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West Dog National Park: A Seabird Sanctuary

Discover West Dog: A protected island paradise in the British Virgin Islands, perfect for birdwatching, diving, and snorkeling.

West Dog, a rugged and uninhabited volcanic island in the British Virgin Islands, is a protected haven for nesting seabirds. Part of a cluster of islands called The Dogs, it offers stunning natural beauty and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities in its surrounding waters.

A brief summary to West Dog

  • VG

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching from your boat.
  • Consider joining a guided boat tour for the best views of the island and its birdlife.
  • Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate coral reefs if you plan to snorkel or dive.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as sea conditions can change rapidly.
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Getting There

  • Boat

    The primary way to access West Dog is by boat. Several options exist: * **From Virgin Gorda:** Charter a private boat or join a snorkeling/diving tour that includes West Dog. * **From Tortola:** Take a ferry to Virgin Gorda and then charter a boat or join a tour. Alternatively, some tour operators may offer direct trips from Tortola. **Costs:** * **Ferry (Tortola to Virgin Gorda, one way):** Approximately $20-$30. * **Private boat charter (half-day):** $300 - $600+ depending on the size of the boat and the duration. * **Snorkeling/diving tour:** $75 - $150 per person. **Note:** There are no mooring balls on West Dog, so ensure your boat operator is experienced in anchoring safely.

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Discover more about West Dog

West Dog, a small, rugged island in the British Virgin Islands, is a designated national park and a crucial sanctuary for nesting seabirds. Located west of Virgin Gorda, it's part of a group of islands known as The Dogs, which also includes Great Dog, George Dog, and the Seal Dogs. This volcanic island rises steeply from the Caribbean Sea, creating ideal cliffside habitats for various bird species. West Dog's steep cliffs and rocky terrain provide a safe nesting environment for birds like bridled terns, sooty terns, and red-billed tropicbirds. The endangered roseate tern also finds refuge here. Because the island is a protected area, landing is prohibited to avoid disturbing the nesting birds. However, visitors can observe the birds from the sea. The waters surrounding West Dog are teeming with marine life and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. Divers can explore submerged rock formations like Tow Rock, Van Ryan's Rock, and Joe's Cave, as well as dive sites known as Wall-to-Wall and the Flintstones. These underwater sites offer encounters with diverse fish species and colorful coral formations. The island's name, like that of the other Dog Islands, comes from the barking sounds once made by Caribbean monk seals that inhabited the area. Sailors mistook these sounds for dogs, and the name stuck. Sadly, the Caribbean monk seal is now extinct due to overexploitation.

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