My husband and I have been to the USVI (St. John) twice, and we are thinking of trying the British Virgin Islands in June, splitting our time between Tortola and Virgin Gorda. I keep reading posts, however, that describe the water as rough or murky, especially on Tortola. Is this accurate? I just assumed the water would be as it is in St. John - calm and clear. We are considering a stay at Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola and Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda. Are the beaches at both of these resorts nice with powdery sand - not rocky - and calm, clear water?

I can only comment on Little Dix...water is quite calm since it is in a reef-protected bay...as I recall the water was very clear...shallow out to the reef...some good snorkling there too.

The beach is very nice, smooth white sand and nice chairs...the resort provides everything without additional charge: umbrellas, cushions, floats, beach toys for kids...and there is beach bar/grille service too...a nice place!

I am also wondering how the water is at Peter Island Resort? Is it clear and calm or rough? Thanks, Susan

I was not impressed with the beaches when we visited Tortolla. We did do a day trip to Virgin Gorda (the baths) and loved the island. We thought it was more laid back than tortolla. The beach was wonderful, calm, and very clear. If I had to do the trip again I would stay on Virgin Gorda instead. We also did a day trip to Jost Van Dyke. White bay on that island is a SPECTACULAR beach. Amazingly clear blue and calm water.

SSypniewski,
Deadman's Bay and White Bay beaches are usually clear and calm unless there's a tropical storm brewing in the vicinity. The beach at Deadman's Bay is gorgeous. Reef Bay beach has some waves/surf and isn't really a swimming beach. Hope this helps.

I would stick with Virgin Gorda. The beach at LDB is beautiful. Also, Maho Bay and Savannah (sp?) Bay are gorgeous.

Long Bay is a wonderful property. We love it - honeymooned there and went back recently with friends. The beach is super soft white powder sand and the water is calm and clear. The water is calm and clear at Brewers Beach and Smugglers Cove as well as Jost and VG and Cooper Island. You'll enjoy it.

Long Bay is indeed a beautiful beach -- but the water is not calm. And it is rocky. It is at best, surfing water. When I stayed there last month, NOBODY swam in the water. Maybe it's better in the summer. I wouldn't want someone to get the wrong impression. Nearby Smuggler's Cove is very nice.

Whether the water is calm (and hence clear) is a function of the time of year and weather. Typical winter weather patterns result in a swell at many of the beaches; the swell kicks up the sandy bottom. Tropical storms can do that too. It's usually the north-facing beaches that suffer from these conditions.

Conditions vary, so visitors will get different impressions depending on when they were there.

I can tell you that we spent one day on Tortola (we were staying on St. Thomas) and found the calmest water at Smuggler's Cove, the roughest at Long Bay and Apple Bay, and Cane Garden Bay was medium.

Of course, there's no lodging at Smuggler's (not yet, anyway).

Becca, When you want to go in June the water at Long Bay will be nice & calm. Great for swimming and looking at turtles. The other bays and coves will be great also. In March you can go surfing over by Bomba's. Our nephew loves that aspect.

If you are looking for water as smooth as glass, try Anegada, northernmost of the BVI's. The island is completely surrounded by a coral reef, which breaks the waves about a mile or so off-shore. Small population on the island - about 150 or so - but miles of beaches for exploring and snorkeling. There is no nightlife, shopping, etc. so if those things are important to you, skip Anegada. Reaching Anegada is an easy flight from Tortola or you can charter a boat.