Salt Island, Peter Island Travel Guide

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Discover Salt Island: Dive into history, explore serene salt ponds, and witness vibrant marine life in the British Virgin Islands.

Salt Island, in the British Virgin Islands, is a serene escape offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Famous for its salt ponds and the RMS Rhone shipwreck, it's a unique destination for divers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike.

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.

Pack essential supplies, including sunscreen, water, and snacks, as Salt Island has minimal facilities.
Bring snorkeling or diving gear to explore the RMS Rhone wreck and vibrant coral reefs.
Check boat schedules in advance, as services to Salt Island may be limited.
Consider hiring a local guide or tour operator to enhance safety and understanding of the area.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Treasure Point

White Bay Beach

Old Government House Museum

St John

Tortola

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 a private yacht or powerboat from Tortola or other nearby islands. Many operators offer day trips that include snorkeling or diving at the RMS Rhone wreck. Contact local charter companies for pricing and availability. Private excursions from St. John, St. Thomas, or Tortola range from $1350 to $1750, excluding fuel and gratuity.
Water Taxi

From Tortola, take a taxi to Trellis Bay. Parking is typically free. Arrange for a water taxi to Salt Island. The boat ride usually costs around $20-$30 USD per person. Check the schedule or book in advance, as services may vary.
Ferry

From Road Town, Tortola, purchase a ferry ticket to Salt Island. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around $20-$30 round trip. Check the ferry schedule in advance, as services may be limited.

Discover more about Salt Island

Salt Island, a small island within the British Virgin Islands, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the Caribbean's past and present. Named for its salt ponds, which were historically a valuable commodity, the island is now more renowned for the wreck of the RMS Rhone, a Royal Mail steamer that sank in a hurricane in 1867.The island's salt ponds, formed over centuries by wave action and geological shifts, once supported a thriving salt industry. Salt was harvested and exported, becoming essential for preserving food before refrigeration. The hard labor of enslaved Africans played a crucial role in the island's salt production. In the late 1800s, residents performed an annual salt-breaking ceremony, awaiting the firing of a pistol before collecting salt. A portion of the harvested salt was given to the Queen of England as a symbolic rent. This tradition was suspended after the sinking of the Rhone, as a thank you to the islanders who assisted in rescue efforts. The tradition was revived in 2015 when the Governor of the BVI presented a pouch of salt to Queen Elizabeth II.Today, Salt Island is sparsely populated and offers minimal facilities, allowing visitors to connect with nature and history. The RMS Rhone wreck is a premier diving site, teeming with marine life. Divers can explore the ship's remains, while snorkelers can also experience the beauty of the site. The island also offers hiking trails with scenic views and opportunities to observe local wildlife, including the Salt Island iguana.