Where to Watch the Sunset in the British Virgin Islands

by  Michele Laufik | Dec 20, 2016
Sunset
Sunset / Peter Island

Let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as a bad sunset in the British Virgin Islands. But some spots do offer a particularly good vantage point to watch the sun dip below the horizon. At the end of the day, here’s where you need to be to see it happen, preferably with cocktail in hand.

Sunset Loop at Peter Island

At luxury resort and spa Peter Island, which is located just a short ferry ride from Tortola, the sunsets seem a little more special, thanks to a complimentary mini-excursion to one of the highest points on the private island. Each evening at 5 p.m.­, guests who’ve reserved a spot are transported to a cliffside setting that’s outfitted with verdana chairs and tables to watch the sun set behind Norman Island (a.k.a. Treasure Island); the shuttle returns for pick up at approximately 6:30 p.m. Plus, fruit and cheese platters, along with wine, are available for an additional charge.

BananaKeet Café

Like a lot of things in the British Virgin Islands, the perfect sunset spot is hotly contested. But BananaKeet Café claims to have the best. And we can’t really argue with that. Located on Tortola, this favorite joint of both locals and tourists serves Caribbean fusion cuisine and spectacular views. Plus every night at sunset, diners can toast with free “Sundowners,” which is a folksy British English term for any cocktail imbibed at the end of a long day.

Virgin Gorda's Mahoe Bay

The archipelago's third largest island reportedly derived its name from Christopher Columbus, who thought it looked like a voluptuous woman or his less flattering description -- a “fat virgin,” which translates to Virgin Gorda in Spanish. Besides the unique moniker, the island is also known for its ideal snorkeling and swimming conditions, especially at Mahoe Bay. The remote beach area, which is located on the western shore of Virgin Gorda, is surrounded by coral reefs, along with cotton candy pink skies and some of the best sunset opps within the BVI.

Cane Garden Bay on Tortola

Cane Garden Bay on the northern side of Tortola really does like look your desktop screensaver of beach paradise. The area boasts one of the most pristine sugar white beaches on any of the islands, along with a turquoise coastline dotted with yachts. To catch the sun go down, head to Myett’s Garden & Grill Restaurant, which offers a menu full of seafood dishes and frozen cocktails. The adjacent Myett’s Garden Inn also provides accommodations for even more nights of Instagram-worthy sunsets.

A Sunset Sail

The prime spot to view a BVI sunset isn’t on land though; it’s at sea. Many charter boat companies offer sunset sail packages, either for groups or couples, via catamaran or schooner. For example, the Spirit of Anegada, based in Virgin Gorda, sails out of the yacht harbor there, and fits twelve people comfortably departing at 4:30 p.m. and returning at 6:30 p.m; priced at $50 per person. It includes refreshments and snacks, as do most other cruises. Or if you want to be the captain, you can commandeer your own vessel, thanks to plenty of boat rental options that are available throughout the islands.

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