The 60-plus cays and isles of the British Virgin Islands—most of them uninhabited—inspire castaway fantasies; charter a boat in Tortola, sail it yourself to Sandy Cay, and you can fulfill them for an afternoon. Once part of Laurance S. Rockefeller’s private domain, the undeveloped island, roughly three miles west of Tortola, is a nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles and has recently been declared a national park. A hiking trail tunnels through the jungle interior, topping out at the north-facing cliffs that rise above the churning surf. But most day-tripping Robinson Crusoes row dinghies ashore simply to sink into the soft sand.

More Recommendations

Sandy Cay, British Virgin Islands

The 60-plus cays and isles of the British Virgin Islands—most of them uninhabited—inspire castaway fantasies; charter a boat in Tortola, sail it yourself to Sandy Cay, and you can fulfill them for an afternoon. Once part of Laurance S. Rockefeller’s private domain, the undeveloped island, roughly three miles west of Tortola, is a nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles and has recently been declared a national park. A hiking trail tunnels through the jungle interior, topping out at the north-facing cliffs that rise above the churning surf. But most day-tripping Robinson Crusoes row dinghies ashore simply to sink into the soft sand.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Nearby highlights
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR