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Things to do on Necker Island

Or do nothing at all

There’s an endless list of activities on Necker Island to keep you busy throughout your stay.

Land lovers can enjoy everything from yoga to tennis, and water lovers can learn to kitesurf or embark on a sailing race around the island. 

And when the sun goes down... the party starts.

Watersports

Watersports are included in every stay. 

Whether you want to try something new, enjoy adrenalin-fuelled fun or explore the waters more serenely, it's all available to do in a safe and controlled environment with hands-on tuition where needed.

Our team of highly qualified instructors can help you master:

  • Kite surfing 
  • Water skiing and wakeboarding 
  • Sailing 
  • Stand-up paddle-boarding 
  • Kayaking 
  • Subwing 
  • EFoiling 
  • Seabobbing 

Snorkelling and scuba diving 

The waters of the British Virgin Islands offer incredible snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Snorkels, masks and fins are available to explore our waters. For those wanting to venture further afield and explore other underwater locations, we can organise day excursions with all equipment and plenty of refreshments

If you prefer to scuba, we can arrange wreck, reef and night dives nearby. If you're not PADI qualified, we can also arrange instruction on the island. Additional charges apply.

Mangrove conservation tours 

These tours offer you the opportunity to take part in the mangrove conservation efforts in the British Virgin Islands.

Join an immersive tour, operated by local business GroundSea Adventures, where you will traverse through indigenous mangroves on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak (in a single or double kayak).

Travelling through the mangroves, you’ll learn from an expert guide how the propagules are cultivated and about the work that goes into their rehabilitation and preservation, before getting hands-on with planting the propagules.

The tour costs USD 165 for adults and USD 135 for children aged 12. There is no cost for children aged six and under; however, they are required to share a double kayak with an adult. Included are:

  • Out-planting 10 propagules 
  • Boat and taxi transfers 
  • A donation to the HLSCC National Mangrove Nursery via Unite BVI 

Yoga, tennis, pickleball and more

There’s an exciting array of activities to enjoy during your stay on the island.

  • Yoga: Enjoy bespoke yoga classes led by our instructor or grab a mat and freestyle on the beach. Yoga at sunrise or sunset is also not to be missed
  • Tennis: With tennis coaches, two floodlit courts and plenty of equipment, you might find it hard to tear yourself away during your stay!
  • Padel and pickleball: For guaranteed fast-paced competitive fun and exercise, head to the Island’s new Padel and Pickleball courts
  • Hiking: Necker Island is 74 acres in size with a 3-mile perimeter, so there are several trails to take you around the coast or over the main ridge. We can also arrange a guided tour if you'd prefer.
  • Gym: With a view like ours from the gym, you won't need much encouragement to keep up your fitness regime.

Bespoke activities: We can tailor every aspect of your stay, so get in touch if you would like something a bit different. Beach Olympics, anyone?

Excursions

Explore more of what the beautiful British Virgin Islands has to offer. We can take you on half-day excursions to visit: 

  • The Baths: An awe-inspiring collection of huge granite boulders that create hidden rock pools. Prepare to be wowed - this one is a favourite! 

  • BVI Cruise: Take to the Caribbean waters for a relaxing ride, touring the islands and snorkelling along the way. If you'd like to experience the BVI in true party style, we'll also stop by Willy T's boat bar. 

  • North Sound Hobie Poker Run: Hop aboard a sailboat and visit some of the best bars around the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. 

Spa treatments 

Whether you’d like to indulge in some much-needed self-care after an evening of partying in true Necker style, or recover from an energetic day full of activities, we’ve created the ultimate sanctuary for you to escape to for a total mind-body-soul reset.

As if being on Necker Island wasn’t relaxing enough, the island also boasts the beautiful Bali Samudra spa treatment rooms, combining carefully curated treatments using Sodashi, a premium skincare range, with a peaceful beachside setting. 

Necker Squids

Welcome to the club! Necker Squids (what we call the little ones!) are very welcome. Necker Island was originally designed as the Branson's family home, and Richard's own children spent many of their school holidays here since they were infants, so it's no surprise that Necker Island is child-friendly.

Activities on Necker Island

On Necker

Gym - Break a sweat in our outdoor Jungle Gym decked out with wooden workout stations. If you prefer a cooler environment, get active in our fully equipped indoor gymonly a stone’s throw away from the Great House. Make use of the Peloton bike, treadmill, rowing machine and more as you look out to sea.

Yoga - Find your inner zen with a yoga class or strengthen your core with a fitness coach, at various locations on the island. It’s a great way to appreciate the island's spectacular sunsets.

Infinity Pools, Hot Tubs & Cold Plunges - Take your pick from four infinity pools dotted around the island. A couple even feature a swim-up bar and hot tub. For those brave enough to try it, there’s also a cold plunge by the main beach pool.

Seacuzzi - Join us for a complimentary tour that kicks off your day in paradise at 7:30 am from The Great House. Wander through our picturesque landscape, from the Windy Point to the flamingo pond, Turtle Beach, the Beach House, and the watersports centre. But wait, there’s a splashing surprise waiting for you. Dive into pure relaxation at our ‘seacuzzi’, a natural ocean rockpool where you and up to five guests can soak up the good vibes while gentle waves playfully bubble around you.

