On your luxury yacht charter, you will be spoiled by the crew with all kinds of watersports and other onboard activities, but you may feel the need just to stretch your legs on many of the hiking & walking trails and go for a nice long walk on a pristine beach or a scenic hike to the top of an island for a better view of your yacht down below in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.
We have created a few suggested walks/hikes which we like and know you will enjoy too.
Many of the trails are clearly marked and others are a bit more off the beaten track. Some are easy and others a little bit more demanding. Always carry some water on your shore excursions to stay hydrated. On some islands, you may end up at a bar and stay awhile to enjoy the local food and specialty drinks. Here are a few favorites and more details about these trails.
Norman Island:Â There is one scenic trail that runs along the ridge of Norman island with short trails that lead off to a few bays. The views looking back at the anchorage from the helicopter pad are awesome and you will be able to see most of the island from there. The trail starts behind the Pirates Bight restaurant. Follow the unpaved road uphill to the top of the ridge.
Peter Island:Â There are a few very easy walk/run roads on Peter island. The island has a very popular resort located near the marina and also accommodations located around the island. A paved and unpaved road leads you from the marina all the way across the island for 2.5 miles to a very pretty lookout with Adirondack chairs and a water station. From the beach or from the marina in Sprat Bay, run/walk/stroll up to the top of the mountain by road.
Salt Island: There really isn’t a road or trail on the island, but it is fun to explore ashore and hike up to the top of the hill on the right-hand side of the bay and overlook the Sir Francis Drake channel and look back at the salt ponds on the island. Walk from the dock behind the buildings to the salt pond and turn right.
Virgin Gorda:Â There are many trails to mention here.
Devil’s Bay trail at The Baths. Walk/climb through a watery trail among giant ancient boulders.
Gorda Peak trail. Top of the island, a ride will be needed to get you to the trailhead. Open-air taxis are available at the marina in Spanish Town.
Bitter End Yacht Club trail. Walk/run along roads in either direction when you arrive at the dock of this famous yacht club/resort.
Guy’s Trail. Turn left at the BEYC and at the end of the road continue uphill to join a path to the top of the island where you could go down to Biras Creek or return to your starting point.
Anegada:Â This amazing island is flat and has the third-largest coral reef in the world. The island is essentially a coral atoll and the highest point on the island is about as high as the tallest palm tree. This makes this island great for running or walking along the unpaved roads that run for miles each way to the end of the island. Once you get off at the dingy dock just walk to the roundabout and decide which way you want to run. Nothing is near so if you want to go to Loblolly beach or Cow Wreck Beach for a long stroll on soft sandy beaches and maybe some snorkeling, an open-air taxi is suggested.
Guana Island:Â There is one hike available to the public and the best way to get there is to get off on a very small dock by dinghy on the far North side of the island in Muskmellon bay. Once ashore hike up a steep flight of cement stairs and turn left at the top to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. If you want to go further, just go back to the trail and follow the ridge along the top until you get to a rocky beach back at Muskmellon bay.
Note: At sunset the bugs may be bad so spray with anti-mosquito spray. Flip flops are fine or just wear sneakers if you want to go further than the viewpoint.
Jost van Dyke:Â This island offers hikers and runners an opportunity to stretch their legs and enjoy a few easy hikes and also take scenic taxi tours.
The Bubbly Pool hike – This easy short hike takes you to a natural pool where the ocean washes into a narrow gap and creates a natural jacuzzi. From the dock, turn right by the bar and walk along the shoreline enjoying the views of the mangroves and breaking surf in the distance. Once you reach the end of the path through the mangroves the trail will continue up a rocky path and leads you to the natural bubbly pool where you can swim with the waves breaking over you in a shallow pool.
Note: Flip flops sandals are fine and take a towel and dry clothes if you do not want to walk back to the bar with wet clothes.
This is NOT a safe swimming area when the seas are huge and people should be advised not to climb onto the rocks surrounding the pool as they may get washed off the rocks into the ocean or between rocks. Check with your crew if they think the conditions are safe.
Soggy Dollar Bar to Great Harbor road – If you feel like a nice long walk or run to the next bay over from White Bay, there is a paved road that will lead you to Great Harbor where there are a few shops and also the famous Foxy’s Bar. Just walk behind the Soggy Dollar bar from the beach and find the road and turn right.
We hope you enjoy your hikes, runs, or strolls as much as we do. Remember to carry water, sunscreen, and a hat when going ashore as the sun can be harsh and one needs to stay hydrated – have fun!
Contact us any time for more info and we are here to help you make the right decisions.
