TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Conch Island

Hello, and Happy Wednesday!

I would like to visit Conch Island on Anegada, but I am not sure anyone else in our group cares to (adults and children alike).

We'll have a 2 person kayak on the boat and hopefully a safari style truck rental on island....so my question is, can I launch a kayak from Fisherman's Wharf on the southeast side of the island and kayak to the Conch Island?....it looks like that would be a 6 miles (ish) round trip, and I'd probably spend at least 30 minutes taking photos. Alternatively, could I make a counterclockwise trek from Fisherman's Wharf and loop around to catch up with the group at Flash of Beauty or Big Bamboo?

I'm still not sure I'd want to spend 4-6 hours doing this on my own, but I am looking for any thoughts on the topic.

FYI - I am still considering a conch island/snorkel tour combo with one of the guides - but the other adults aren't that interested in this either...I know the kids would have fun snorkeling and I'd get to see Conch Island.

Curious as to why no one is interested in seeing a unique bit of nature?

My wife says it will interfere with sitting on the beach.....Cow Wreck Beach specifically....she IS willing to make short stops along the way from the boat however...Flash of Beauty, Big Bamboo, ABC and Tipsy's....

“Interfere”??? 🙄🙄🙄 But she’ll let bars “interfere”? Wow!

A few thoughts: Are you thinking of hauling your kayak from Setting Point to the SE part of the island and launching it there?
Seems like a lot of trouble... If anything I could see doing westbound downwind one way back to setting point.

But fundamentally I don't see the appeal of Conch Island. Reminds me of the photo of a giant pile of buffalo skulls from the 1800s.

Tropical bars have "interfered" in my island life a few times..I wouldn't have it any other way.Must say I have met many more interesting,legendary, folks in beach bars than I have at a pile of shells...not that visiting that is wrong. Like Stonehenge without the druids and legends..

[quote=Manpot]Tropical bars have "interfered" in my island life a few times..I wouldn't have it any other way.Must say I have met many more interesting,legendary, folks in beach bars than I have at a pile of shells...not that visiting that is wrong. Like Stonehenge without the druids and legends..

Glad you would rather sit in bars all the time and not see nature. But each to their own Malpot🙄🍷

A pile of shells - built by men - seems only marginally more natural than a beach bar to me. I can see where it would be cool to visit but I wouldn't call it enjoying nature.

MrEZgoin - yeah it does seem like a lot of trouble- but I do like a good ‘excursion’ or two to keep things interesting…Also, I’d like to earn the day’s beer if you know what I mean…and looking at a conch island, wreath of antlers, ball of twine, etc., seems more interesting (and slightly more challenging) than a full day of shuffling around on beautiful white sandy beaches. (We’ll swing by airport and maybe iguana farm too)

I do very much appreciate the westbound downwind tidbit - that’s probably more efficient and practical…

I’ll add too that (wether permitting) we are planning to stay 2 nights on Anegada - meaning we aren’t planning to rush our stay and I should have some time to dilly dally a bit.

appreciation the tip

Not one"To sit in bars all the time"...one who spends his time in paradise doing things that bring him pleasure and knowledge and expands his experiences and , hopefully, brings some pleasure to others. I am lucky to have made some amazing bonds and friendships in the BVI..the trick is to check your negativity at home..

Thank you Obi Wan Kenobi😂👍👍

Answering the original question: Yes, you can indeed paddle a kayak to the conch shell mound from the fishermen's landing in the village. I have paddled that trip several times - not to visit the mound, but to fly fish for bonefish on the east end.

If the wind is not strong, it is not a difficult trip. Stay in near the mangroves as you go and you will find am opening that takes you into a set of channels back into the mangroves. There you will see one of the beautiful spots on Anegada that few people experience - the channels are an estuary with clear water where you can see lots of fish.

On the other hand, it the wind is strong enough for white caps, the paddle eastward is a struggle.

Forget the notion of continuing around to Big Bamboo. That is a no-go.

Thanks duckfat!!! Much appreciated and helpful!