Island Walk - There are a number of trails on the north end of the island which will take you around the coast or over the main ridge. Enjoy a guided tour and discover some interesting facts about Necker Island, or we’ll point you in the right direction to brave it alone.

Tennis, Padel & Pickleball

Our owner has always been a big tennis fan, so it’s no surprise we have two beautiful astroturf tennis courts. Surrounded by lush greenery and situated just meters from the ocean, guests can enjoy a Caribbean breeze while showing off their serves, volleys and ground strokes. The island has also benefited from the recent addition of two new courts for the latest craze in paddle sports: padel and pickleball. Rackets and balls are supplied for all three sports, and all courts are floodlit, enabling guests to play at their leisure. Competitions can be arranged on request for all levels, either in the morning or the afternoon.

Tennis Coaching - With two highly qualified resident on-site coaches, guests of all levels and abilities can master their tennis, padel and pickleball skills in private lessons at any time, or group-oriented tennis clinics for beginners, intermediate or advanced players available from 8am to11am.

Cardio Tennis - Guests looking for a tennis-themed workout can opt for these sessions of fitness-focused tennis drills, with an emphasis on cardio over teaching. It’s available for all levels and abilities, from 8am to 11am, lasting from 45minutes to one and a half hours.

Tipsy Tennis - Necker Island’s signature tennis-themed event is a mix of games, including volleyball, gladiator, and jungle tennis. Guests traditionally sip on cocktails such as Mango Margaritas and Lemon Drops (which have, on occasion, been known to improve their performance on the court!). It’s a silly, light-hearted competition that’s great fun for anyone who wants to join in. It’s open to all levels and abilities, from 4pmonwards, for anything from four participants to 40.

Matchplay & Mimosas - A chic and fun morning of tennis and pickleball served with mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and snack stations on the side. The game format is quick tie-breaks, with guests alternating between partners and courts.

Wellness & Fitness Spa Offerings

Dive into island bliss at the Samudra Spa, where you can enjoy a free daily wellness or fitness class on us. If you’re interested in any extra classes, they are just an additional fee away. Our friendly therapists are here from 8am to 6pm, but if you fancy a class outside those hours, let our Spa Manager know.

WELLNESS

Sound Healing & Chakra Reset - Sink into deep relaxation as crystal sound bowls guide you on a meditative journey, realigning your energy and restoring balance to body and mind.

Mindful Meditation & Breathwork - Find stillness and connect with your breath in the present moment. Meditation can boost sleep, creativity, and stress relief- come experience it for yourself.

Cacao Ceremony - A heart-opening journey with the sacred medicine of cacao. Connect with yourself and others through intention, meditation, and gentle movement.

Jet Lag Recovery Yoga - This soothing restorative yoga class is the perfect start to your holiday. With gentle poses, hands-on assists, and a massage - revitalise and unwind in style.

Kangaroo Yoga - A playful yoga experience with kangaroos! It’s all about fun, not perfect poses. Don’t forget to bring your shoes!

Slow & Restorative Yoga - Stretch deeply, release tension, and reset your mind and body.

Morning Flow Yoga - Wake up your body and energise your day with refreshing morning stretches.

FITNESS

Yogilates - Join us for a pilates-infused yoga class that focuses on strength and stability to fire up your core.

Functional Fitness - Expect low-intensity movements to support a healthy lifestyle and posture.

Strength & Stretch - Push your limits with a high-intensity strength and stretch session, finishing with a soothing cooldown.

Pilates - Tone, lift, and activate - this Pilates class fires up your glutes and abs for a full-body burn.

Workout Crawl - Lace up and join our run around Necker Island, circling scenic spots like Red Dock and the Flamingo Pond, followed by a quick HIIT session. It’s fitness, fun, and breathtaking views all in one.

On Water

Deep Sea Fishing* - Partnering with Salt Shaker BVI, you’ll set sail into the sparkling Caribbean waters on a quest for big-game fish, then relax with a drink as you await and anticipate that next thrilling scream of the reel.

eFoiling - Glide above our crystal-clear waters on a hydrofoil surfboard and soak up the stunning views while feeling the rush of the wind in your hair. This ultimate adventure is an experience you’ll never forget.

Inflatable Paddleboarding - Our inflatable six to eight-person SUP boards are a fun way to spend time with your party. We have a couple of these on the island, so for the competitive types, a race can be arranged.

Kite Surfing - If you fancy giving it a try, we have the ideal set-up for beginners - the first stage is simply mastering how to fly a kite, after which we’ll move to the water to put your skills into practice. We also offer advanced tuition for anyone already riding.

Kayaking - A serene and exciting way to explore the scenic island and its surroundings. Paddle through calm waters and take in stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. It’s a great way to get some exercise while having fun!

Sailing - Set sail on a Hobie Cat adventure. We can organise a sailing regatta around the islands or to our neighbouring islands with multiple boats, helmed by either guests or the team, if you just want to lie back and enjoy the exhilaration of being on the water. The team can offer beginner and advanced sailing tuition.

