For the Love of Lobster: BVI Gears Up for the Annual Anegada Lobster Festival November 24-26
Ever dined on lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner? For over a decade, sailors and seafood connoisseurs have devoted an entire weekend to sampling freshly caught lobster during the British Virgin Islands’ annual Anegada Lobster Festival. This grand crustacean celebration takes place on the northernmost island of the BVI from Nov. 24–26, 2023. A dozen locally owned Anegada restaurants will welcome festivalgoers to enjoy lobster samplers, innovative new recipes and classic decadent dishes. The internationally acclaimed event also features live music and entertainment for the whole family.
Anegada is one of BVI’s most unique islands, attracting seafarers from far and wide. The highest point on Anegada rises a mere 28 feet above sea level. This seemingly sunken island offers no shortage of sandy beaches to stroll, flamingoes to spot, coral reefs to snorkel, shipwrecks to uncover and – of course – chefs to meet and seafood to try.
Innovation is in the air on Anegada in the months leading up to the gastronomic celebration. Local restauranteurs offer modern takes on the delicious crustacean, including fried lobster with tangy mango dip, lobster pizza, and the more classic lobster patties and savory lobster rolls.
The restaurants participating in Anegada Lobster Festival include two new eateries, Lil Bit and KG’s Café. Returning restaurants include Anegada Reef Hotel, Big Bamboo, Cow Wreck, Flash of Beauty, Lobster Trap, Pink Flamingo, Wonky Dog, Potter’s by the Sea, Sid’s at Pomato Point and Tipsy. Visitors will receive a booklet filled with all things Anegada Lobster Festival.
Options are plentiful for getting to the island for the day or the weekend with the usual carte du jour of ferries and barges from the USVI, Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Taxis will also be available for hire for private transfers.
While on Anegada, guests are encouraged to enjoy the array of activities and attractions unique to the island. Consider visiting the Flamingo Point Lookout, Conch Shell Mounds Lookout, Faulkner House Museum, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Iguana Headstart Facility and the most popular attraction, the Anegada Conchshell Mounds, also known as Conch Island.
Though the Lobster Festival is a lively event, visitors will note the relaxed, easy pace that Anegada inspires. This gem of the British Virgin Islands extends its welcoming arms to you.
Upcoming Events and Highlights
The British Virgin Islands has long been known as the New Year’s Eve capital of the Caribbean, and there’s no better way to ring in the New Year than at one of the islands’ lively celebrations. New Year’s Eve – or “Old Year’s Night” as the holiday is referred to by locals – can be celebrated by visitors on Dec. 31 at BVI’s highly anticipated parties including “New Year’s Eve Party at the Bay” at Trellis Bay, “More for 2024” at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, “Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park New Year’s Celebration” and the world-renowned “Foxy’s Old Year’s Night Celebration” on Jost Van Dyke.
About the British Virgin Islands
Long considered the sailing world’s best-kept secret, the British Virgin Islands has consistently attracted water sports enthusiasts from around the world with its line-of-sight sailing, endless boat charter options, and experiences tailored specifically for seafarers. The collection of 60 islands, cays, and atolls in the northeastern Caribbean Sea is a favorite among discerning travelers, with plentiful private villas and boutique luxury resorts on award-winning beaches.
