blue_water

The beaches of the BVI are indeed beautiful, and this thread is meant to provide brief descriptions and comparisons of the beaches, and your feedback and opinions are greatly welcomed! For those wanting a gorgeous beach with some amenities and no crowd, there is not that one beach that fits that criteria anywhere, of course. But there are several excellent options to choose from in the BVI, and all BVI beaches are free and open to the public. The taxi fare increased December, 2022, and I and others will follow-up with current taxi fares soon. The fares are segmented, or based on 1, 2, or 3 or more persons. TORTOLA Cane Garden Bay (CGB) on the north shore of Tortola is the primary beach destination for day visitors and bareboaters alike because there are several beach bars to choose from and it is easily accessible by safari taxi and dinghy. CGB is a nice beach in a larger bay that is generally calm but can also be quite rough with sea swells (as is the case with most beaches). CGB is home to several beach bars/restaurants including Myett's, the Elms, Rymers, Big Banana, and Quito's to name a few. Quito Rymer is a popular reggae/island recording artist who plays at his bar Thurs & Fri evenings, not to be missed if you have the opportunity to spend the night. All of these spots have good bar food and drinks and Myett's and others rent lounges and umbrellas. Our pick for THE cheeseburger in Paradise was always Stanley's famous Welcome Bar, as that’s the actual spot, but that is no more…But Myett’s has a great cheeseburger and fish tacos! CGB becomes the most crowded bay in the BVI when cruise ships are docked in Tortola, and if you like a busier or more active vibe CGB is your best choice. Good beer, drink and food choices, as well as some watersports rentals and a water taxi to Jost may be possible. There is also taxi service available if you decide CGB is not for you and you want to go to a quieter beach (see below). Here is a link to a webcam when available – http://www.resortcams.com/webcams/cane-garden-bay/ Brewers Bay is just to the north of CGB and is a very nice beach with great snorkeling. Nicole's beach bar serves drinks and food and rents chairs and has one restroom. Brewers is a bit more rustic but really beautiful. In terms of the number of people you can expect to see there, it is much less busy than CGB, but can become a little busy with ships in port but space to find a nice spot with natural shade. Taxi fare is the same as CGB. Josiah's Bay lies to the north of Brewer's and is a nice beach with rougher water, very popular with surfers and you can take lessons from http://www.surfschoolbvi.com/ https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147354-d6105508-r198572995-Surf_School_BVI-Tortola_British_Virgin_Islands.html Smuggler's Cove is south of CGB and is one of the most beautiful and natural Tortola beaches. Typically calm waves and decent snorkeling off the beach and gorgeous views of Jost and Sandy Cay. Nigel and Miss Patricia should be selling drinks and food so you’d want to check with your driver, or if renting a Jeep stop and grab a lunch and cooler of drinks on the way there. Smuggler's is a little harder to drive to because of an unpaved and bumpy road for the last mile or so and the fare is a little higher than CGB or Brewers. There was a porta potty but that was not present one visit so not sure when there will be one there. The price of a beautiful, secluded beach in paradise! So it gets less of the crowds and attracts more locals and that's the beauty of Smuggler's. You'll need the taxi driver to return to pick you up here. You will pass Long Bay (West End) on the way to Smuggler's and that is a long, beautiful stretch of beach you'll see on picture postcards. Great spot to walk, picnic, or enjoy watching the pelicans dive. Home of the Long Bay Beach Club which once offered day passes but now just rents loungers for $5 each. There is a restaurant and bar and also restrooms available for day visitors. Entry into the water is quite rocky on the west end of the bay but sandier on the east end. Long Bay (Beef Island) is a very nice beach near the airport, very natural with no facilities or amenities and popular with locals. UPDATE - Cruise lines now provide lounges/umbrellas, drinks and other amenities here. Not sure if other guests can rent lounges… Trellis Bay near Long Bay,Beef is a popular mooring bay with a nice pottery shop, De Loose Mongoose bar and great fish sandwiches at Cyber Café. The beach isn't as nice as the others mentioned. However you can take a complimentary ferry over to little Marina Cay which recently reopened after Irma where there is a nice small beach and a restaurant/bar. Nice day if you’ve already visited the other areas of Tortola. A great option for Tortola is an island tour. Drivers at the dock offer different tours at very reasonable rates (2 hrs at $15 – 20pp, 3 hrs with a 1 hr beach stop at $25pp, for example). Tortola is a gorgeous island to tour and there are amazing panoramic views for photo ops. JOST VAN DYKE White Bay on Jost Van Dyke (JVD) is a nice, white sand beach with several beach bars. There's often a busier vibe during the day because a flotilla of cats and motor boats stop there throughout the day to enjoy the vibe. Since it can be a busy vibe along the beach White Bay is not recommended as a destination for those wanting to enjoy nature and a quiet, relaxing beach. But it can also be quieter, just