Join us as we head around to the north side of Tortola to visit the quiet islands of Guana and Great Camanoe. Nestled in the British Virgin Islands chain, these tranquil cays provide an idyllic escape from everyday life, inviting travelers to explore their natural beauty and rich history. Both islands are home to some of our favorite anchorages for a peaceful retreat.
Guana Island's history dates back to the 1700s when the Quakers first inhabited its lush landscapes. After their departure, the island lay mostly untouched until the 1930s when Beth and Louis Bigelow discovered this paradise. They built six charming stone cottages with help from locals on the foundation of the former Quaker estate, creating a legacy that continues to thrive on this private island.
Spanning 850 acres, the exclusive Guana Island beautifully intertwines history, nature, and luxury. Guests can enjoy pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a salt pond that is home to a flamboyance of flamingos. Vibrant gardens and an organic orchard complement the first-class dining at the resort. With 90% of the island remaining wild and untouched, Guana Island accommodates just 35 guests, offering unparalleled seclusion and serenity.
One of Guana Island's highlights is its extensive network of hiking trails, which lead to panoramic views of the surrounding Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a casual stroller, there's a trail suited to your preferences, each leading to hidden coves, secluded beaches, and breathtaking vistas.
For marine enthusiasts, Guana Island's waters provide a playground for snorkeling, diving, and water activities. With sailing hobie cats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards, the resort offers a plethora of water toys to explore the island's pristine coastline, where secluded bays and hidden caves await discovery.
Sailing into the natural beauty of Guana Island’s secluded coves gives our guests a sense of solitude surrounded by rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters. Situated in the rock face along White Bay, a Red-Billed Tropic Bird nest offers an awe-inspiring spectacle as the all-white birds take flight, showcasing their stunning 22-inch long tail feathers gracefully trailing behind. Beneath the waves, Pelagic fish abound and vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish fill the underwater world.
While the island is exclusively for resort guests, visitors can stroll along the shoreline up to the high-water mark to savor a taste of luxury while stretching their legs. On a sailing charter, Guana Island’s lure lies in its seclusion and raw beauty. The Jurassic landscape and plentiful marine life create a feast for the senses, and our favorite bay is perfectly positioned to feature exquisite sunsets time and time again.
Laying just 2 miles to the east are Great Camanoe and Little Camanoe. Little Camanoe is an uninhabited cay offering little protection to sailors and no official shore access, while the residential Great Camanoe is accessible only via private docks. Despite its proximity to bustling Tortola, Great Camanoe remains a peaceful retreat, inviting visitors to experience the Caribbean's laid-back lifestyle. History buffs will appreciate the remnants of centuries-old sugar plantations and the ruins of ancient settlements.
The history of the name 'Camanoe' dates back to 1793 when a Spanish map referred to the islands as 'Cayman Grande' and 'Caiman Chico.' The term 'Cayman' and/or 'Caiman’ refers to the American crocodile, which is found in Cuba, Hispaniola, and some other Caribbean islands. Thankfully, crocodiles are no longer present in the Virgin Islands.
Cam Bay National Park divides Great Camanoe into two distinct halves: one dotted with private residences and the other blanketed in lush vegetation. Pottery fragments, carbon-dated to 800 A.D., indicate the presence of a pre-Columbian settlement. The central salt pond that separates Cam Bay from Lee Bay is a haven for nature lovers, exhibiting unique flora and fauna, migratory wading birds, and diverse shorebirds. The sheltered bays are a sailor's paradise, while the submerged Park areas boast vibrant coral gardens, underwater caves, and turtle feeding grounds. Above the surface, grazing goats and lively birds create a delightful atmosphere, with a thrilling jumpable rock feature nearby.
Though Guana Island and Great Camanoe may be lesser-known in the Virgin Islands archipelago, their beauty is nothing short of captivating. With unspoiled landscapes above and below the surface and a rich cultural heritage, these islands invite travelers to unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature in their own slice of paradise.
To learn about charters on board Kuma Too, visit www.SailingKumaToo.com.
Until next time, Happy Sailing!
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