Visiting The British Virgin Islands? Here Are The BEST Beaches In Tortola

Where are the best beaches in Tortola?

Tortola is one of many islands in the U.S. British Virgin Islands. As the most visited island, Tortola has a booming tourism industry. And because of this, it provides tourists with a number of things to see and do.

What to See and Do in Tortola

Many tourists flock to Tortola for its warm, tropical climate. The hot summer sun extends past its season into the fall, winter, and spring so that visitors can enjoy the weather all year.

Tortola is known for its lively culture, as well. This includes a number of entertainment options, such as museums, sightseeing tours, and nightclubs. At Tortola, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Dining in Tortola

Tortola provides a favorable climate for growing spices. As a result, the island is home to a fantastic collection of spices. You can sample the local spice blends at BananaKeet Cafe, a restaurant that specializes in Caribbean and American cuisines. And Brandywine Estate Restaurant is an upscale Mediterranean bistro where you can find delicious seafood dishes like sauteed octopus and fried whitebait fish.

The Best Beaches in Tortola

Of course, you can’t visit Tortola without stopping by one of its many fabulous beaches. Sure, Tortola is known for its sunny weather and tasty food, but its beaches are even more well-known. The white sand beaches in Tortola are a welcome escape from the buzzing city.

On the beaches, you can snorkel, surf, and swim. Or, for a more relaxing experience, many beaches offer boat tours, yachting, and whale-watching excursions.

For an island getaway you won’t forget, take a look at this list of the best beaches in Tortola:

Cane Garden Bay

Cane Bay Beach is an excellent beach for families because its prime location makes it easy to get to nearby shops and eateries. Not to mention, the actual beach is pretty cool, too.

Featuring fine white sands and sparkling blue waters, Cane Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Tortola. There, you can pull up a couple of beach chairs and watch the boats float by. Or sip on a cold rum punch at one of its restaurants and bars.

Not too far from the beach, you can try horseback riding. And its neighboring hotels offer incredible views of the Caribbean sea.

Smuggler's Cove

You can’t visit Tortola without making a trip to Smuggler’s Cove. It’s one of the most popular beaches on the island, and for good reason.

Many tourists travel to the cove to enjoy its clear, blue waters. That includes its selection of water activities, namely snorkeling. Snorkeling provides an up-close view of the beautiful coral reef and its tropical fish.

Or, after a full day of playing under the sun, you can head over to one of its beach bars for a frosty cocktail. Nigel’s Boom Boom Beach Bar is a hidden gem that locals and tourists frequent for its delicious food and drinks. Located on the warm sand, the bar is the perfect place to watch the sunset with a chilled beverage in hand.

Brewer's Bay

For the ultimate island getaway, Brewer’s Bay is a secluded yet inviting destination. This warm and sunny beach is quiet and peaceful with calm waters and spectacular views.

Even though the pristine beach is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s still a popular hangout spot for the natives —native turtles, that is.

Animal lovers enjoy spotting the Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles that frequent Brewer’s Bay. The friendly turtles call the beach their home, and we don’t blame them. Its lineup of tropical trees, such as palm trees or sea grape trees, contribute to its serene vibes.

Beef Island

Beef Island is a popular beach because it connects to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, the primary airport in the British Virgin Islands. The island is also home to Trellis Bay, a bustling marina featuring a small town that includes a number of eateries, a grocery store, and local shops.

And as for its name, the first settlers of the island were Hispaniola buccaneers who smoked beef to prepare for their long journeys aboard the ship. You can try the smoked meats at Trellis Bay Market Bar & Grill, a local restaurant specializing in Caribbean cuisine. Their sweet and sticky Trellis Ribs are rubbed with an aromatic spice blend, then grilled to perfection, and slathered with their homemade bbq sauce — a customer favorite.

Josiah's Beach

If you enjoy surfing, you’ll love riding the waves at Josiah’s Bay Beach. This classic Caribbean beach is lined with lush trees and plants that provide shade to keep you cool from the hot summer sun.

Because the wind and wave conditions vary throughout the year, young or inexperienced swimmers should avoid swimming alone. However, there are other things to see and do while there.

For example, you can rent a boat to sail its crystal clear waters. Or, you can have a cold one at the nearby beach bar. If you have FOMO and want to try surfing, you might take lessons at a surfing school close by. And if you just can’t get enough of Josiah’s Bay Beach, you can rent a guest house to stay longer.