Tortola Beaches

Location:

Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Recommended For:

First-time visitors, swimmers, nightlife lovers, and beach activity seekers

What we Love:

Cane Garden Bay is Tortola’s most popular beach, offering a lively mix of water sports, beach bars, dining, and stunning scenery all in one place.

• Swim in the calm, crystal-clear waters—perfect for families and casual beachgoers alike.
• Relax on soft, sugary sands with a cold drink from one of the nearby beach bars.
• Play with water toys or rent kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis from local vendors.
• Enjoy the beachside nightlife, live music, and easy access to nearby restaurants and hotels.

Cost:

Free public access. Water sports and rentals available at varying rates. Ample nearby parking and accommodations.

Best time to visit:

Weekdays for lighter crowds. Evenings for music and beachfront cocktails. High season (December–April) is busiest.

Local tips:

Arrive early to claim a good beach spot. Bring cash for local vendors and rentals. Stay for sunset—Cane Garden Bay offers one of the best views on the island.

Distance:

About 15–20 minutes by car from Road Town, Tortola’s capital and ferry terminal.

How to Get to Cane Garden Bay:

From Road Town, take the Cane Garden Bay Road north over the hill. Follow signs down to the beach where parking, restaurants, and beachfront access are available.

Location:

Apple Bay, West End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Recommended For:

Surfers, adventure seekers, social travelers, and boutique hotel guests

What we Love:

Nicknamed “Surfing Beach,” Apple Bay is a mecca for wave riders, with thrilling swells, a tight-knit beach vibe, and a lively surfer bar that anchors the local scene.

• Surf the powerful waves at the eastern section—this spot is best suited for experienced surfers.
• Chill at the iconic surfer bar right off the sand, where locals and visitors swap stories and soak in the laid-back vibe.
• Stay at nearby upscale hotels and private villas that line the beachfront and hillsides.
• Connect with the island’s surf culture in a less crowded, more authentic setting than the major tourist hubs.

Cost:

Free public beach access. Parking is limited. Food, drinks, and rentals available at nearby businesses.

Best time to visit:

Winter months (December to March) bring the best waves for surfing. Late afternoon for beachside drinks and sunset surf watching.

Local tips:

Bring your own board or rent from a local surf shop. The beach is rocky in parts, so water shoes are helpful. Grab a bite at the local bar for great views and casual island cuisine.

Distance:

Approximately 20–25 minutes west of Road Town via the North Coast Road.

How to Get to Apple Bay:

From Road Town, take the Ridge Road or North Coast Road toward the West End. Follow signs to Apple Bay—look for beach access near the surfer bar and hotel area.

Romantic Tortola Beaches:

Location:

Smugglers Cove, West End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Recommended For:

Families, snorkelers, photographers, and serenity seekers

What we Love:

Tucked into the island’s western edge, Smugglers Cove is a small but breathtaking beach known for its curved shoreline, postcard-worthy views, and tranquil, crystal-clear waters.

• Swim in the calm, gentle surf that makes this beach ideal for young children and casual swimmers.
• Snorkel along the rocky edges of the cove to discover vibrant marine life in clear, shallow waters.
• Snap stunning beach photos—this picturesque spot is one of the most photogenic on Tortola.
• Relax away from the crowds in a peaceful, natural setting that feels like a hidden tropical retreat.

Cost:

Free public beach access. Minimal facilities—occasional local vendors may sell snacks or rent chairs.

Best time to visit:

Mid-morning for soft lighting and optimal snorkeling conditions. Weekdays are especially quiet and peaceful.

Local tips:

Bring snorkeling gear, water, and snacks—there are no full-time amenities. The road to the beach is rough and may require a 4x4 vehicle or a short walk at the end.

Distance:

Around 25–30 minutes from Road Town, located at the far western tip of the island near Long Bay.

How to Get to Smugglers Cove:

From West End or Carrot Bay, follow the signs toward Belmont Estate and continue west. The access road becomes bumpy and unpaved—drive carefully or park and walk the last stretch.

Location:

Long Bay, West End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Recommended For:

Couples, honeymooners, families, and beach walkers

What we Love:

True to its name, Long Bay stretches endlessly with soft sand and romantic curves along the coastline, ideal for scenic walks, sunbathing, and quiet time by the sea.

• Stroll along the beach for as long as your feet will carry you—it's one of the longest stretches of sand on Tortola.
• Sunbathe in peace on this tranquil, wide-open beach, perfect for quiet afternoons and reading sessions.
• Swim in calm sections of the bay, especially appealing to families and casual swimmers.
• Unwind with a loved one in a stunning tropical setting ideal for romantic getaways and honeymoons.

Cost:

Free public beach access. Nearby resort amenities may be available to guests or for day use.

Best time to visit:

Early morning or late afternoon for walks and shade. Midday sun can be intense due to limited natural cover.

Local tips:

Bring a beach umbrella or rent shade equipment—this beach has minimal trees. Wear sunscreen and consider lightweight beach tents or wide hats to stay cool.

Distance:

Around 25 minutes from Road Town, situated near the West End and close to local accommodations and ferry terminals.

How to Get to Long Bay:

From Road Town or West End, follow signs toward Long Bay Beach Resort. Public access points are available along the road near the resort entrance.

Family Tortola Beaches:

Location:

Little Bay, East End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Recommended For:

Adventure seekers, solitude lovers, couples, and photographers

What we Love:

Despite the challenging access, Little Bay rewards intrepid travelers with peaceful isolation, spacious sands, and a sense of private-island seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere on Tortola.

• Escape the crowds and discover one of Tortola’s quietest, most serene beaches—perfect for meditation or reflection.
• Explore the spacious, wide stretch of sand that gives “Little” Bay its charming irony.
• Photograph the raw beauty of untouched coastline with turquoise waters and dramatic rocky backdrops.
• Enjoy a peaceful day with a loved one or by yourself, uninterrupted by noise or vendors.

Cost:

Free public access. No amenities or services—this is a completely undeveloped beach.

Best time to visit:

Mid-morning to afternoon for the best lighting and calmest sea conditions. Avoid rainy days due to rough road access.

Local tips:

A 4WD vehicle is essential to access the rocky road leading to Little Bay. Pack your own food, water, and sun protection—there are no facilities or vendors here.

Distance:

Approximately 25–30 minutes from Road Town, depending on road conditions and vehicle type.

How to Get to Little Bay:

Drive east from Road Town and take the rugged turnoff near Lambert Beach. Follow the steep, rocky path down—only attempt this with a 4x4. Alternatively, ask locals about arranging boat access for a smoother arrival.