Cooper Island
Cooper Island
4.5
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A small, isolated and charming island that serves as a mooring haven for yachts.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
73 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
19
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Douglas P
Hamilton, GA724 contributions
Jan 2020
The mooring ball field is small but there are boatyballs which can be reserved -- watch out though, they go fast! There are also a couple of anchor fields and great snorkeling places. The beach area near the bar has small stands for drinks for when you are talking or wading in the water. This is very nice. The location lends itself to less wind due to it being on the leeward side of the island. This makes for a great time! There are accessible bathrooms a short distance from the beach also. They have a couple of piers to dock dinghies.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Normajean1937
Erie, MI322 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Visited while bare boat sailing the BVI. Moored out for the night in front of Cooper island beach club and rum bar “NEED RESERVATIONS TO EAT AT THE RESTAURANT” Great food, nice gift shop. Would definitely recommend making this a stop on your trip!
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David W
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Couples
Beautiful venue with very marginal food. this highly rated resort is a pleasure to visit a beautiful location with clean water and reasonably good snorkeling. We had dinner on November 27, 2024, and we all concluded dinner was somewhat a marginal. I ordered the curry shrimp and there were more shrimp heads on my plate than shrimp. My son had the same experience Ursula ordered the blackened mahi mahi and her response was a five out of 10 less than she expected. Would I visit again? We probably would visit for cocktails but not stay for dinner.
Written November 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rene B
Annapolis, MD50 contributions
Jan 2022
Picturesque Island. We ate lunch and it was perfect, what a view. The fish soup was outstanding. Service was fantastic. This was our last night on the boat. What an amazing sunset. Saw the lights of Tortola. Heard goats on the hills in the morning. Such a special place. The day and night we were there, plenty of mooring balls.
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lcsumner
Coventry, CT27 contributions
We stayed in a small rented house on Cooper Island owned by the Evans, who have two properties there. The island is lovely with a small hotel/restaurant and a few private homes. The vegetation was much lusher than I expected with many flowers and plants.
The house was set very privately, and as advertised, had its own private beach. What was not private is that the visiting yachts anchor offshore in front of your beach, not very far out. If you are looking for total privacy at the water, this isn't it.
There are no roads on the island, only a few paths. The "stroll" to the restaurant mentioned in the owner's website is not long but at one point involves going over rocks alongside a drop off to more rocks and the water below. Don't have a lot of rum punches at the bar and try to get home in the dark. The path to the upper house of the two properties is a little steep and made of stones set into the soil. For a short person like me, going down took longer than going up and was a bit tricky. The owners do not provide a warning that neither place is suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
The swimming at the home's beach was very nice, but beware: shortly after the dropoff there are sea urchins and you do not want to step on one if you are tall enough to touch bottom. You can rent snorkel equipment at the beach club and snorkel right from your own spot or go on an organized trip.
The house itself is well-stocked but for the price (over $200 a night), isn't super comfortable, mainly because of the hot water problems and choice of furniture. The hot water is solar generated but rarely worked beyond getting enough for a not-quite-cold shower. The kitchen is very well equipped but cooking isn't a pleasure if you have to heat water on the stove to do the washing up. The residents prior to us most likely just washed with cold water because the utensils and glasses seemed kind of sticky.
The living room is furnished with three single beds made up with daybed covers. These are too deep to be comfortable as sofas. The other seating is two large wicker chair, also not very comfortable. The dining table has picnic benches for seating so I brought in chairs from the porch.
All the electricity is generated from solar power and batteries so you have to be careful in your usage. There's a light in the kitchen, dining area, bedroom, and bathroom. There is no overhead light at all in the living room If you want to read after dark, there's a tiny reading lamp next to the wicker chairs. There's no a/c, definitely not an issue while we were there with wonderful breezes. The bedroom and living room have ceiling fans. We never turned the one in the living room on; the one in the bedroom isn't very effective and is quite noisy.
The house is screened and there were virtually no bugs - probably less the result of screening as of the resident lizards - one for each room. They can be startling when they dart from place to place (and they do poop in the house), but if you're not phobic about reptiles they aren't a problem.
The Beach Club serves lunch and dinner and has a bar. You need to make reservations for dinner which means you can't decide at the last minute to eat out (you bring all your food over with you when you come). The restaurant there is very busy. Two steak dinners, two drinks, two desserts, and two coffees came to about $70. While we were there fifteen to twenty five boats came every day. One night people partied on their boat until the wee hours and could be heard all over the place. For a place in the middle of nowhere, there were actually a lot of interesting people visiting.
While I've written quite a lot of criticizm, we had a very good time. The place is beautiful. Sitting on the porch having breakfast and watching all the colorful birds and the boats sail by can't be beat. The water was lovely, the weather wonderful (hot climate people thought it was a bit cool, but to us 75 degrees is perfect.) My point in all this detail is that you need to be prepared for the kind of experience you're going to get - closer to camping out than a luxury rental, and you need to know ahead of time about the difficulties you may encounter in order to make a decision about whether this is the right place. Some friends had considered coming with us and thank goodness didn't do it, since one of them would have freaked at the lizards in the house and could never have gotten by the rocks on the path to the hotel.
