British Virgin Islands
By Anna Lynn Sibal
The beaches of the British Virgin Islands are certainly among the best in the Caribbean. The sixty islands that comprise the territory are certainly small, but they certainly have the bright, sugar-fine sand, palm fringes and crystal blue waters that the Caribbean islands are well loved for.
Add to that the breathtaking vista before you as you sail the waters of the British Virgin Islands. It is for these marvelous sights that the British Virgin Islands is a favorite of sailors.
Below is a listing of some of the best beaches of the British Virgin Islands.
Tortola Beaches
- Apple Bay. A surfer’s haven in the British Virgin Islands.
- Brewer's Bay. Great for snorkeling, as the coral reefs almost touch the shore. Dangerous undertow is known to form in the waters.
- Cane Garden Bay. Home of the Cane Garden Bay Music Festival and the busiest beach in Tortola.
- Guana Bay. A protected beach with marvelous white sand.
- Josiah's Bay. Another surfer’s haven with its fabulous waves.
- Lambert Bay. A palm-lined beach that is classic Caribbean and home to the Lambert Bay Resort.
- Little Bay. A small but very secluded beach.
- Long Bay. Stretching a mile long along the west of the island, it is the place to go to for some quiet time.
- The other Long Bay. A beach just west of the airport. Popular among the locals but not so much with tourists.
- Smuggler's Cove. Also known as Lower Belmont Bay. Secluded enough to allow people brave enough to swim naked (although nudity is illegal here). No facilities.
- Trellis Bay. With shallow waters, a popular anchorage point for sailors. Water can be uncomfortable because of turtle grass.
- Well Bay. Another beach that is a favorite among locals, as well as tourists with small children. Known for its calm waters.
Virgin Gorda Beaches
- The Baths. The signature beach of the Virgin Gorda, with its dramatic recesses and grottos of water.
- Mahoe Bay. A beach known for its bright blue waters.
- Oilnut Bay. A popular stopover for boaters. With beautiful coral sand and calm waters.
- Savannah Bay. A beautiful beach; often deserted.
- Spring Bay. A great place to do some snorkeling.
- Trunk Bay. A cove made secluded by huge boulders and reachable only by boat or by hiking down a rough trail.
- Vixen Point. A popular hangout among the locals.
Jost Van Dyke Beaches
- Diamond Cay. A white beach with mangroves; a popular snorkeling spot.
- Great Harbour. Not exactly popular for swimming but a popular stopover for boaters. The main settlement on this island.
- Green Cay. A very small islet that can be reached only by boat. The islet can be explored in five minutes tops.
- Little Harbour. A small lagoon-like bay just off Great Harbour.
- Sandy Cay. A desert island that is only accessible via private boat. Popular for advertising shoots and has no facilities.
- White Bay. A marvelous stretch of sand that is usually crowded with cruise ship passengers.
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