Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.aragornsstudio.com
;
TrellisBay,BeefIsland)
Local metal sculptor Aragorn Dick-
Read started his studio under the sea-grape trees fronting Trellis Bay, the broad beach just
east of the airport. It grew to include space for potters, coconut carvers and batik makers,
many of whom you can see at work in the now-sprawling arts center. Aragorn also helped
build the traditional Carib dugout canoe you'll see on the beach. The vessel has made jour-
neys following old Carib routes in South America and the Leeward Islands. For informa-
tion on Aragorn's family-friendly full moon parties,
Click here
.
Beaches
Josiah's Bay
SURFING BEACH
An undeveloped gem on the north shore near East End, Josiah's Bay is a dramatic strand at
the foot of a valley that has excellent surf with a point break in winter. Many say it offers
Tortola's best surfing. Lifeguards patrol the water, and a couple of beach bars serve cold
Red Stripes and snacks. They also rent boards, so you paddle out to catch your own wave.
While there are usually surfers here, it's never jam-packed, and retains the feel of a lazy
outpost. The privacy and wildness of Josiah's appeals to travelers who want to veer off the
beaten path and have a rental 4WD to get there. Several charming and inexpensive guest-
houses lie inland on the valley slopes.
Lambert Bay
RESORT BEACH
East of Josiah's Bay, Lambert Bay used to be called Elizabeth Beach before the Lambert
Beach Resort developed it in the late 1990s. If you make the trek down the steep hill to
the resort and park in its lot, you will find a wide, palm-fringed beach. (If you miss the re-
sort turnoff, you'll end up at Tortola's prison.) You can get drinks and food at the resort. In
winter, when there is an Atlantic Ocean swell coming out of the north, the undertow here
and at Josiah's Bay can be dangerous.
Long Bay
FAMILY BEACH
Not to be confused with the resort-clad Long Bay on Tortola's West End,
this
Long Bay
stretches along Beef Island's northwest side. It's shallow, calm and sandy-bottomed, and
so a winner for families and children (though it does drop off quickly; flotation devices
are a good idea for little ones). The beach's charms are no secret, and you'll likely have
the company of picnicking Tortolians (especially on weekends), but it never feels crowded.
The beach borders a nesting area for terns and a salt pond that attracts egrets. There are no