If none of this bothers you, this could be a terrific place to unwind.
The house was set very privately, and as advertised, had its own private beach. What was not private is that the visiting yachts anchor offshore in front of your beach, not very far out. If you are looking for total privacy at the water, this isn't it.
There are no roads on the island, only a few paths. The "stroll" to the restaurant mentioned in the owner's website is not long but at one point involves going over rocks alongside a drop off to more rocks and the water below. Don't have a lot of rum punches at the bar and try to get home in the dark. The path to the upper house of the two properties is a little steep and made of stones set into the soil. For a short person like me, going down took longer than going up and was a bit tricky. The owners do not provide a warning that neither place is suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
The swimming at the home's beach was very nice, but beware: shortly after the dropoff there are sea urchins and you do not want to step on one if you are tall enough to touch bottom. You can rent snorkel equipment at the beach club and snorkel right from your own spot or go on an organized trip.
The house itself is well-stocked but for the price (over $200 a night), isn't super comfortable, mainly because of the hot water problems and choice of furniture. The hot water is solar generated but rarely worked beyond getting enough for a not-quite-cold shower. The kitchen is very well equipped but cooking isn't a pleasure if you have to heat water on the stove to do the washing up. The residents prior to us most likely just washed with cold water because the utensils and glasses seemed kind of sticky.
The living room is furnished with three single beds made up with daybed covers. These are too deep to be comfortable as sofas. The other seating is two large wicker chair, also not very comfortable. The dining table has picnic benches for seating so I brought in chairs from the porch.
All the electricity is generated from solar power and batteries so you have to be careful in your usage. There's a light in the kitchen, dining area, bedroom, and bathroom. There is no overhead light at all in the living room If you want to read after dark, there's a tiny reading lamp next to the wicker chairs. There's no a/c, definitely not an issue while we were there with wonderful breezes. The bedroom and living room have ceiling fans. We never turned the one in the living room on; the one in the bedroom isn't very effective and is quite noisy.
The house is screened and there were virtually no bugs - probably less the result of screening as of the resident lizards - one for each room. They can be startling when they dart from place to place (and they do poop in the house), but if you're not phobic about reptiles they aren't a problem.
The Beach Club serves lunch and dinner and has a bar. You need to make reservations for dinner which means you can't decide at the last minute to eat out (you bring all your food over with you when you come). The restaurant there is very busy. Two steak dinners, two drinks, two desserts, and two coffees came to about $70. While we were there fifteen to twenty five boats came every day. One night people partied on their boat until the wee hours and could be heard all over the place. For a place in the middle of nowhere, there were actually a lot of interesting people visiting.
While I've written quite a lot of criticizm, we had a very good time. The place is beautiful. Sitting on the porch having breakfast and watching all the colorful birds and the boats sail by can't be beat. The water was lovely, the weather wonderful (hot climate people thought it was a bit cool, but to us 75 degrees is perfect.) My point in all this detail is that you need to be prepared for the kind of experience you're going to get - closer to camping out than a luxury rental, and you need to know ahead of time about the difficulties you may encounter in order to make a decision about whether this is the right place. Some friends had considered coming with us and thank goodness didn't do it, since one of them would have freaked at the lizards in the house and could never have gotten by the rocks on the path to the hotel.
If none of this bothers you, this could be a terrific place to unwind.
Written February 18, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie T
Michigan3,082 contributions
We stayed at the Beach House owned by the Evans last December. ( I am only writing this now because I just found out you can write reviews!!) We have been to Cooper Island numerous times before, but have always been on a chartered catamaran and have anchored there. My hubby and I thought that since we loved Cooper so much it would be great to stay there for a week. We are very un-needy people...obviously when we usually live on a catamaran for 2 weeks, but the Beach house was not what we were expecting. It is a breath taking view...once some workers from the beach club came and trimmed the hedges for us, and nothing beats waking up in the morning and sitting on the large front porch.
The problems were that even with the solar electricity you need to have a battery that is capable of taking a charge from the sun. Ours died and it took 2 days for the beach club to get another one. Next, were the shower bags. Now I do't need a luxurey shower or anything, but the beach bags were molding when we got there and had to have them replaced as well. A tip for other who are going...I heated my water on the stove in the tea kettle and a pot until boiling then filled the rest with cold tap water in the shower bag...no need to even lay it in the sun to heat up! Next was we had a gas leak while we were there in our propane stove. Not a huge problem, but it just compiled with all the rest. Walking to the Beach Club got to be a hastle everytime we needed something fixed.
The house itself is small. It served it's purpose, but really it is just like a studio apartment. We had bought $300.00 worth of groceries that we brought over with us, but cooking on the crappy little grill and the stove made my vacation to much work, so we ate most dinners at the Beach Club restuarant...very good. We donated the food to the Beach Club workers who are beyond friendly. Next time I go to tay on the island for a while, I will stay at the Cooper Island Beach Clubs hotel. We toured one and it was very nice.
In my opinion, the Evans Beach House is not worth the money. It doesn't seem like to me that they put much of an effort to maintaining it.
