Anegada Island, with its low-lying coral landscape and turquoise waters, offers a unique blend of coastal hiking and snorkeling that rewards both your legs and your curiosity beneath the waves. The island’s flat profile means the hikes are less about elevation and more about distance and exposure to sun and salt air, making it essential to pace yourself and stay hydrated. Expect trails that run along white sandy beaches, through salt ponds that shimmer under the sun, and past windswept scrubland where hardy vegetation stands tough against trade winds.

Start your adventure on the Cow Wreck Beach Trail, a 5-mile out-and-back route that skirts Anegada’s southern coast. The terrain is mostly sandy paths with occasional coral rubble, demanding sturdy shoes to keep your footing. The salty breeze dares you onward as the flats stretch wide and open, inviting a slow, thoughtful walk. Near the trail’s midpoint, a short detour leads to Loblolly Bay, perfect for slipping into the water. Here, currents push forward with a distinct clarity, revealing vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish and shy lobsters.

For the snorkeling segment, the Horseshoe Reef is an unmatched site. It’s the third-largest barrier reef in the world, just off Anegada’s northern shoreline. Combining a moderate-level hike to the reef access points with snorkeling presents an active day—plan for 7 to 9 miles total, depending on your routes and water time. The hike there covers salt flats and mangrove edges offering occasional shade, while the reef itself is fiercely alive, its sharp coral heads reminding you to move with care and respect.

Timing your excursion during early morning or late afternoon avoids the full noon sun, when temperatures and UV exposure surge. Carry at least two liters of water, sun protection with high SPF, and wear footwear capable of resisting coral abrasion. A snorkeling vest and reef-safe sunscreen are equally essential for your underwater time, ensuring comfort and environmental care.

The combo routes bring out the contrast of Anegada’s coastal character: the patience of the trek and the urgency of the underwater world. Together, they challenge you to engage with the island as a place that is steadfastly itself, where every step and stroke connects you directly to nature’s uncompromising rhythms.