Scuba Diving* - The waters of the BVI have a superb range of dives. Wreck, reef and night dives can all be arranged to suit your level of adventure. If you are already PADI qualified, we can arrange a number of excursions. We even offer in-house training, with Sunchaser Scuba, if you’re not, although an extra charge will apply.

Seabobbing - Explore our vibrant marine life by diving into our turquoise waters and feeling the rush of the waves riding on a high-powered underwater scooter.

Snorkelling - The simplest way to discover the underwater world, both Turtle and Main Beach offer excellent snorkelling. For those wanting to venture further afield, we can take you out on our boat and show you our favourite spots.

SNUBA Diving* - The perfect blend of snorkelling and scuba diving, where you can dive up to 15 feet deep, exploring underwater wonders for an extended time, all without the need for a scuba certification. The innovative setup involves a floating raft with your SNUBA tank, ensuring an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding - Start on your knees to master the paddling technique, and within five minutes, you will be able to stand up like a pro. Necker Island has a range of paddleboards (10ft –14ftlong), and riders of all ages are welcome to give it a go.

Wakesurfing - Wakesurfing allows you to experience the ocean in a whole new way. Riders are slowly towed behind a boat, holding onto the wing, which they can turn and dive for a true underwater adventure!

Waterskiing and Wakeboarding - The best ski area is by Prickly Pear island, just a five-minute boat ride from Necker Island. We have beginner and advanced waterskis and wakeboards, and offer high-quality instruction.

* Additional charges apply

Beach Olympics

No trip to Necker Island is complete without a game of Beach Olympics! All you need to do is get your whole party signed up, we’ll sort the rest...

SUP Dig - Players are split into two teams, each discovering two paddle boards on the beach. The goal is for each team to dig a tunnel beneath the paddleboard, spanning from one side to the other. The first team to successfully have all members crawl beneath their board wins.

Tug of War - A beloved classic game! Teams line up on opposite sides of the rope, engaging in a fierce battle to pull the rope across their respective finish lines.

Duck Bucket - Two teams wear helmets featuring bottles on top. In turns, a member from each team runs to the ocean, fills their bottle, and races back to the beach to fill a bucket housing a duck. The first team to fill their bucket and free the duck wins.

Dump Bucket - Team members occupy 10 chairs arranged back-to-back. The game kicks off with a full bucket of water, which is then passed over and behind each team member’s head into the bucket of the player sitting behind them. The team that retains the most water in the final bucket wins.

Off Island

Explore beyond Necker Island and join us for an unforgettable half-day excursion in the British Virgin Islands. Please note that one off-island excursion, excluding the trip to Anegada Island, is included in every stay. The prices quoted are therefore for any additional adventures.

Willy T's ($2,700) - Spend the afternoon at this iconic floating pirateship-turned-bar. Typically relaxed and informal, where the dress code is shorts and flip flops, it’s notorious for its shooters and the tradition of jumping off the back. There’s an optional stop for snorkelling at The Indians, a small island/rock formations surrounded by reef. A 45-minute catamaran ride from Necker Island, trips run from 2.30pm to 6pm by arrangement, departing after lunch and returning for dinner.

Virgin Gorda Baths ($450) - This eye-catching landscape of oversized boulders and hidden rock pools is an idyllic spot to spend a morning swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. A 20-minute catamaran ride from Necker Island, trips run 9am-12pm by arrangement, departing after breakfast and returning for lunch.

Cooper Island Resort ($2,000) - If laid-back beach bar vibes are what you’re seeking, the bar and restaurant at Coopers is the ideal destination for lunch and drinks. Highlights include Caribbean rum tastings, a lovely curio shop for souvenirs, and snorkelling off the dock. A 40-minute catamaran ride from Necker Island.

The Soggy Dollar, Jost Van Dyke ($2,700) - The tiny BVI island of Jost Van Dyke is renowned for its beach bars - none more so than the legendary Soggy Dollar. It’s so-called because you have to anchor up and wade in, soaking up any dollars in your pockets. Head here for lunch overlooking crystal-clear turquoise waters, and to sample ‘The Painkiller’, its speciality rum cocktail. It’s a 60-minute ride by catamaran from Necker Island.

Anegada Island ($5,000) - This full-day trip takes you to this beautiful island for snorkelling on Conch Island and lunch at the Cow WreckBar. The family-run Cow Wreck is BVI-famous for its conchfritters, and sizzling grills of lobster, fresh fish, steaks and ribs. It’s 45-60 minutes from Necker Island by catamaran; you can kite surf, or Hobie cat sail there too.

Terms and Conditions

  • An additional 10% service charge is payable•Prices quoted are per group, with a maximum group size of 48 guests
  • Drinks on board are included in the price, while food and drinks at the restaurants and bars visited are not included unless otherwise stated
  • There’s a maximum of one tour per day, and some tours only run on certain days of the week. Please check with our helpful Necker Island or Reservations team in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Looking for more inspiration?

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