Sandy Cay, West End Travel Guide

4.9 (32)

Escape to Sandy Cay, a secluded paradise in the British Virgin Islands, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant natural beauty.

Sandy Cay is a small, uninhabited island in the British Virgin Islands, offering visitors a secluded tropical escape. Known for its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush vegetation, it's a perfect destination for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation. The island also features a nature trail, allowing visitors to explore its diverse flora and fauna.

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 umbrella for shade, as there is limited natural shade available on the beach.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking the nature trail, as there can be some undergrowth.
Consider visiting Sandy Cay as part of a day trip that includes other nearby islands like Jost Van Dyke and Sandy Spit.
Obtain a National Parks Trust marine conservation permit if you plan to use the mooring buoys.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

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.

West End Bay

Mountain Top

Drake's Seat

Valdemar A. Hill, Sr. Drive Scenic Overlook

Skyline Dr

Explore Sandy Cay on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sandy Cay, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat

The primary way to reach Sandy Cay is by boat. You can hire a private boat charter from nearby islands like Tortola or Jost Van Dyke. A round trip from Beef Island usually costs between $150 and $300. Negotiate the price beforehand. Remember to arrange for the boat service in advance, as there are no regular ferry services to Sandy Cay. The boat will likely moor offshore, requiring a short swim to the beach.

Discover more about Sandy Cay

Sandy Cay, a 13.57-acre island in the British Virgin Islands, is a true Caribbean paradise. Situated between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke, this uninhabited cay boasts pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere. Once privately owned by Laurance S. Rockefeller, who ensured its preservation for public enjoyment, Sandy Cay was transferred to the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands in 2008.The island's landscape includes a wide sandy beach, dry coastal woodland, a salt pond, mangrove wetlands, and rocky cliffs. A nature trail meanders through the island, providing opportunities to observe hermit crabs, lizards, and various plant species, including the tyre palm and Turk's Cap Cactus. The island is also an important nesting site for several sea turtle and bird species, including the hawksbill turtle, green turtle, laughing gull, and red-billed tropicbird.Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the island's beautiful beaches. The clear waters surrounding Sandy Cay are teeming with marine life, making it an ideal spot for underwater exploration. Mooring buoys are available for boats, and a marine conservation permit is required to use them. However, access to the island can be difficult during the winter months due to north-east swells, so caution is advised.