Just north of North Sound sits one of the most exclusive private islands in the world. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Necker Island offers an unparalleled retreat for up to 34 guests — renting the entire island runs around $140,000 per night. It’s not a place you’ll be stepping ashore on, but it’s an unmissable part of any North Sound charter day, and there’s plenty to see and explore around it from the water.
Anchoring at Necker Island
Necker’s staff all sign non-disclosure agreements before they’re hired, which keeps the island’s guest list firmly private. Sir Richard himself is often out and about — an avid windsurfer, so don’t be surprised if a blond-haired figure goes cruising past on a board.
The Sand Spit
Just south of the island is a small sand spit, one of the best spots in the area for that classic Caribbean sand-island photo. Take your dinghy around to the Necker side of the spit and beach there — you’ll spot a couple of fake palm trees, planted after the real ones repeatedly failed to survive the shifting sand and exposure to storms. Watch your step, as birds sometimes nest and lay eggs right on the sand.
This sand spit is also where the best shells tend to turn up, so keep an eye out.
Necker Island BVI FAQ
Yes — flamingos are a regular sight along Necker’s beaches, with a breeding population centered on the island’s salt pond. They’re native to the area, though their numbers had dropped close to zero over the years. Sir Richard imported a flock and supported their breeding season with supplemental feeding, and the population has since grown well beyond what was expected. The flamingos have done so well here that some have spread to neighboring islands as well.
Sir Richard also keeps a small group of Galapagos tortoises on the island. Worth mentioning too: local island tours offers an up-close look at the tortoises, flamingos, and lemurs — consistently one of our guests’ favorite excursions in the area.
While all beaches in the BVI are technically public, including Necker’s, please be respectful and avoid going ashore. Guests of the island pay significantly for their privacy, and it’s only fair to let them have it. A dinghy tour around the protected side of the island makes for a great alternative.
Prickly Pear Island and Eustatia Sound
South of Necker and east of the main channel into North Sound, there’s a quieter, more peaceful anchorage worth knowing about. Enter roughly midway between Eustatia and the headland to its west, watching for the shoal extending out from Eustatia. Head toward the eastern end of the beach, where you’ll find good anchoring in about 10 feet of sand — most of this area is well protected enough for an overnight stay, though the water shallows toward the western end. Eustatia Island itself is privately owned, once by Google co-founder Larry Page.
Eustatia Sound is a striking stretch of fully protected water, ringed by land and shallow coral reef on every side. It’s off-limits to bareboats but ideal for exploring by dinghy. You can reach it through the passage between Saba Rock and Bitter End Resort, or from the Prickly Pear/Eustatia anchorage. Move slowly here and keep an eye out for the shallow reef sections.
About half a mile east of Eustatia, on the southern reef, you’ll find a lone white mooring ball marking a snorkel spot with a couple of old cannons resting on the reef — a fun stop if you’re up for a little underwater treasure hunting.
From here, the sound makes a natural jumping-off point for a trip out to Anegada, and a popular area for kite surfing thanks to the reef’s protection from swell paired with the steady trade winds.
Necker Island has no public moorings and very limited room to anchor, so plan your visit as a stop on the way through rather than a destination to linger at.
Plan Your North Sound Charter Day
A day spent around Necker Island, Prickly Pear, and Eustatia Sound makes for one of the most varied stretches of a BVI charter — quiet anchorages, snorkeling, wildlife, and a touch of celebrity-spotting, all within a short tender ride of each other. Let your captain know if you’d like to build a full North Sound day around it.
Contact Epic Yacht Charters to start planning your BVI charter.
