Sombrero Island, Caribbean feels like another world. No sandy beaches, no resort, no crowds — just dramatic cliffs rising straight out of the open sea, thousands of nesting seabirds, and the ruins of a 19th-century guano mining operation left exactly where it was abandoned. If you’re planning a one-way charter from St Martin to the British Virgin Islands, Sombrero Island is one of the most unique stops you’ll ever make. Just don’t count on it — this one is entirely at the mercy of the weather.
What Is Sombrero Island?
Sombrero Island is a 93-acre rock belonging to Anguilla, sitting approximately 34 miles from the Anguillian mainland and roughly halfway between St Martin and the British Virgin Islands. It stands 36 feet above sea level and has no natural harbor, no sandy beaches, and no permanent residents. The island once looked like a sombrero from the sea — hence the name — until guano mining in the 1800s removed the top of the “hat” and left the flat, lunar surface you’ll find today.
History of Sombrero Island
Sombrero’s history is stranger than you’d expect from a deserted rock in the middle of the Caribbean:
- In 1807, a sailor was marooned here — a reminder that this stretch of water has been on major trade routes for centuries.
- British geologists documented the island’s significant guano deposits in the early 1800s.
- In 1856, the Americans claimed Sombrero under the Guano Islands Act and mined approximately 100,000 tons of guano before Britain reclaimed it in 1867.
- In 1871, the New Sombrero Phosphate Company purchased a lease for £55,000 and worked the island until 1890, when operations were abandoned entirely.
- The first lighthouse was erected in 1868, requested specifically because so many ships were wrecking on Horseshoe Reef near Anegada — Sombrero sits directly on the approach route.
- A 1960 hurricane heavily damaged the lighthouse, which was rebuilt in 1962.
- The lighthouse became fully automated in 2002, ending over a century of lighthouse keepers living on the island.
Bird Sanctuary
We were lucky enough to visit during nesting season, and the sheer volume of birds on this island is remarkable. Brown Boobies, Blue-Footed Boobies, Terns, and Noddies nest here in huge numbers — approximately 5% of the entire Caribbean population of these species calls Sombrero home. The entire time you’re exploring the island, the seabirds are squawking and swooping overhead, and you’ll need to watch where you step.
Gigantic tortoises once lived here too, though they’re long gone now.
Getting to Sombrero Island
By yacht charter, of course. If you’re planning a one-way charter from St Martin through Anguilla and on to the British Virgin Islands, Sombrero is a natural stop along the route. We have anchored here several times over the years — though the last visit was some time ago.
The critical caveat: the seas have to be genuinely calm and flat even to stop here. There is no protected anchorage and no natural harbor. If there’s any swell running, you move on. The best window is typically summer, when the trade winds lighten and conditions have the best chance of cooperating.
This is not a charter you can book online. It requires advance approval from the Anguilla government and the right weather window. Contact us directly to discuss planning.
Getting Onto Sombrero Island
This is where it gets interesting. The island looks like the white cliffs of Dover — straight vertical rock faces with no beach and no dock. Getting ashore means taking your tender to a spot on the cliff face where a dubious-looking ladder is bolted to the rock. You grab it from the tender, haul yourself up, and climb.
You need some coordination and arm strength. Flat seas are not optional here — this is a calm-weather-only operation.
Once you’re on top, you’ll find old machinery, building ruins, crumbling chimneys, old generators, and holes in the surface that look like the surface of the moon. The remains of the crane used to haul supplies up and down the cliff face are still visible at the edge. Land crabs are underfoot everywhere you walk.
SCUBA Diving at Sombrero Island
When conditions allow an anchorage, the diving is exceptional. The water is clear, open ocean blue — the kind of visibility you don’t get in more sheltered anchorages. We found hawksbill turtles, multiple shark species, and lobsters walking around the seafloor eyeing us curiously.
Standing on the cliff edge and looking straight down into the water, you can often spot sharks and turtles without getting wet. The water is that clear.
Fish life was lighter than expected — likely because local fishermen work the area when conditions are flat enough to get out there. But the pelagic life more than makes up for it.
Plan Your Sombrero Island Caribbean Charter
Sombrero Island can never be a guaranteed stop. Weather is everything here, and the summer season offers the best odds. We do work with a couple crewed yachts willing to run one-way charters from St Martin through Anguilla, with Sombrero as a weather-dependent stop along the route to the British Virgin Islands.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, get in touch. Planning and timing are everything on a trip like this.
Contact Epic Yacht Charters to start planning your St Martin to BVI charter.
WOW...what an unforgettable 8 days in the British Virgin Islands! Our group of seven had the absolute best time aboard the Awatea catamaran! The crew were wonderful hosts and so accommodating. They really are true professionals and enjoy taking care of their guests.
Every day felt like a postcard—turquoise water, hidden coves, incredible snorkeling, beach bars, island hopping, and sunsets that didn't even look real. We swam with sea turtles, ate like we were in a fine dining establishment, laughed until our stomachs hurt, soaked up the sunshine, and made memories we'll be talking about for years.
The catamaran was beautiful, comfortable, and had plenty of space for all of us to spread out, relax, or hang out together. I loved the sustainability efforts with the fresh herbs and solar panels, and nothing went to waste. There was never a dull moment, but it was also the perfect place to kick back with a drink and enjoy the amazing views. There was Wi-Fi available, if we needed it. This allowed us to keep in contact with our loved ones back home and to share the experiences in real time.
One of the unexpected highlights was having front row seats to the 2026 BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival. I had never experienced something like this before and it took my breath away.
The best part was being able to unplug and enjoy the experience. Every day brought a new island, another amazing place to explore, see and do new things some of us had never done. Every stop seemed better than the last, and the entire experience was seamless from beginning to end.
If you're even thinking about chartering a catamaran in the BVI—DO IT with Awatea! It's the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and nonstop fun. This wasn't just a vacation; it was one of the best experiences we've ever had. Easy 5 stars, and we will always remember this amazing trip!
From $52,000/week
Scuba
Epic choice
All InclusiveAll Inclusive
The charter rate shown includes the use of the charter yacht with professional crew and onboard equipment.
Also included are all meals and snacks onboard, all beverages from the yachts fully stocked bar along with tea, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks. All water sport activities provided by the yacht and fuel for both the yacht and tender.
Excluded in the rate are airport transfers, shore activities such as shopping, dining or special off yacht activities, port fees, park permits and fishing permits in certain locations. Any premium liquor, wines and champagne that not normally stocked and excessive alcohol consumption will be an additional charge.
Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter.
A dream vacation with our family is the best experience ever. Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness. The food, drinks, video, and laughter made a lifetime of memories.
We will be back!
From $84,000/week
Scuba
All InclusiveAll Inclusive
The charter rate shown includes the use of the charter yacht with professional crew and onboard equipment.
Also included are all meals and snacks onboard, all beverages from the yachts fully stocked bar along with tea, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks. All water sport activities provided by the yacht and fuel for both the yacht and tender.
Excluded in the rate are airport transfers, shore activities such as shopping, dining or special off yacht activities, port fees, park permits and fishing permits in certain locations. Any premium liquor, wines and champagne that not normally stocked and excessive alcohol consumption will be an additional charge.
Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter.
