Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
as well. There are seven places to eat along the beach, plus a handful of bars. Be
prepared for crowds in the high season.
Surfers like Apple Bay, which is west of Cane Garden Bay along North Shore
Road. The beach isn't very big, but that doesn't diminish activity when the surf 's up.
Conditions are best in January and February. After enjoying the white sands here, you
can have a drink at the Bomba Surfside Shack, a classic dive of a beach bar at the
water's edge (p. 221).
Smugglers Cove , known for its tranquillity and for the beauty of its sands, lies
at the extreme western end of Tortola, opposite the offshore island of Great Thatch,
and just north of St. John. It's a lovely crescent of white sand with calm turquoise
waters. A favorite with locals, Smugglers Cove is also popular with snorkelers, who
explore a world of sea fans, sponges, parrotfish, and elkhorn and brain corals. Begin-
ning snorkelers in particular appreciate the fact that the reef is close to shore. The
beach, sometimes called “Lower Belmont Bay,” is located at the end of bumpy Bel-
mont Road. Once you get here, even if you're a little worse for the wear, you'll find
the crystal-clear water and the beautiful palm trees are worth the effort.
East of Cane Garden Bay, Brewers Bay, accessible via the long, steep Brewers
Bay Road, is ideal for snorkelers and surfers. This clean, white-sand beach is a great
place to enjoy walks in the early morning or at sunset. Or just sip a rum punch from
the beach bar and watch the world go by. There is a campground here if you want to
spend the night.
The 2km-long (1 1 4 -mile) white-sand beach at Long Bay West, reached along
Long Bay Road, is one of the most beautiful in the B.V.I. Joggers run along the water's
edge, and spectacular sunsets make this spot perfect for romantic strolls. The Long
Bay Beach Resort stands on the northeast side of the beach; many visitors like to book
a table at the resort's restaurant overlooking the water.
If you'd like to escape from the crowds at Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay, head
east along Ridge Road until you come to Josiah's Bay Beach on the north coast.
This beach lies in the foreground of Buta Mountain. On most occasions we have
found it either empty or with only a handful of bathers. If you visit in winter, beware:
On many days there's a strong undertow, and there are no lifeguards.
At the very east end of the island, Long Bay East, reached along Beef Island Road
across the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, is a great spot for swimming.
Exploring the Island
Travel Plan Tours, Romasco Place, Harbour House (P.O. Box 437), Road Town
( &   284/494-4000; www.aroundthebvi.com), offers a 3 1 2 -hour tour that touches on
6
The B.V.I.'s Tropical Showcase
It's free and it's a gem. The J.R. O'Neal
Botanic Gardens, Botanic Station (no
phone), is a 1.6-hectare (4-acre) park in
Road Town. It was created by the B.V.I.
National Parks Trust and is run by local
volunteers eager to show you around.
The orchid house and a small rainforest
are reached by crossing a charming lily
pond, and other paths lead to a cactus
garden and a palm grove. The aptly
named flamboyant tree, with its bril-
liant scarlet flowers, is just one of the
highlights here.
215
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search