A Beach Lover’s Guide to 4 Best Beaches In Tortola

North America, South America

Tortola is the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands, located in the Caribbean Sea.

It is located approximately 50 miles east of Puerto Rico and 15 miles north-northwest of Virgin Gorda.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best beaches in Tortola, making sure to mention something for everyone.

Table of Contents

What to expect from Tortola as a destination

Visiting Tortola destination — Visiting Tortola

Tortola offers visitors:

Beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.
Opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, as well as amenities like beach bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals.
A Caribbean Island experience with a unique blend of British and Caribbean culture, and a variety of activities. This includes hiking, sightseeing, and exploring historic landmarks.

The four best beaches in Tortola

Tortola has many beautiful beaches that are popular with tourists.

Some of the most popular ones include:

Cane Garden Bay
Long Bay Beach
Smuggler’s Cove
and Brewer’s Bay

These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and great opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Many of these beaches also have amenities like beach bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals.

Let’s look at each one in detail.

1. Cane Garden Bay

Cane Garden Bay Beach in Tortola — Cane Garden Bay

Cane Garden Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Tortola, known for its stunning beauty and crystal-clear waters.

It is located on the north shore of the island and is approximately 1.5 miles long. The beach offers a wide range of activities.

These include:

Swimming
Snorkeling
Sailing
Paddleboarding

Cane Garden Bay is also known for its lively atmosphere and beachside bars and restaurants.

Here visitors can enjoy delicious Caribbean cuisine and refreshing cocktails while taking in the stunning views of the bay. The beach is a great spot for watching the sunset, and there is often live music and entertainment.

In addition to its natural beauty and vibrant culture, Cane Garden Bay is also known for its history.

It is said that the bay was a hiding spot for pirates in the 18th century. Visitors can still see the remains of an old rum distillery on the beach.

Overall, this is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tortola.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, or soak up the local culture, there is something for everyone at this beautiful and lively spot.

2. Long Bay Beach

Long Bay Beach in Tortola — Long Bay Beach

Long Bay Beach is another popular beach known for its long stretch of soft white sand and calm turquoise waters.

The beach is located on the northern coast of the island, just a short drive from the capital city.

Long Bay Beach is an ideal spot for swimming. Its gentle surf makes it a great destination for families with young children.

Visitors can also enjoy a range of water sports activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.

One of the unique features of Long Bay Beach is that it offers a view of Jost Van Dyke, a nearby island that is part of the British Virgin Islands.

Visitors can also hike up the nearby Sage Mountain to get panoramic views of the beach and the surrounding landscape.

This is a relatively quiet spot, and there are only a few beach bars and restaurants in the area. This makes it an ideal destination for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

Overall, Long Bay Beach is beautiful and serene, and offers a range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy.

3. Smuggler’s Cove

Smuggler’s Cove Beach in Tortola — Smuggler’s Cove

Smuggler’s Cove is a picturesque beach located on the western side of the island, accessible via a winding road through the lush green hills.

It is known for its secluded location, pristine waters, and serene atmosphere.

The beach has a natural barrier of rocks surrounding it, which makes the water calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

The white sand beach is awash with palm trees and offers plenty of shade for those who want to relax and enjoy the scenery. Visitors can also take a walk along the beach and explore the nearby rocky outcrops and tide pools.

As its name suggests, Smuggler’s Cove has a rich history as a landing spot for smugglers who used it to transport goods to and from the island.

Visitors can still see the remains of a shipwreck on the beach. Historians believe it belonged to a smuggler who ran aground while trying to evade the authorities.

There are a few beach bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and drinks while taking in the breathtaking views of the beach and the surrounding hills.

However, the beach is relatively undeveloped. This makes it an excellent destination for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil and natural environment.

These are the main reasons we love Smuggler’s Cove:

It’s a hidden gem that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich history.
It’s a natural beauty.
It is relatively undeveloped yet still has amenities like bars and restaurants.
It’s great for exploring the surrounding area.

4. Brewer’s Bay

Brewer’s Bay is a secluded beach on the northwestern coast. It is a long beach with soft, white sand and clear waters.

The beach gets its name from the Brewer family, who owned a plantation in the area during the 18th century.

Brewer’s Bay is popular among locals and visitors who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

The water is calm and shallow, making it an ideal spot for families with young children. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports, including paddleboarding and kayaking.

One of the unique features of Brewer’s Bay is its proximity to the airport.

Visitors can watch planes take off and land from the beach, which can be an exciting experience for aviation enthusiasts. Despite this, the beach is still a quiet and peaceful spot to relax and unwind.

There are a few beach bars and restaurants in the area and there are also a few small guesthouses and villas on the beach, making it an ideal spot for those who want to stay close to the water and enjoy a more laid-back and tranquil environment.

Which beach is the best?

All the beaches we have discussed – Cane Garden Bay, Long Bay Beach, Smuggler’s Cove, and Brewer’s Bay – are beautiful and have their unique features and charm.

Is Brewer's Bay Beach Tortola the best — Brewer’s Bay Beach Tortola

It’s hard to say which one is the “best” as it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for in a beach.

Here’s what we think:

If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with lots of beach bars and restaurants, then Cane Garden Bay may be the best option for you.
If you want a more secluded and natural beach with calm waters and beautiful scenery, then Smuggler’s Cove could be the best choice.
Long Bay Beach is perfect for families with young children.
Brewer’s Bay offers a tranquil environment and a glimpse into the island’s history.