Guide to Trellis Bay

Trellis Bay is a prime anchorage spot, with plenty of mooring sites available for visiting yachts, but it does get very busy. The bay is best known for its monthly Full Moon beach parties, and it’s a sociable place throughout the year, with several popular restaurants and bars as well as shops where you can stock up on provisions or buy quirky local artworks and souvenirs.

The best time to visit Trellis Bay is on the evening of each month’s new moon, when the night sky above the bay lights up with a spectacular fireworks display and the whole area is alive with music, stilt-walkers, fire-eaters and other street entertainment, as residents and visitors alike celebrate the famous Full Moon party. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local culture and sample classic Caribbean dishes such as jerk pork, grilled lobster, goat water soup and barbecue chicken in a fun party atmosphere.

Trellis Bay was badly hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017, but is now recovering, with new businesses opening around the coast. Trellis Bay Market remains a popular stopover for picking up basics such as fruit, vegetables, freshly baked bread and bottled water, and it also operates a bar and grill serving breakfast and barbecue lunches every day. Its award-winning chicken roti has been voted the best in the Caribbean.

If you are coming ashore for something to eat, there are a number of other options available, including Jeremy’s Kitchen, which offers a variety of take-away sandwiches, roti and soups, throughout the day, and a dinner menu featuring local specialities such as coconut curry scallops and grilled grouper.  

A highlight for many visitors is Aragorn’s Studio, a colourful arts centre and shop, showcasing the sculptures, woodcarvings, pottery, jewellery and other crafts created by local artisans, as well as the famous hand-printed t-shirts made by Aragorn himself.

For pure relaxation, the white sandy beach, which follows the curve of the bay, doesn’t disappoint, with some quieter areas backed by palm trees where you can take a picnic and enjoy the sea views. In the middle of the bay is the tiny islet of Bellamy Cay – named after one-time resident and famous pirate, Black Sam Bellamy - which is a good spot for novice snorkelers. The cay is surrounded by a coral reef, which provides shelter for an array of tropical fish species and giant starfish, all in relatively shallow water, although it can be busy with passing boats.

Start planning your trip to Trellis Bay now by viewing and comparing all crewed yachts available for private yacht charter in the Virgin Islands.