Sandy Cay, Peter Island Travel Guide

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Discover Sandy Cay: An Uninhabited BVI Island Paradise with Pristine Beaches, Snorkeling, and Lush Nature Trails for an Unforgettable Escape.

Sandy Cay, a small, uninhabited island in the British Virgin Islands, is a true escape. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation, this 13.57-acre island offers a perfect slice of Caribbean paradise.

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 refreshments, as there are no facilities on the island.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine environment.
Explore the island's interior trails to discover its diverse flora and fauna.
Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
Consider bringing snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant underwater world.

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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 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. You can hire a private boat or join a sailing tour from Tortola or Jost Van Dyke. Several ferry services also operate from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. From Jost Van Dyke, it's a short boat trip to Sandy Cay. Water taxis are also available from various points in the BVI. The cost of a water taxi can vary depending on the distance and the provider, but expect to pay around $80-$150 for a round trip from nearby islands.

Discover more about Sandy Cay

Sandy Cay, a British Virgin Islands National Park, is a captivating uninhabited island located between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke. This idyllic island, a mere 13.57 acres, boasts powdery white-sand beaches embraced by crystal-clear, vivid turquoise waters. The island's allure extends beyond its beaches, encompassing dry coastal woodland, a salt pond, mangrove wetlands, and rocky cliffs.Once privately owned by Laurance S. Rockefeller for 40 years, Sandy Cay was maintained for conservation and public enjoyment. Rockefeller's team enriched the island by planting over 200 palm trees, initiating long-term monitoring programs for birds and turtles, and creating a trail network for exploration. In 2008, the island was transferred to the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands.Sandy Cay is a haven for wildlife, serving as an important nesting site for hawksbill, green, and leatherback turtles, as well as laughing gulls, bridled terns, and red-billed tropicbirds. The island's ecosystem also supports unique plant species, including the rare tyre palm and Turk's Cap Cactus. A rat eradication project in 2003 helped to protect the island's vulnerable wildlife.Visitors can explore the island's natural beauty via a trail that leads through the island's diverse habitats. Snorkeling and swimming in the clear waters surrounding Sandy Cay are popular activities, offering views of colorful fish and coral reefs.