Snorkel· Anegada· Virgin Islands (BVI, USVI and Spanish Virgins)
Loblolly Bay
18° 44.4′ N · 64° 18.6′ W
A long white-sand bay on Anegada's north shore where the inside of the barrier reef comes close to the beach: coral heads, elkhorn and brain coral, angelfish, parrotfish, rays and sometimes turtles a short swim out. Widely called the best snorkelling on the island.
Practical
Position is the GeoNames point for Loblolly Bay. Reached by land, not by yacht: about 4 nm by sea from Setting Point but enclosed by reef, so take a taxi or rental car (roughly 15 to 20 minutes across the island). Shore entry from the beach in front of Big Bamboo or Flash of Beauty. Expect a drift: a Southern Boating crew found strong currents that kept them moving along the reef; stay inside the reef and away from breaking water. In strong trades it can be too rough and windy to snorkel (a January 2012 visitor found sand blowing off the beach). No gear rental is confirmed: bring your own. Lunch at Big Bamboo or Flash of Beauty while you swim.
Best for
Reef snorkelling straight off the beach plus a long lunch
Season
Best in light to moderate trades; rough when the trades blow hard