Formerly known as Bergen Island, this little sister island took its current name in c.1905. The origin of the name is not documented, but there are 2 equally plausible theories. The first is that it evolved from the name of the original settlers, a Dutch family by the name of Koop, the second (which I find more romantic) is that it was named after the coopers who came ashore to make cargo and rum barrels from the white cedar which grew prolifically on the island. The introduction of aluminium kegs and new machinery in the 1940s replaced the skilled work of coopers and hoopers, so nowadays the only barrels you will find on Cooper are in the Microbrewery at the Beach Club.
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Less than half the size of Great Camanoe, but 4 times bigger than Necker, this almost 350 acre island is like something out of Robinson Crusoe, tourists immediately feel like castaways for the day even though the island is just a quick 10 mins hop from Hodges Creek Marina on Tortola. The island is originally believed to have been inhabited by native Arawak and Caribs, indigenous to this part of the world prior to colonization. From the 17th century, sugar plantations were established with a shift towards livestock farming in the 19th century as the sugar trade dwindled and slaves were emancipated. Evidence of this past can be found on the island in plantation ruins. Life on Cooper continued at a slow and peaceful pace, with some private homes being built on the island in the 1950s and 1960s. It was not until the 1970s, when tourism was beginning to take off and play an integral part in the BVI economy, that Cooper Island’s potential was spotted by the Showering Family, (of Babycham fame). They already owned the Treasure Isle Hotel on Tortola and were in search of somewhere convenient to take their guests on day trips. Cooper Island was an obvious choice and when land became available, they seized the opportunity to purchase the original site of the Beach Club. As they say, the rest is history!
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The Showerings added a dock and some simple facilities before selling in the 1980s to Toby Holmes and Steve Pardoe. Holmes and Pardoe stepped up the development, adding a restaurant to cater to the increasing number of passing sail boats and introducing hotel rooms in the early 1990s. A boutique and dive shop came in swift pursuit. In 2008 there was another change of hands and the property was purchased by the current owners, the Harris family who fully refurbished and tastefully modernized the Beach Club into the fabulous sustainable eco resort that is so popular today https://cooperislandbeachclub.com/ . The current beach club boasts 8 hotel rooms, a restaurant, rum bar with over 350 international rums, a coffee shop, a boutique, microbrewery, dive shop (courtesy of Sail Caribbean Divers https://www.sailcaribbeandivers.com/) and a mooring field in Manchioneel Bay with 40 buoys . It’s an exquisite piece of paradise, where you can sail in for lunch or stay overnight. Surely it can’t get any better than this? Well, actually it can!
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In addition to the Beach Club there are in fact 5 private residences on Cooper Island and 3 of them are currently listed for sale! 2025 is the year that you could purchase a rare piece of unspoilt paradise. Each property is situated on just under 3 acres and has its own dock so you can easily pop back and forth to Tortola on your own boat. Plus, you have the added convenience of the Beach Club for days when you can’t be bothered to cook or for overflow guests who will certainly come flocking to stay with you.
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Here's what’s on offer:
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Quart a Nancy Point https://cirebvi.com/properties/quart-a-nancy-point-10919
3 Bed / 3 Bath – 2.75 acre parcel – Dock – 500ft of Shoreline - $1,950,000
Originally built in the 1960s and further developed in the 1970s to serve as an artists’ retreat, this retro bungalow is reminiscent of an Australian outback station or Out of Africa farmhouse. Constructed from poured reinforced concrete, with native Caribbean stone walls, this property was built to last. The current owners have carried out further upgrades and improvements, including the addition of solar panels.
There is scope for additional development and modernization, but the current rustic charm make this this perfect spot to escape the rat race and truly unwind.
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Beach Cottages https://cirebvi.com/properties/beach-cottages-at-cooper-island-15237
2 Cottages – Each cottage 1 Bed /1 Bath – 2.92 acre parcel –120 ft Dock - $2,100,000
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Considerable development potential
Originally built in the 1970s and refurbished in 2018, these 2 cottages are hidden on the hillside, a short walk through the mangroves and bush from the Beach Club, fronting onto to what is often a completely deserted beach. The Beach Cottage is only 100ft from the high water mark and 15ft above sea level, with a studio layout and front deck to watch the world sail by. The Hillside Hideaway is further up the hill at 50ft above sea level and about a 200ft walk from the Beach Cottage. The Hideaway is larger and has an open plan living room/kitchen and a separate ensuite bedroom. Both cottages are equipped with solar panels, rainwater cisterns and both the fridges and stoves run off propane.
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Cliff Cottage COMING SOON contact [email protected]
HHurricane damaged property for commercial or residential use.
22.4 acre parcel – Private Dock - $2,400,000
