Anegada
Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands. It is the only one of that group formed from coral and limestone, rather than having volcanic origins. While the other islands are mountainous, Anegada is flat and low. Its highest point is only about 28 feet above sea level, earning it a name which translates as “the drowned land.” It is known for miles of white sand beaches.
Anegada is surrounded by Horseshoe Reef, one of the largest coral reefs in the world. The reef has claimed well over 150 ships, making it an important scuba diving destination. While charter boats freely sail among most of the other Virgin Islands, charter companies often forbid clients to sail to Anegada to avoid running aground on the reef.
Several very large salt ponds are located on Anegada. Flocks of pink flamingos are being re-established in these ponds, after being hunted for food and feathers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the 1830’s, there were thousands. By 1950, they were gone from the island. The birds are another tourist draw, but officials are trying to keep the number of visitors to the flamingo areas at a level that allows the birds to flourish.