Things to do nearSandy Spit

Sandy Spit sits just off the western tip of Great Guana Cay in the British Virgin Islands, a territory whose sailing culture has shaped the island's identity for decades. The spit itself is barely an acre of sand, yet it has become one of the most recognisable images in Caribbean travel photography, largely because of its lone palm tree and the unbroken ring of glassy water surrounding it on all sides.

Visitors reach Sandy Spit almost exclusively by water. Day charters, private sailboats, and small motorboats make the run from Tortola or Jost Van Dyke in under an hour, and sailing past the neighbouring cays on the way out is a pleasure in itself. Once anchored, guests wade ashore through warm, shin-deep water and have the run of the beach — swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling over the surrounding reef.

The snorkeling around Sandy Spit rewards even a short session. Coral formations close to shore shelter colourful reef fish, and the clarity of the water makes it easy to spot marine life without venturing far from the sand. Boat tours departing from Tortola frequently include Sandy Spit as a highlight stop alongside other BVI landmarks.

There are no restaurants, bars, or rental shacks here, which is precisely the point. Sandy Spit rewards visitors who come prepared and simply want to experience the Caribbean in its quietest, most elemental form.