Deadman’s Bay Reef
Peter Island · British Virgin Islands
Deadman’s Bay is the long crescent of sand on Peter Island’s northern shore, and it is regularly named among the best beaches in the Caribbean. The reef sits at either end of the bay, close enough to swim to from the beach, which makes it one of the more relaxed snorkels in the BVI.
What You Will See at Deadman’s Bay Reef
The eastern end generally has the better coral, with sea fans, brain coral and reef fish in shallow, clear water. Turtles graze the grass beds through the middle of the bay and are seen often. Because the bay faces north and is partly protected, conditions are usually calm and the visibility good.
The name comes from the local legend that Blackbeard marooned fifteen crewmen on nearby Dead Chest Island — the origin of the “fifteen men on a dead man’s chest” line.
Getting There on Your Crewed Charter
There are moorings in the bay and the beach is an easy dinghy landing. Peter Island Resort is a short walk along the shore if you want lunch or a drink ashore.