Sail to Sandy Cay

To the southeast of Jost van Dyke, Sandy Cay is like something you'd see out of a postcard. It offers a perfect place to stop for the day (no overnight stays allowed) to swim and relax on the beach. Keep in mind that the anchorage is usually busy, so anticipate company.

Sandy Cay is a national park (thanks to the efforts of Laurence Rockefeller) and visitors can enjoy a short botanical tour, which ends at some spectacular cliffs.

The only way to access the uninhabited island is by boat. Keep in mind that the anchorage is on the southwest side close to shore in the lee of the island. Anchor in 10-15 feet of water, but remember to avoid any coral reefs.

From there, take a dinghy or kayak (or if you're up for the challenge, swim) to shore and enjoy the day on the exceptional white sand beach. There are no restaurants, bathrooms or drinking facilities on the island, so bring everything you'll need for the day to avoid having to go back and forth to your boat.

Note: Extreme caution should be exercised during the winter months when swells make it very hard to land a dinghy on shore.