Tucked away in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Ginger Island is one of the last truly uninhabited islands in the region. With its dramatic landscapes, vibrant marine life, and world-class dive sites, Ginger Island is a great destination for adventurous travelers. Often overshadowed by nearby hotspots like Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda, and Tortola, Ginger Island remains one of the BVI’s best-kept secrets. However, it is important to note that this location can be weather dependent as the sea conditions can be rough, and there are no docking facilities.
What is Ginger Island Like?
Unlike the busier islands, Ginger offers complete seclusion. Surrounded by turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, with its secluded beaches, it offers panoramic views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel and surrounding nearby islands like Scrub Island, Guana Island, and Necker.
Though privately owned by Texas oil billionaire William Harrison Ginger Island is often visited by sailors and day-trippers exploring the BVI for its diving sites, although most people do not actually set foot on the island since it is mostly overgrown and there are no docks and moorings on the island itself. Still, it’s a place you will find yacht charter or powerboat trips may visit as a part of their itinerary, especially for those interesting in watersports.
Diving and Snorkeling at Ginger Island
Ginger Island is best visited for its dive sites, like the famous Alice in Wonderland on the island’s south side. Another standout site is the Ginger Steps, a series of ledges that drop off into the deep blue, offering encounters with schools of tropical fish, moray eels, and sometimes larger species.
For those who prefer to stay closer to the surface, snorkeling around Ginger is rewarding. Shallow reefs provide excellent opportunities to spot fish and the occasional turtle.
Anchorages and Access to Ginger Island
While there are no formal facilities on Ginger Island, sailors and charters often anchor in Wedgeo Bay or Sound Bay (known more commonly as South Bay). These anchorages provide sheltered spots to relax, launch kayaks, or snorkel.
For visitors coming from Road Town on Tortola or Beef Island near the airport, Ginger is just a short powerboat cruise away and easily combined with other islands like Cooper Island, Scrub Island, or the iconic Baths on Virgin Gorda.
Unlike some of the other private islands in the BVI, Ginger has never been developed. There are no hotels, no beach bars, and no crowds. For those looking for a unique stop that feels completely off the beaten path, Ginger Island is hard to beat. As one of the BVI’s uninhabited islands, it offers a raw charm that is hard to beat. Because of this it’s often included on private boat charters for travelers seeking something off the beaten path.
Where is Ginger Island located in the British Virgin Islands?
Ginger Island lies in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, southeast of Tortola and close to Cooper Island. It’s well-positioned for island-hopping itineraries that include Scrub Island, Virgin Gorda, and the famous Baths.
What activities can I do on Ginger Island?
Most activities center around the water. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, beachcombing, and swimming in the island’s turquoise waters. The island itself is wild and undeveloped.
How do I get to Ginger Island?
The only way to reach Ginger Island is by boat. Many visitors arrive via yacht charters, private powerboat trips, or sailing tours from Tortola, Virgin Gorda, or nearby islands. Chillout Charters offers custom itineraries that can include Ginger as part of a Full-Day or Half-Day adventure, if the weather allows!
What are the best dive sites near Ginger Island
Two of the most famous dive sites in the BVI are just off Ginger Island: Alice in Wonderland and the Ginger Steps. Alice in Wonderland is known for its dramatic coral formations while the Ginger Steps (or Ginger Steppes as it is often written) features a series of underwater ledges.
What kind of marine life can I see around Ginger Island?
The BVI waters are teeming with life. Divers and snorkelers can encounter moray eels, parrotfish, angelfish, rays, turtles, and reef sharks, along with countless smaller reef creatures.
Are there any tours to Ginger Island?
Yes, while the island itself is privately owned and undeveloped, it can be a beautiful stop on powerboat trips. Chillout Charters can include Ginger Island on itineraries that also feature nearby destinations like Cooper Island or the Baths.
Where can I find accommodation near Ginger Island in the BVI?
There is no accommodation directly on Ginger Island, but plenty of options are nearby. Cooper Island Beach Club, Scrub Island Resort, and villas on Virgin Gorda or Tortola are all within reach.
Can you stay overnight on Ginger Island?
No, Ginger Island has no facilities or lodging. Overnight visitors must stay on anchored yachts or nearby islands like Tortola or Virgin Gorda. Its untouched nature is part of what makes it so special.
Plan Your Adventure with Chillout Charters
Ready to explore one of the BVI’s last untouched islands? A powerboat trip with Chillout Charters lets you experience Ginger Island up close. Combine Ginger with nearby islands for the ultimate day of island-hopping and discover why this uninhabited island is one of the BVI’s most unforgettable treasures.
A full-day powerboat tour with Chillout Charters is the ultimate way to discover the British Virgin Islands. With a whole day on the water, you’ll have time to snorkel world-class reefs, relax on secluded beaches, and hop between iconic destinations like The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada.
Short on time but still want to experience the magic of the islands? A half-day powerboat tour is the perfect choice. Cruise across turquoise waters, swim or snorkel in quiet coves, and enjoy a stop at a laid-back beach bar before heading back.
Chillout out Charters also offers a water taxi service where you can Skip the hassle of crowded ferries and long waits. Our sleek, comfortable powerboats take you directly where you need to go in the BVI.