Survivor Island

For those of you who have the dream of spending a day on that perfect deserted island, Sandy Island is it.  It is essentially a few hundred feet of golden sand lined with palm trees surrounded by beautiful emerald waters.  Spending a relaxing day “surviving” in the warm sun on this unique patch of sand is an experience you will never forget.

While similar to the Mopion Sandbank off Petit St. Vincent, Sandy Island is somewhat larger and does offer the possibility of overnight anchorage.  It is an excellent lunch time anchorage for those just passing through.  The surrounding reefs offer superb snorkeling.

Getting There

Sandy Island is a 15 minute motor from Hillsborough and a 25 minute motor from Tyrrel Bay.  Just cruise up the windward side and drop anchor in the shallow water near the middle of the island.  Be careful of the reefs that extend out on each end.

If you intend to stay overnight, be sure to dive on your anchor because there is no room for error.  Dragging will result in you running aground on the island, making you an unwilling “survivor” here.  A stern anchor will remove any roll from northerly swells.  I understand that there is a self imposed limit of 6 boats permitted to be anchored at any time.

Activities

Sandy Island is a great place to catch up on your tan, or perhaps drag a cooler and a hammock ashore and laze away the day.  Maybe take in a little snorkeling on the excellent reef that surrounds the island.  Maybe do nothing at all.  This is paradise, and you are on vacation, remember?