The British Virgin Islands includes more than 60 islands and cays, however most are either sparsely or totally uninhabited. The term "out islands" is a Creole expression meaning "remote cays", and the BVI Out Islands appeal to travellers searching for privacy, pristine natural settings and ideal conditions for snorkelling and diving. The Out Islands are also frequent stops for yachters and wind sailors.
Frequented Out Islands of the British Virgin Islands are Marina Cay, The Dogs, Mosquito, Fallen Jerusalem, Cooper, Salt, Dead Chest, Pelican and the Indians, Peter and Norman Island.
This tiny islet lies just east of Tortola and Beef Island. Marina Cay measures only 6ac/2.4ha. The anchorage on the north side of the cay provides excellent shelter, so the cay is often busy with yachters (normally 50 yachts can be seen) who come ashore to the islet for meals and entertainment. A small beach and shallow reef off the west end of Marina Cay offers good snorkelling and other water sports opportunities.
View over the tiny island is Marina Cay off Tortola.
Tips: Free ferry service runs from Trellis Bay on Beef Island
Facilities: On-site accomodations, Restaurant or food service
Mosquito Island lies in the entrance of Virgin Gorda's North Sound. Measuring 125ac/50ha, the island resembles a green gumdrop and is named for the Miskito Indian tribe, whose relics have been found here. The terrain of the island is largely untended and undeveloped, creating a nature sanctuary offering several hiking trails. Although the island is privately owned, there is a small resort, dock and restaurant on the south side of the island.
Tips: You must have dinner reservations to visit the island.
Facilities: On-site accomodations, Restaurant or food service
About 0.5mi/0.8km north of Norman Island, Peter Island attracts many interested in snorkelling and diving. The main attraction is The Indians, four jagged tooth-like pinnacles of rock protruding from the sea that have created a series of canyons and grottoes featuring both hard and soft corals.
When the seas are calm snorkelling is best on the eastern side of The Indians, while the western side features 50ft/15.2m drops with elkhorn and brain coral. The BVI National Parks Trust has placed moorings here.
Tips: To use the moorings you must have a permit from the British Virgin Islands National Parks Trust.
Reached by dive boat, charterboat or private yacht.
Best to come early when the moorings are less crowded and the winds are lighter.
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Marina Cay
