Salt Island gets its name from the salt ponds that were once a valuable resource. In the past, this small, uninhabited island had a community of hardworking people who harvested salt. They would collect salt and sell it to other islands and even the British Navy. Today, Salt Island is a beautiful stop on your yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands.
A notable landmark is the historical connection to Queen Victoria, who accepted a pound of salt as rent during her reign. This practice ended when she witnessed the residents’ generosity toward the survivors of the Rhone, a UK Royal Mail ship. In 2016, BVI Governor John Duncan gifted the queen a bag of salt for her 90th birthday.
RMS Rhone Dive Site
Weather
The weather is warm to hot and sunny most of the year, with a “dry” season when locals harvested salt. Since there isn’t much shade, be sure to use plenty of sunscreen.
Places to See
For divers, the Wreck of the RMS Rhone is one of the best scuba diving spots in the Caribbean.
The salt ponds that once produced salt are still visible on the island.
Hike around the island to explore the salt ponds, visit the cemetery, and see the wall that commemorates the sailors who lost their lives with the RMS Rhone.
Reflect on the island’s history. At one time, it had a population of 100 residents, including Clementine Helena Leonard Smith, who passed away in 1998, and Norwell Durant, who died in 2004. Ms. Smith was responsible for maintaining the beaches and salt ponds, while Mr. Durant welcomed tourists and educated them about the island’s salt-gathering history.
Have a picnic.
Marinas and Anchorages
Anchoring is not allowed because the Rhone is part of a national marine park. If all the moorings are occupied, you can anchor at Settlement or Lee Bay and then use your dinghy to reach the dive site. There is a designated dinghy mooring available.
