Spotlight on Prickly Pear
This secluded tiny paradise of white-sand beaches, brilliant turquoise waters, and vibrant reefs is nestled in the heart of the British Virgin Islands
Great for snorkeling and perfect for relaxing, Prickly Pear is all about letting go. Located on the north side of North Sound, opposite the infamous Baths of the Virgin Gorda, the island is fringed on the northern side by the Bank Barrier Reef, with Eustatia, Mosquito Island, and Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island nearby. SeaDream drops anchor in the island’s bay, so secluded that from the beach it seems like you’re on the shore of a lake, rather than the ocean.
Prickly Pear is a tiny uninhabited island with no permanent residents, only a quiet beach bar. Pristine white sand calls out for a nap under the sun. Brilliant turquoise waters invite a tranquil swim or snorkel directly from the beach. A walk down the beach to the end of the island reveals the island’s rich bird life and aquatic world, boasting some of the most colorful coral and fish you can imagine. For hiking enthusiasts, a trail leads from the SandBox Bar to the North Beach. While hiking, take a rest under a shady tamarind tree, at the top of the hill, and simply enjoy the cool, Caribbean breeze.
Throughout the Caribbean, SeaDream Yacht Club’s elegant twin yachts carry you to breathtaking destinations that larger ships cannot reach, dropping anchor off hidden island gems off the Caribbean’s most pristine coastlines. And the nimbleness of our yachts allows for unexpected and delightful calls along the way—like Prickly Pear, where you can choose to engage in as little or as much island charm and breathtaking nature as you like.
Explore this National Park
Prickly Pear got its name from the large flowering cactus all over the island. The island was declared a National Park in 1988, meaning the island’s 180 acres of land will have no further development. Breathtaking hiking trails start from the main beach at Vixen Point and wind around the island filled with salt ponds heading to the north shore, which boasts two breathtaking secluded beaches.
Spot the wildlife
The national park and bird sanctuary is home to hawksbill turtles that nest along the shoreline, as well as abundant bird species, including coots, black-necked stilts, and ruddy ducks. Several indigenous lizard species, including anoles and geckos, also call the island home. Prickly Pear’s beaches are shared with turtles, which periodically use the sandy shores for nesting. In the late afternoon and early evening, look up, as the flamingos fly overhead.
A snorkeler’s paradise
Three reefs lying just offshore provide some of the best snorkeling the Caribbean has to offer. Need we say more?
SeaDream's Signature Champagne & Caviar Splash®
On every SeaDream Caribbean itinerary, our signature Champagne & Caviar® bursts on beaches nestled within breathtaking bays and paradisical coastlines, followed by an elegant beach barbecue. Look forward to a burst of the bubbly and the coveted “black gold.”
Are you ready to experience the secluded beaches and playful yachting harbors of the British Virgin Islands? SeaDream provides you with an intimate view of Prickly Pear unlike any other boutique travel line. Click here to check availability and reserve your next voyage.