laughing gulls, bridled terns, and red-billed tropicbirds. Snorkeling is popular due to the clear waters and surrounding coral reefs.Visitors can easily spend a day swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the island's natural beauty. Keep an eye out for hermit crabs scurrying along the sand and various plant species, such as the Turk's Cap Cactus.