Little Thatch Island BVI
🌊 Sailing Through Time: Little Thatch Island, BVI ⚓️
Little Thatch Island offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of the British Virgin Islands. A small, private paradise located near Tortola, it boasts stunning views and crystal-clear waters.
👣 Historical Significance:
– Once a haven for pirates. Thatch is apparently a bastardization of the Pirate TEECH name.
– Later became a refuge during times of colonial unrest.
– Now a preserved sanctuary that rings with tales of the past.
🏝️ Today:
– Invites you to explore its pristine beaches.
– Perfect spot for quiet respite and reflection.
Discover the blend of historic charm and natural beauty!
#HistoryLovers #LittleThatchIsland #BVI #Travel #LuxuryYachts #IslandLife
Little Thatch Island
Little Thatch was used by pirates as a place of retirement. (This always makes me think of Bingo buses, oxygen tanks, and walkers!). The entire west end of Tortola has multiple lookouts and sugar hills for pirates to climb to the top of and watch several seas.
George and Marie Myrick
I will fast-forward to the 1960s when George and Marie Myrick leased this fifty-acre island with the vision of running a small all-inclusive resort. In the late ’60s, there was a Hilltop House there, a cottage down by the dock called the Jetty House.
There was even a beachside bar with a sign above the door called Club 16.
Tower House, with three bedrooms, could be found on the western tip of the island. The Boat House would be made into a house for the Myricks.
It was a place of unique charm, more about coziness than luxury. The warm glow of kerosene-operated table lamps, the Tilley Brass Lamps from England, added to its allure.
It is a story of turning an early charter boat crew career into an onshore resort where most of their business was repeat, and they partied along with their guests, as we all did in the old days.
The Beginnings of the Sandcastle on Jost Van Dyke
The Myricks were approaching their last winter on Little Thatch. The lease would run out, and the owners, The Foxes, wanted to sell the Island.
The Myricks started looking for beachfront property to begin their resort. Five miles away, they found White Bay and Jost Van Dyke with a perfect one-acre flat property.
The Myricks decided to build cottages. Imported from North Carolina called Rondettes. An eight-sided building. They ordered two to start with.
Building also entailed hauling tons of supplies to Jost Van Dyke to build the Sandcastle Resort and Soggy Dollar Bar. They soon found out that once a year, without fail, the sea would toss small stones on the eastern side of White Bay. These were perfect for concrete aggregate.
The Painkiller Drink
The Myricks invented the Painkiller drink in the early ’70s! You would be hard-pressed to find a bar in the British Virgin Islands that does not sell it now.
The Myricks lived here on Jost Van Dyke for ten years until they moved on. The rest, as they say, is history. I bought George’s book many years ago and was among the first to purchase and receive a flint along with my purchase of the book. I do not remember, however, where the flints came from!
Snorkeling around Little Thatch Island BVI
The snorkeling and diving around Little Thatch are superb. However, anchoring is not an option here, as the island is surrounded by shallow reefs.
I have done many drift dives and snorkels on the North and South Sides of Little Thatch. The current can be quite strong, so one must plan carefully.
Prepare to be amazed by the abundance of black coral and Angel Fish you’ll encounter at depth.
If you are going to anchor, it has to be in over 50′ of water to be off the reef, and this is a bustling area for ferries.
Here is a diagram that shows the entry and exit positions possible for drift dives at Little Thatch Island, BVI. CAUTION: Make sure the current is going in the right direction!
Little Thatch Island BVI Today
Since John and Jill Maynard sold it in 2014, the island has been held by the owners of OTTERBOX. I believe it has since been resold and is not currently available to rent.
Little Thatch is less than 1/2 a mile from St John and mere yards from where yachts check into Tortola while coming up from St Thomas.
Yacht Charters to take you to Little Thatch Island BVI
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