Sandy Cay & Green Cay British Virgin Islands
An uninhabited BVI gem with a famous filming history, offering pristine beaches, vibrant snorkeling, and scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Sandy Cay & Green Cay British Virgin Islands
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An uninhabited BVI gem with a famous filming history, offering pristine beaches, vibrant snorkeling, and scenic trails.
"A must-stop for boaters, this island paradise boasts incredible snorkeling and stunning views."
🎯 Secure Your Mooring Early
Arrive early for the best chance at a mooring ball, especially on weekends.
👟 Stick to the Sand
Avoid irritating undergrowth; it can stick to sandals and cause cuts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Sandbar
Sandy Cay
Wade from a pristine sandbar into the calm, endless blues. Pure island bliss.
Pirates of the Caribbean Filming Location
Sandy Cay
Walk in the footsteps of pirates! Scenes from the iconic movie franchise were filmed here.
Scenic Island Trail
Sandy Cay
Hike around the island for spectacular views, especially from the east end.
Vibrant Underwater World
North side of Sandy Cay
Snorkel amongst colorful coral and abundant fish on the island's north side.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Anchor Smart, Explore More
Island Time is Best Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Secure Your Mooring Early
Arrive early for the best chance at a mooring ball, especially on weekends.
👟 Stick to the Sand
Avoid irritating undergrowth; it can stick to sandals and cause cuts.
☀️ Pack All Your Essentials
This is an uninhabited island, so bring water, snacks, and sun protection.
📸 Capture the Blues
The endless shades of blue are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secure Your Mooring Early
Arrive early for the best chance at a mooring ball, especially on weekends.
👟 Stick to the Sand
Avoid irritating undergrowth; it can stick to sandals and cause cuts.
☀️ Pack All Your Essentials
This is an uninhabited island, so bring water, snacks, and sun protection.
📸 Capture the Blues
The endless shades of blue are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera!
⛵ Day Trip Must-Do
A perfect stop for boaters, especially when heading to or from Jost Van Dyke.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sandy Cay for its stunning natural beauty, excellent snorkeling, and convenient mooring options. It's a highly recommended day stop for boaters, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Some caution is advised regarding the island's undergrowth, and securing a mooring early is key.
"Excellent place. Good mooring options. Fantastic beach and a nice trail around the island. Watch out for the nasty little undergrowth that will stick to your sandals and cut your hand if you try to remove it. I'm sure it has a name, alas, I'm no botanist. Stick to the sand."
Arthur Krzycki
"A day stop here is always a must if you are on the north side of Tortola or en route to Jost Van Dyke. Enjoy a hike around the island, the east end has some spectacular views."
Evan Matteson
"This place is incredible. Great snorkeling on the north side side of the island with lots of coral and some great fish . The beach is amazing and a must stop for all boaters"
David Harris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sandy Cay and Green Cay are best accessed by boat. Many charter companies and day tours from Tortola or St. Thomas include these islands as a stop. If you're sailing, anchoring is possible, but mooring balls are recommended and can fill up quickly.
No, Sandy Cay is an uninhabited island and can only be reached by private boat, charter, or organized boat tour. There is no ferry service.
The most popular way to explore is by anchoring or using a mooring ball and then taking a dinghy or swimming ashore. Once on the island, you can walk the trails and enjoy the beach.
Sandy Cay is a small, uninhabited island. The best way to explore is on foot. There are no roads or vehicle rentals.
Yes, experienced sailors can navigate to Sandy Cay. It's advisable to check charts for anchoring depths and conditions. Mooring balls are also available for a fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Sandy Cay. It's a natural, uninhabited island.
While there's no entry fee, there are fees associated with using the mooring balls. Anchoring is also an option, but check local regulations.
As an uninhabited island, Sandy Cay does not have set opening or closing hours. It's accessible whenever boaters can safely reach it.
Absolutely! Many boat charter companies and day tour operators from Tortola and other nearby islands offer excursions that include Sandy Cay.
There are no official time limits for visiting Sandy Cay, but most visitors treat it as a day stop. Overnight stays are generally not permitted as it's uninhabited.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the beautiful beach, take a hike on the island's trail for scenic views, snorkel on the north side, and simply relax in the stunning natural environment.
Yes, the north side of Sandy Cay is known for good snorkeling with coral reefs and a variety of fish.
Lightweight clothing, swimwear, and water shoes are recommended. Be mindful of the undergrowth and stick to sandy paths.
No, Sandy Cay is an uninhabited island, meaning there are no restrooms, shops, or restaurants. You must bring everything you need.
It can get busy with day-trippers, especially during peak season. Arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid the largest crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic sandbar, the crystal-clear turquoise waters, the lush green interior, and panoramic views from the island's trail offer incredible photo opportunities.
Yes, aerial shots of Sandy Cay, its sandbar, and surrounding waters are stunning. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing beautiful colors.
Definitely! The snorkeling on the north side offers chances to photograph colorful fish and coral formations. Consider a waterproof camera or housing.
The east end of the island trail offers particularly spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding sea and other cays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛵ Sailing & Yachting Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The iconic sandbar at low tide offers unique perspectives, and the hiking trail provides elevated vantage points for breathtaking panoramic shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Sandy Cay: Mooring & Anchoring
If mooring balls are all taken, anchoring is also possible. The waters around Sandy Cay are generally clear and offer good holding. However, it's crucial to check your charts for appropriate depths and be aware of any underwater obstructions. Some visitors have noted that conditions can be a bit bumpy and breezy, so assess the weather before committing to an anchorage.
Remember that Sandy Cay is an uninhabited island, so there are no services available. Plan your approach and departure accordingly, ensuring you have enough fuel and supplies for your excursion.
Exploring Sandy Cay: Trails and Underwater Wonders
For those who love the water, the snorkeling on the north side of Sandy Cay is a must-do. The reefs here are teeming with life, boasting colorful coral formations and a diverse array of fish. It's an excellent opportunity to witness the vibrant marine ecosystem of the BVI up close.
When exploring on land, be mindful of the island's natural vegetation. Some travelers have warned about irritating undergrowth that can stick to sandals and cause minor cuts. Sticking to the designated sandy paths is the best way to avoid this.
The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Connection
Walking along its sandy shores, you can almost imagine the swashbuckling adventures that took place here. It adds an extra layer of magic to an already stunning location, making it a memorable stop for many visitors who are drawn to its cinematic history.
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