Prickly Pear Cays

Overview

Prickly Pear Cays is a beautiful pair of small, uninhabited islands located in the British Virgin Islands. Known for their stunning white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities, these cays are a popular destination for tourists seeking a serene and picturesque escape.

The cays are renowned for their pristine natural beauty and are a protected nature reserve, home to a variety of marine life and bird species.

Beach Nature Reserve Snorkeling Spot

Location

Address

Coordinates: 18.26816506, -63.1862719

Neighborhood: East End

Coordinates

18.268165, -63.186272

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

December-April

Best Time of Day

Early morning

calm waters and fewer boats

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

warm and pleasant

• clear waters
• abundant marine life

summer

hot and humid

• warm waters

autumn

cooler and less humid

• cooler temperatures

winter

warm and pleasant

• calm seas
• clear skies

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Bring your own food and water
No facilities on the island
Respect the natural environment

What to Bring

essential

snorkel gear water sunscreen

seasonal

light rain jacket extra water

not allowed

glass containers littering

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low

• strong currents

Medical facilities: none on site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

boat charter $200-$300

snorkel gear rental $10-$15

Dress Code

swimwear and beach attire, comfortable beach shoes, water shoes or sandals, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks
• local tour operators
• 24 hours
• private charters

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

BVI Explorer

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Tour guides, Weather updates

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: none

Charging Stations: none

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS)

Distance: 10 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

taxi

$25 20 min

From City Center

Distance: 15 km

taxi

$30 25 min

boat

$10 30 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Pristine natural beauty

Historical Significance: Historically used for fishing and gathering

Insider Tips

Best snorkeling spots are less crowded early
Bring your own food for a beach picnic

Local Recommendations

• Book a local charter
• Ask for snorkeling tips

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main Beach

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide angle for the beach and sea

Result: Stunning beach shots

#beachlife #snorkeling

Photography Rules

allowed areas all outdoor areas

prohibited areas none

flash photography allowed

commercial photography restricted

drone policy restricted

tripod policy allowed

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

The Baths

Distance: 5km

Walking: n/a

Type: National Park

Mount Healthy National Park

Distance: 3km