Fantasy Snorkelling: Dropsey Bay
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Anguilla has many hidden delights, including this tiny cove in the middle of nowhere.

Jibralta (email: baysideBop@aol.com) writes: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for Dropsey Bay. We loved it so much we don't want to tell anyone about it and spoil it. Even the assistantt manager at our hotel didn't know where the hell it was! Dropsey was the highlight of our beach excursions. Dropsey had great snorkeling. Thank you again for sharing this paradise with us.

For snorkelling in protected, quiet, shallow waters, try Dropsey Bay (or Jobsie Bay as it is sometimes pronounced).

Swim or wade over to the right side of the bay and enter a small cave with a "hot tub" and an opening where you can stand up and view the coast line. Re-enter the water and look for the underwater bridge.

This is snorkelling on an intimate scale. Go slow and wear reef shoes or old runners and you will have an unforgettable experience.

There are no houses nearby (and no shade or protection from the constant wind either, so this is not a major sunbathing destination) -- you will probably be the only people in the entire area. The bay is protected by a pair of reefs offshore, so the big waves are usually reduced to tiny ripples. The water is shallow and is clear on most days.

Cautions: although it is often calm here, strong currents sometimes run through the cave and the underwater bridge. Step carefully and slowly when entering the cave to avoid cutting yourself on the rocks, or even better, wear reef gloves so you can hold on tight. If you decide to swim under the bridge, make sure the sand hasn't filled it in! Then hug the bottom to avoid scraping yourself on the coral above.

Directions: Dropsey Bay is directly south across Long Pond from the Caribbean Beacon radio tower. Leaving the airport parking lot, take the only exit and turn left on Airport road. Go straight past Island Car Rental and National Bank of Anguilla, then turn right at Albert Lake's Super Market. Go several miles, then turn right 100 yards past "Tropical Flower" wholesale liquor outlet at the road down to Long Pond Bay (if you reach the roundabout you went a little too far). Continue on the track through the seagrapes across the isthmus of Long Pond. The road goes to the right along the southern edge of Long Pond, then turns left and runs directly south to the coast. FWD suggested, or jettison the passengers at rough spots to improve clearance.

 Revised: November 16, 1998

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