A Private Island Sanctuary of Natural Beauty and Seaside Luxury
Great Camanoe, one of the most exclusive islands in the British Virgin Islands, is a secluded haven known for its rugged coastal cliffs, turquoise waters, and breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding isles. Located just northeast of Beef Island and Tortola, this private retreat offers a peaceful, upscale environment where stunning natural landscapes meet the comforts of elegant island living.
Much of Great Camanoe remains undeveloped, preserving its pristine environment of rocky shorelines, lush vegetation, and intimate coves. Residential communities like Indigo Plantation and Mahoe Bay provide the island’s primary homesites, offering private docks, villa estates, and direct access to excellent boating conditions. For those seeking a serene escape—without sacrificing proximity to amenities on Tortola—Great Camanoe delivers unmatched privacy, beauty, and exclusivity.
Secluded, low-density island living in a private residential paradise
Crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and boating
Exclusive communities like Indigo Plantation with shared docks and beach access
Dramatic views of Marina Cay, Scrub Island, and the Sir Francis Drake Channel
Direct proximity to Trellis Bay and Beef Island Airport for effortless travel
A peaceful atmosphere perfect for second homes, retreats, and nature-focused lifestyles
Life on Great Camanoe is quiet, elegant, and immersed in nature. Residents enjoy slow mornings on panoramic terraces, boat trips across calm channels, and afternoons spent snorkeling off secluded beaches or exploring the island’s scenic walking paths. Community life is friendly yet private, with neighbours often connecting through shared docks, beach gatherings, or boating excursions.
The pace is calm and restorative—ideal for those who value outdoor living, tranquility, and a deep connection to the surrounding sea.
Boating is at the heart of Great Camanoe’s lifestyle. The island’s location within the Sir Francis Drake Channel places it in the center of some of the Caribbean’s best sailing grounds.
Residents enjoy:
Private and community docks in Indigo Plantation
Calm, protected waters ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking
Quick access to Scrub Island, Marina Cay, and Trellis Bay
Deep-water anchorages and sheltered coves for day trips
Exceptional snorkeling along the island’s coral-rich coastline
Whether heading out for a sunset cruise, exploring the reefs at Cam Bay on Tortola, or island-hopping to Virgin Gorda or Jost Van Dyke, Great Camanoe offers a boating lifestyle that is both effortless and extraordinary.
While Great Camanoe itself is quiet and mostly residential, its surroundings provide abundant recreation and adventure.
Island Activities
Swim, snorkel, and kayak along Indigo Plantation’s beaches and coves
Walk scenic footpaths through the island’s rolling terrain and coastal lookouts
Fish from shoreline rocks or by boat in nearby channels
Enjoy private beach picnics and paddleboard sessions in calm bays
Nearby Destinations (minutes away by boat)
Trellis Bay: Restaurants, cafes, craft markets, and full-moon parties
Scrub Island Resort: Fine dining, spa services, marina, and beaches
Marina Cay: Stunning snorkeling and quiet waters
Beef Island: Access to the airport, shops, and connection to Tortola
Great Camanoe residents have the ultimate balance—privacy on the island paired with immediate access to vibrant activity nearby.
Great Camanoe has no schools on the island, but families access educational institutions on Tortola via short boat rides to Trellis Bay followed by brief drives.
Nearby schools include:
Francis Lettsome Primary School (Beef Island)
Cedar International School (Tortola)
Montessori School (Tortola)
Elmore Stoutt High School (Tortola)
Great Camanoe is accessible only by private boat or water taxi. Within the island’s residential communities, residents use golf carts, community pathways, and walking trails to move between docks, beaches, and homes.
Transportation highlights include:
Quick boat access to Trellis Bay for groceries, dining, and services
Close proximity to Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island
Private docks in Indigo Plantation for secure boat mooring
Calm waters that make inter-island travel smooth and enjoyable
The island’s private nature ensures minimal traffic and a quiet, pedestrian-friendly environment.
Great Camanoe’s history is intertwined with fishing, seafaring, and early settlement patterns within the Virgin Islands. For centuries, the island remained largely uninhabited, used by mariners and fishermen navigating between Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Development began modestly in the 20th century with the creation of Indigo Plantation, which introduced private lots, shared docks, and carefully planned infrastructure.
Today, Great Camanoe maintains its identity as a peaceful, private, and environmentally sensitive enclave. Its culture is defined by community pride, respect for nature, and a shared appreciation for the island’s beauty and solitude.
Great Camanoe’s real estate offerings consist primarily of luxury villas, private estates, and custom homes tucked into the island’s hillsides. Many properties feature:
Expansive ocean views
Open-air living spaces
Private docks or slips
Breezy hilltop locations
Designs emphasizing natural stone, tropical woods, and sustainability
Communities like Indigo Plantation and Mahoe Bay remain the most desirable areas, providing beach access, shared amenities, and secure environments.
Great Camanoe’s real estate market is highly unique, with limited inventory and strong appeal among buyers seeking privacy and island exclusivity.
Current trends include:
Consistent demand for renovated and turnkey villas
Increasing interest from international buyers seeking quiet retreat-style properties
Premium pricing for homes with private docks and sweeping channel views
Stable long-term appreciation due to limited development and high desirability
The island’s exclusivity contributes to a strong and steady market environment.
Indigo Plantation: The primary residential community with docks, beaches, and private villas
Mahoe Bay Area: Secluded homes with exceptional views and coastal access
South Coast Hillsides: Elevated estates overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel
Each area delivers breathtaking scenery, quiet surroundings, and access to world-class boating waters.
Purchasing property on Great Camanoe involves understanding BVI regulations such as landholding licenses for non-belongers, development guidelines, and the logistics of owning a home on a boat-access-only island. Working with experienced BVI real estate professionals ensures smooth navigation of property selection, compliance, and closing requirements.
Whether you seek a luxurious retreat, a private island getaway, or a unique investment property, Great Camanoe offers an unparalleled opportunity to own in one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive and naturally stunning destinations.
