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Cooper Island: A Tranquil Caribbean Escape

Discover Cooper Island: A serene British Virgin Islands escape with pristine beaches, eco-friendly charm, and fantastic snorkeling.

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Cooper Island, a small and serene island in the British Virgin Islands, offers a perfect escape with its pristine beaches, clear waters, and eco-friendly atmosphere. Known for the Cooper Island Beach Club and excellent snorkeling, it's a haven for relaxation and water activities.

A brief summary to Cooper Island

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Local tips

  • Snorkel at Cistern Point to see diverse marine life, including turtles and colorful fish.
  • Visit the Cooper Island Beach Club for lunch or dinner, and sample the local beers brewed on-site.
  • Consider a day trip to nearby Wreck Alley for a unique diving experience.
  • Check the ferry schedule in advance, as service may be limited.
  • Bring cash for smaller establishments and incidentals.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    The most common way to reach Cooper Island is by ferry from Tortola. The Cooper Island Beach Club (CIBC) operates a ferry service from a small harbor near Port Purcell in Road Town, Tortola, typically departing in the late morning or early afternoon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Contact CIBC in advance to confirm the exact schedule. A one-way ferry ride is around $20 per person. Alternatively, private water taxis are available from Tortola, offering personalized transportation at a higher cost. Keep in mind that there is a $40 per person international processing fee when traveling between the USVI and BVI.

  • Public Transportation

    From Beef Island Airport (EIS) on Tortola, take a taxi to the Beef Island Ferry Terminal. Taxi fares range from $10 to $15. From the terminal, purchase a round-trip ferry ticket to Cooper Island for approximately $30. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes. Ensure you check the return ferry schedule.

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Discover more about Cooper Island

Cooper Island, a hidden gem in the British Virgin Islands, is a tranquil escape characterized by its natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. This small, hilly island, part of the Little Sisters group, is located on the south side of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, approximately 8 miles (13 km) from Road Town, Tortola. Cooper Island is a popular destination for those seeking a serene retreat, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure. Originally inhabited by Arawak and Carib indigenous peoples, the island's history includes European exploration and colonization, with the British establishing sugar plantations in the colonial era. As the sugar industry declined, the island shifted towards livestock farming. Today, remnants of this past can be seen in plantation ruins. The island was once known as Bergen Island until 1905. There are two theories as to how the island got its current name: either after a Dutch family named Koop, who were the first settlers, or after the coopers who collected white cedar for making rum barrels. Cooper Island is easily accessible by boat, with mooring buoys available in Manchioneel Bay. The island features the Cooper Island Beach Club, an eco-friendly resort with a restaurant, rum bar, and a solar-powered microbrewery. The island is known for its excellent snorkeling, particularly around Cistern Point and Little Carvel Rock, where diverse marine life can be observed. Divers can explore Wreck Alley, where several ships were deliberately sunk to create an artificial reef. The island has no paved roads and very few cars, preserving its peaceful atmosphere. Cooper Island Beach Club is known for its commitment to sustainability, with solar panels providing a large percentage of the property's electricity. The resort also employs water conservation methods.

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