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Tortola is approximately 21.5 square miles and is the largest of the island group called the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
To date, the BVI is a dependency of the United Kingdom and the US dollar is the official currency.
In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in Tortola on a cruise.
These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island.
Cane Bay Garden is the beach located nearest to the cruise terminal. Its calm and turquoise blue waters make it an ideal spot for beginner swimmers and children. Quito restaurant and bar is located on the shores and transportation in the form of buses and taxis are easy to get from the cruise port.
1. Cane Garden Bay
Located in the Northern region of the island, Cane Garden Bay is approximately 5 miles from capital city of Road Town.
Furthermore, the beach is about 7 km away from Tortola Cruise Terminal.
Cane Garden Bay is regarded as the best beach on the island and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, water activities and relaxation.
There are bars, restaurants, and sites to rent water accessories for those interested in watersports such as scuba diving.
There is also an option to head shopping for regional arts and crafts, postcards, beach attire, T-Shirts, and multiple more exciting memoirs as the capital city is nearby.
Quito’s well-known bar, restaurant, and nightclub is found beside the dinghy dock on the eastern side of the shore.
Alternatively, there are other options in the vicinity, such as Rhymers Restaurant & Hotel, Big Banana Bar & Restaurant, and Elm Beach Bar and Restaurant.
2. Brewers Bay Beach
Brewers Bay is the ideal remote hideaway coast on the northwestern coast of Tortola.
Located around 7 km and a 15-minute drive from Tortola Cruise Terminal and is a perfect option if you want to avoid the crowds.
Brewers Bay Beach can boast of having turquoise blue waters, palm trees surrounding by amazing natural scenery.
The beach is excellent for snorkeling, and the swimming is breathtaking. While snorkeling, you may encounter a variety of wildlife such as octopus, squids and fishes.
Brewers Bay Beach is a peaceful paradise perfect for young kids to play in the water safely. Umbrellas, chairs, and restaurant are all available here.
The bay received its name from the ruins of a distillery in the area around in the early 1700s. Remnants of this distillery can still be seen today.
3. Josiah’s Bay Beach
Josiah’s Bay Beach is found around 8 km from Tortola Cruise Terminal and on Tortola’s northeastern side and is the preferred shore by surfers.
It is also an ideal site to sunbathe and observe the waves.
On a whole, this beach is usually uncrowded and there is a plantation nearby which was previous a sugar factory and later a distillery.
Today, the structure is used as a shop and art gallery.
Josiah’s Bay Beach is Tortola’s surfing heaven. It has a beautiful anchorage with a view of White Bay and Guana Island.
Due to the strong waves and under currents, kids and beginner swimmers should exercise extreme caution at this beach.
Naomi’s Grape Tree Beach Bar would be a fantastic place to eat at the beach. Some of the mouth-watering dishes that you can find include conch fritters and shrimp roti.
4. Long Bay Beach
Found only 12 km from Tortola Cruise Terminal and east of Smugglers Cove in Tortola West End, the site is a mile-long expanse of white sandy beach.
The water on the beach is clean and ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and excellent for surfing when the tide becomes high.
Jost Van Dyke, another British Virgin Island can be seen from this beach.
Long Bay Beach shares it shorelines with Long Bay Resort, one of the luxurious resorts on the island.
5. Smugglers Cove
Located approximately 13 km and 25 minutes drive from Cruise Terminal, Smugglers Cove is among the most majestic shores on Tortola.
Accessed by a narrow winding dirt trail and shaded by sea grapes and palm trees. The coast is glorious with it’s amazing white sand.
The stunning clear water is calm and turquoise blue in color. It is not uncommon to see pelicans preying on the fish, simple sunbathers obtaining a tan, or snorkelers enjoying the aquatic life.
There is a reef near the coast which makes the water calm and ideal for snorkeling and diving.
The beach is bordered by food stalls where vendors sell drinks and locals finger foods.
Smugglers Cove is the most idyllic beach in the British Virgin Islands and perfect for people traveling with friends and families.
Final Thoughts
We trust that you found the information above valuable as you enjoy the beach while on a Caribbean cruise in Tortola
The British Virgin Islands lies within the hurricane belt and hence it is prudent to consider travel insurance if you are visiting Tortola especially during the hurricane season.
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