Matt Weidert
Manchioneel Bay, located on the western shore of Cooper Island, is a picturesque and tranquil spot in the British Virgin Islands. Known for its clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life, Manchioneel Bay is a popular destination for sailors, snorkelers, and beach lovers.
A Prime Mooring Spot
Manchioneel Bay features a well-maintained mooring field near Tortola marinas, making it an ideal spot for charter crews on their first or last night. The bay's calm waters and protective reefs provide a safe haven for boats, making it a favorite stop for many sailors exploring the BVI. However, securing a mooring ball can be competitive.
Boatyball Reserved Moorings
The Boatyball reserved mooring balls fill up very quickly, often being claimed as soon as they become available. It’s advisable to book as early as possible if you want to secure one of these reserved spots.
First Come, First Serve Moorings
In addition to the reserved mooring balls, there are also first come, first serve mooring balls available. However, these tend to fill up quickly as well, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to get a spot.
Snorkeling Adventures
Manchioneel Bay offers excellent snorkeling opportunities along its shore. The bay is known for its rich marine life, including turtles and rays. Snorkelers can enjoy the vibrant underwater world, where they are likely to see:
- Turtles: Feeding on the sea grass in the shallow waters.
- Rays: Gliding gracefully along the sandy bottom.
Activities at Manchioneel Bay, Cooper Island
Swimming and Relaxing
The calm, clear waters of Manchioneel Bay are perfect for swimming and relaxing. The bay's serene environment makes it an ideal spot for lounging on the beach or floating in the gentle waves.
Exploring the Shoreline
The shoreline of Manchioneel Bay is lined with lush vegetation and offers a beautiful backdrop for exploring. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the beach, enjoying the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere.
Mooring Field Dynamics
Manchioneel Bay is known for its unique mooring field dynamics. Due to currents and backwinding, boats can often move in different directions, and at times, they can come close together. It’s important to be aware of this when mooring and to ensure your boat is securely anchored. You can watch a timelapse video of the mooring field to get a sense of how boats move in the bay.
Nearby Attractions
While Manchioneel Bay provides a more tranquil and secluded experience, visitors can also enjoy the amenities and attractions of Cooper Island:
- Cooper Island Beach Club: A short dinghy ride away, the beach club offers a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and boutique, providing all the comforts and conveniences for a relaxing stay.
- Diving: Cooper Island is known for its nearby excellent dive sites, including the famous Wreck of the Rhone.
Important Considerations
- Mooring Balls: Manchioneel Bay has a limited number of mooring balls, so it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.
- Marine Life Protection: As with all snorkeling and diving activities, it’s important to respect the marine environment. Avoid touching the coral and give the marine life plenty of space. Anchoring is not allowed.
Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and marine adventures. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the British Virgin Islands.
