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Diamond Cay National Park: A Birdwatcher's Haven

Explore Diamond Cay National Park: a vital bird sanctuary with stunning reefs, beaches, and natural beauty off Jost Van Dyke.

Diamond Cay National Park, a 1.25-acre islet off Jost Van Dyke, is a protected bird sanctuary and a key part of the proposed Northern Cays protected area. With rocky cliffs on its windward side contrasting with sandy leeward beaches, it's a haven for nesting seabirds and offers vibrant snorkeling opportunities.

A brief summary to Diamond Cay National Park

Local tips

  • Visit early or late in the day to avoid heat and crowds.
  • Bring snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant coral reefs.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for hiking the trails and bring plenty of water.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    To reach Diamond Cay National Park, start by taking a ferry from either Tortola or St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke. From Tortola, ferries depart from West End to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. New Horizon Ferry offers daily service. From St. Thomas, Inter Island Boat Services provides ferry services to Jost Van Dyke on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas, makes a stop in Cruz Bay, St. John, to clear customs. Upon arrival in Jost Van Dyke, Diamond Cay is accessible by a short taxi ride or boat. Ferry costs from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke are approximately $20 per person. A taxi from the ferry dock on Jost Van Dyke to Diamond Cay is around $10-$15. Round-trip ferry from Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Jost Van Dyke for adults is about $120, and one-way is $100, excluding customs fees of approximately $30 per person.

  • Boat

    Alternatively, consider hiring a private boat or water taxi from Tortola or St. Thomas for a more direct and flexible journey to Diamond Cay. This allows you to explore the surrounding cays and anchor near Diamond Cay for snorkeling and birdwatching. A water taxi from St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke costs around $128 per person each way, plus a $65 per person international processing fee. Keep in mind additional costs for BVI customs and National Parks fees.

Discover more about Diamond Cay National Park

Diamond Cay National Park, established in 1991, is a small but significant nature reserve located off the southern shore of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. This 1.25-acre island serves as a crucial bird sanctuary, providing a nesting site for various species, including terns, boobies, and pelicans. The island's diverse landscape features bare, rocky cliffs on its windward side and inviting sandy beaches on the leeward side. Diamond Cay is part of a larger proposed protected area encompassing Sandy Cay, Sandy Spit, and a portion of Little Jost Van Dyke, aiming to safeguard the region's rich biodiversity. This includes protecting endangered leatherback turtles that nest on Sandy Cay and two lizard species inhabiting Sandy Spit. The surrounding reef system connects Diamond Cay to nearby Green Cay and Sandy Spit, creating a vibrant underwater ecosystem perfect for diving and snorkeling. Visitors can explore the island's natural beauty, observing nesting seabirds and enjoying the contrast between the island's rugged and serene sides. While visiting, it's important to minimize noise to avoid disturbing the nesting birds. The nearby Bubbly Pool, a natural jacuzzi formed by waves crashing against rocks, is a short walk to the north and offers a unique experience.

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