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Diamond Cay National Park: A Birdwatcher's Paradise

Discover Diamond Cay National Park: a pristine bird sanctuary with vibrant reefs, nesting seabirds, and tranquil beaches off Jost Van Dyke.

Diamond Cay National Park, a 1.25-acre islet off Jost Van Dyke, is a protected bird sanctuary and a haven for nature lovers. Accessible by a short boat ride or even a sandbar at low tide, it offers a unique opportunity to observe nesting seabirds and explore vibrant reefs.

A brief summary to Diamond Cay National Park

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a quieter experience.
  • Bring snorkeling gear to explore the underwater beauty of the coral reefs surrounding the cay.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated while exploring the island.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    To reach Diamond Cay National Park, start by taking a ferry from West End, Tortola, to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. New Horizon Ferry Service operates multiple daily departures, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes and costing around $30. From Great Harbour, Diamond Cay is accessible by a short taxi ride to the eastern end of Jost Van Dyke, followed by a short boat ride or, at low tide, a walk across the sandbar. Taxi fares from Great Harbour to the eastern end of Jost Van Dyke range from $20 to $25.

  • Water Taxi

    Alternatively, consider a water taxi from Tortola or St. Thomas directly to Jost Van Dyke. While more expensive, water taxis offer a flexible and direct route. Rates from St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke start around $80 per person, with an additional $40 international processing fee. From Great Harbour, Diamond Cay is accessible by a short taxi ride to the eastern end of Jost Van Dyke, followed by a short boat ride or, at low tide, a walk across the sandbar. Taxi fares from Great Harbour to the eastern end of Jost Van Dyke range from $20 to $25.

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Discover more about Diamond Cay National Park

Diamond Cay National Park, established in 1991, is a tiny 1.25-acre island located just off the southern shore of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. This small island is a significant bird sanctuary, providing a protected nesting site for various seabird species, including terns, boobies, and pelicans. The island's landscape features a contrast between bare, rocky cliffs on its windward side and sandy beaches on the leeward side. An extensive reef system surrounds the cay, connecting the channels of Jost Van Dyke, Green Cay, and Sandy Spit, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. The proposed protected area includes Diamond Cay, Green Cay, Sandy Spit, and Sandy Cay. Sandy Spit is the only limestone island among this group of volcanic cays. Diamond Cay is more than just a sanctuary for birds; it's also part of a larger conservation effort to protect endangered species like leatherback turtles that nest on nearby Sandy Cay and two lizard species on Sandy Spit. Visitors can explore the island via hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the rocky cliffs and nesting seabirds. The Bubbly Pool, a natural jacuzzi formed by waves crashing against the rocks, is a short walk to the north of the park.

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