Lynn

Hi. I'm planning a trip to Tortola this July and would like to hear about some of the best beaches there. I vacationed in Virgin Gorda last year, and loved the secluded bays, will I find the same such beached on Tortola? Are there any off the beaten path one that you recommend. Thanks for your help, I'll be there for 12 days, and want to do not much more than relax in the sun.

Jenna

Lynn,
We stayed at Long Bay on Tortola and the beach was very rocky and rough. The only nice beach we found was Smuggler's Bay and it is a rough ride getting there.
Tortola's beaches don't compare to Virgin Gorda's. The beach by the Lambert Hotel is nice but I was spoiled after V.G.

anon

If you are going to Tortola expecting another VG, you are going to be in for a great disappointment. Tortola is the pits compared to VG.

linda

We stayed at Long Bay and loved it. The far end of the beach is swimmable- it's rocky off-shore, but a great beach to stroll in the moonlight. the drive to Smuggler's is bumpy- so what/ most roads to the beach in the Carib are that way! We walked to Smuggler's- a 10 min walk and enjoyed the flora and fauna. You will be 5 min from the West End ferry, be sure to visit Jost van Dyke. Splendid beaches!! We also LOVED Brewer's Bay...a rough road getting there, but so what? Rent a jeep! It is gorgeous. You can also take a puddle jumper to Anegada for a real different island. Liked the other Long bay beach as well. Have a great time! ps go to traveltalkonline.com for some good trip reports and ideas.

RichF

Where are Virgin Gorda's great beaches? I was there in March 02, and the only beach I found great was near the Baths called Little Trunk Bay. I didn't find Savannah Bay, Devils Bay or Leverick Bay anything special. Maybe I missed it.

You won't find too many secluded beaches on Tortola. The best ones are:
Long Bay on Beef Island, very pretty,
Cane Garden Bay (very calm, clear & shallow but active with bars),
Brewer's Bay and Smugglers Cove are nice. You can also take day trips to Peter Island, Jost, Anegada and St. Johns

joan

Never having been to VG, I can't compare. But I can tell you Tortola is most definitely NOT the pits, no matter which island you compare it to! In addition to Long Bay, Smuggler's Bay, & Brewer's Bay, we also enjoyed Josiah's Bay & Elizabeth. Josiah's was small and deserted while we were there ( a weekday). We took off our clothes and went skinny-snorkeling - that is, until we saw the kingfish being chased by something darting in and out between us so fast, we jumped out of the water, put on our suits, scrambled up the nearby rocks, and watched the "feeding frenzy" from above - quite a show. Anyway, Linda is right - getting there is half the fun!
Enjoy!

joan

P.S. to Lynn: Be sure to visit Skyworld for lunch (or dinner at sunset). The view is awesome, and we liked the food. Good trinket shop too.

cdt

Smuggler's Cove was my favorite.

Tortola is a beautiful, hilly, green island. Lots of islands that have great beaches aren't very scenic (e.g. Anguilla, Aruba, Grand Cayman, T & C).
Lots of islands that are very scenic don't have very good beaches (e.g. Dominica, Saba, St. Lucia).

Tortola has a pretty good balance - although not as good as St. John.

Mariarosa

Another vote for Smuggler's! Plus the self-service bar with the Queen's car was very interesting!

linda

Yes Marirosa! Where else in the Caribbean do you find an honor bar with money under a rock? What a great place!

Island Girl

I also vote for Smuggler's Cove for a nice calm beach, very laid back. No one bothers you. Spent hours there easily! The extreme west end of Long Bay is also very nice. Not as rough as the beach in front of the resort. Cane Garden Bay is a beautiful beach but "busy" by BVI standards. You will be safe and relaxed on these beaches.

Dave

Though my wife prefers Smuggler's, my favorite is Brewer's. Smuggler's has had a tendancy to get cloudy and the reef is damaged.

Brewer's reefs are in slightly deeper water and the bottom doesn't get churned up as much. The reefs there are nearly pristine.

You can grab some chairs from Nicole's...he makes a killer Pina Colada too. If you patronize him you'll have access to his bathroom also.

Overall Smuggler's probably has more charm but I still prefer Brewer's.

Dave

Susie

Lynn,
I, too, will be in Tortola in July. I was there two years ago in July, also. My favorite beaches for relaxing and snorkeling were Brewer's Bay and Smuggler's Cove. At any time, there were no more than 8-10 other people on the beach. We had a great time going to a different beach every day, but made a point of returning to Smuggler's and Brewer's. Maybe I'll see you there. Have a great time (I will for certain!)

ML

I have not been to Tortolla in 4 years.
But loved Smugglers Cove. Our first visit was in 1993 we enjoyed meeting Uncle Bob at Smugglers, is he still there ??

Dave

Bob is still hangin in there.

Mellow Matt

Lynn, You should try Josiah's Bay on the NorthWest side. It's a well protected bay with a beautiful wide beach and a cool little beach bar and grill. The surf can be rough but the water is very nice.

Eva

Just read that Bob (at Smuggler's Cove) died yesterday. Sad to hear of the loss of a Tortola institution. Hopefully someone will carry on the honors bar tradition.

ML

Said to Bob is gone, I think he must have been about 85 ?? Hope Smugglers stays the same somehow.

Paula

Hi Lynn - Tortola is gorgeous. We have been to most of the islands in the caribbean and the BVI's are our absolute favorites. Virgin Gorda is fabulous too. Tortola, being the largest of the BVI's offers a few more choices that's all. My favorite beach is Brewer's, but we also spend time at Smuggler's and Lambert. Personally, I think there are better restaurant choices on Tortola, plus you have plenty of options for day sails, island hopping, hiking etc. if you feel so inclined. Hubby and I are going the first week of July and can't wait! Have a great trip.