The problems were that even with the solar electricity you need to have a battery that is capable of taking a charge from the sun. Ours died and it took 2 days for the beach club to get another one. Next, were the shower bags. Now I do't need a luxurey shower or anything, but the beach bags were molding when we got there and had to have them replaced as well. A tip for other who are going...I heated my water on the stove in the tea kettle and a pot until boiling then filled the rest with cold tap water in the shower bag...no need to even lay it in the sun to heat up! Next was we had a gas leak while we were there in our propane stove. Not a huge problem, but it just compiled with all the rest. Walking to the Beach Club got to be a hastle everytime we needed something fixed.
The house itself is small. It served it's purpose, but really it is just like a studio apartment. We had bought $300.00 worth of groceries that we brought over with us, but cooking on the crappy little grill and the stove made my vacation to much work, so we ate most dinners at the Beach Club restuarant...very good. We donated the food to the Beach Club workers who are beyond friendly. Next time I go to tay on the island for a while, I will stay at the Cooper Island Beach Clubs hotel. We toured one and it was very nice.
In my opinion, the Evans Beach House is not worth the money. It doesn't seem like to me that they put much of an effort to maintaining it.
Written November 21, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mslizSanFrancisco_CA
San Francisco, CA158 contributions
First, I want to thank the person from New England, whose detailed review was most helpful & accurate enough. My husband & I went to this house in Sept. & had a wonderful time. You have to be reasonably fit & active & the place is not luxurious. However, we thought it very fairly priced, especially these days. If you are at all capable of making yourself comfortable (which I didn't find too difficult; the beds were fine, there are plenty of sheets & towels, the kitchen is cheerful & well equipped, though being off the grid, there are no appliances except stove & refigerator) & if you appreciate peace, beauty & nature, you will have a great time. The house is surrounded by a garden full of flowering shrubs & the house is filled with colorful art. It was very hot when we were there, so hot water was not an issue. We showered outside quite happily after our daily snorkels -- which were great. There are no more sea urchins -- perhaps fewer -- than can be expected. The beach club staff were helpful & the proximity of their bar, restaurant, beach, & yet more wonderful snorkeling (rays, turtles) was a bonus. Having dinner in the evening on the veranda of the house, with fabulous sunsets, the Caribbean laid out before you & more or less the whole island to yourself, cannot be beat. Though I can see that, in the winter, with boat-loads partying down on the water, this could be a very different experience.
Written October 6, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cmb12150
Hendersonville, NC63 contributions
Just came back from our first visit to Cooper Island. It was simply wonderful. Very tranquil and peaceful. Staff is expertedly trained and very friendly. Cottages are very clean and the food was outstanding. We will be going back!
Written March 16, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheBlandGang
Blackburn, UK148 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We stayed on a mooring ball at Cooper Island on our 2nd and 9th nights sailing in the BVI on-board Olive, 31 ft Beneteau chartered from BVI Yacht Charters. The mooring balls are very easy to pick up and the location is fantastic - lots of snorkelling near by and the happy hour is fab. Free WiFi in the bar and restaurant which is great and amazing sunsets. The toilets and shower are very clean and great to use - the shower costs $3 and you need to purchase a token before using. There is a great boutique on shore and there is a micro brewery due to open very soon. We will definitely be staying at Cooper Island again (hopefully for more than one night) when we come back to the BVI. You won't be disappointed to moor here - they even offer a garbage collection service and ice drop off for a few dollars.
Written November 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim c
littleton34 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
hi hate gramer and speling. cooper island was our honeymoon spot. a more pristine and snorkle in water 10 ft. off the beach you couldnt ask for. rays sea turtles fish of all sizes and colors. hearing parrot fish eat coral and watch them deficate sand! excuse the language. food on cooper was only exceeded by the every night sunset views. no phones no lights no motor cars, like gilligan and skipper. the islands around by a sailboat visit are a must. i will be back. maybe not with the X but we talk at least once a week. she agrees awsum place visit was 2003. thanx, tim
Written July 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can get a boat for the day to take you to the nearest town?
Written September 2, 2017
It is easier to get a day charter boat from Tortola, but it is possible to make a prearrangement with a boat captain to collect you from Cooper Island - be aware that they may charge more because of the added distance to pick up/drop off.
If you are interested in diving, there is a Sail Caribbean Dive store located next to the Rum Bar that offers transfers to dive locations. Booking required.
Written June 22, 2019
Can you wander around the island/explore? Any beaches other than at the Beach Club? Any sailing day trips available? Can you rent a dinghy for the day?
Written March 1, 2017
Yes you could wander and explore the island, but it is pretty rugged. As for other beaches, I am not sure. I believe the only people who live there are those who work at the beach club. Some commute from Tortola via ferry. We had a delicious meal at the beach club. It might be a good idea to call the beach club and ask them some of these questions. We were attached to a mooring ball, had our own dinghy, and were not inclined to find out these things. The BVI is awesome! I hope you enjoy your time there.
Written March 2, 2017
is there anywhere on the island to have dinner in the month of september 2016?
Written August 28, 2016
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