Lovango Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands

Grass Cay (left), Mingo Cay (middle), and Lovango Cay (right), as seen from a ferry

Lovango Cay is a private island in the district of St. John, in the United States Virgin Islands.

Lying 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of the island of St. John, Lovango (also known at various times as Loango and Awango) covers an area of 118 acres (48 ha) and rises to 255 feet (78 m) at its highest point.[1]

The island has been sparsely inhabited since at least 1728. The peak recorded population was 49 people in 1917, at which point there was briefly a school.[2]

The island hosts an eco-responsible housing development called Loving Cay Estates.[3] The island is self-sufficient and hosts its own solar array, wind turbine, and reverse-osmosis desalination facility. New island developments include a pool and beach club.[4]

Accessible only by boat, the north side of the cay features a small bay. With Congo Cay to the north, the water here tends to stay calm and offers very good snorkeling. Among other things, nurse sharks are often found resting here during the day.

The south side of the island is a popular snorkeling spot for charter boats from St. John and St. Thomas.

The ashes of J. Robert Oppenheimer are sunk between here, Carval Rock, and Congo Cay.

References

  1. ^ Dick, Kenneth (1980). "Historical Account of the Lovango or Loango Islands" (PDF). History of the Virgin Islands Archaeology (10): 3–16. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-05-21. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  2. ^ "Lovango Cay Historical Timeline, March 2008". St. John Historical Society. Archived from the original on 2021-01-23. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  3. ^ "Lovango Cay - US Virgin Islands , Caribbean - Private Islands". www.privateislandsonline.com. Archived from the original on 2020-11-29. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  4. ^ "Officials, Lovango Resort execs tout new facilities". The Virgin Islands Daily News. 2020-12-19. Archived from the original on 2021-10-31. Retrieved 2020-12-20.

18°21′43″N 64°48′20″W / 18.36194°N 64.80556°W / 18.36194; -64.80556


United States Virgin Islands

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