depends on the day. It is a great spot to enjoy drinks at the Soggy $, Ivan's Stress Free Bar, or be entertained by the magic and card tricks of Seddy (Foxy's son) at his One Love Bar. And you can find good music in the afternoon and evening from Rubin Chinnery at Ivan's on Thursdays. UPDATE Seddy and Rubin both passed recently, unfortunately. Soggy $ webcam – http://www.soggydollar.com/webcam Great Harbor is over the hill and home to Foxy's and other places. Foxy's is a fun place to enjoy, the owner (Foxy Callwood) plays guitar and entertains with his stories. This is a very popular spot for New Year’s Eve as well. Great Harbor does not have the nice beach like White Bay but is a good spot for mooring and is where the West End, Tortola and USVI ferries dock. If you choose to visit Jost via the Horizons ferry out of Soper’s Hole, Tortola you will taxi to West End, Tortola, ferry to the dock in GH, and taxi over to White Bay. http://newhorizonferry.com/ VIRGIN GORDA – Valley area There are also nice beaches on Virgin Gorda besides Devil’s Bay, including Savannah and Spring Bays. Savannah Bay is gorgeous and has a snorkeling trail that is popular with those who live/vacation on the island. Spring Bay is near the Baths, and offer a similar topography to the Baths, but not as nice. No amenities at Spring Bay, but it is within walking distance of the Top of the Baths, and Mad Dog’s. And of course the famous Baths and Devil’s Bay are very unique and worth a visit for those who have yet to experience them. Everything is within a short drive from the ferry terminal in the Valley which makes it easy to see this part of VG. The easiest way there is on your own, just walk to the ferry to the left of the cruise ship dock and take the 30 min ferry to Virgin Gorda. You will find many taxis available for the short ride to the top of the Baths, then you will walk down a trail to get to the beach and the boulders. Devil’s Bay is a very nice beach there. The drivers will recommend a time to be back at the top for your return to Road Town. If you are lucky enough to be in port for a longer day you can work with a driver and get dropped at different beaches as you wish, and possibly hit the Baths when not quite so crowded. Taxi fares can be googled and are reasonable. You can also rent a car if you have enough time for that, the North Sound is a beautiful area to tour. If time allows you can have lunch at the Top of the Baths restaurant, or even taxi to the Mineshaft Café to enjoy the panoramic view and their signature drink the Cave In - "It's all in the Juice, mon!". UPDATE - The Mineshaft is no more, but Mad Dog Cafe is a great spot. Also a little shopping is available in Spanishtown a short walk from the ferry dock. Speedy’s also offers packages that include the taxi to the Top of the Baths (same price as buying on your own), and another that includes lunch and a drink at the Baths & Turtle (now Chez Bamboo) restaurant in Spanishtown. With many of the shorter port times today I’d recommend getting back to the ferry a little early. The ferries are very dependable, but everyone else will also want to spend as much time as possible seeing the Baths and the island and will take the latest ferry back. ANEGADA The beaches of Anegada are also gorgeous, this is a flat island as compared to the others and is a bit far away for a cruise ship stop but worth a visit if you return for a longer stay. Summary - So the islands of the BVI offer several options for beach-goers, just depends on the experience you want to have. For a more active vibe hit CGB or White Bay, JVD, for snorkeling try Brewers Bay, and for a more secluded beach Smuggler’s Cove, Josiah's or Long Bay, (West End). There are also some excellent day sail operators that take you to Virgin Gorda and the Baths, to the Indians and Norman Island for snorkeling, and to White Bay, Jost and Sandy Spit for beach time. These include Aristocat Charters, Kuralu, and Patouche. For a personalized, private day, try https://sunshinepowerboats.com/ And be sure to treat the beaches and other areas with respect and pick up after yourselves, the folks who live there will be very appreciative. The people of Tortola are wonderful and a treat to meet. The beaches will also be as pristine as you remember them when you return to spend more time in the beautiful BVI! Enjoy your time in our favorite islands, and be sure to share your experience!

Tortola is a beautiful island with different land and sea experiences, and is well worth exploring for those with the time. This early/short port time just doesn’t allow you time to enjoy one of those well without a private option… Short of hiring a private driver for a tour and to hit a more remote beach like Smuggler’s Cove, a private charter to get dropped at the Baths before your fellow cruisers arrive, or getting lucky with an early daysail with Aristocat, Kuralu or Patouche to the Indians and Norman Caves, a Tortola beach is probably your best option. We head to Smuggler’s Cove or Long Bay, West End when ships are in port as they are a bit more secluded and offer less amenities than CGB. If we were on this early cruise and wanted snorkeling we’d head to Brewers Bay based on others’ experiences… Would you be interested in surfing lessons in Josiah’s Bay?

Not my comment Cruise, but no worries 😉

We’ve only been to the Mayan ruins of Tulum while living near PDC so cannot comment on the actual cruise line excursion. But some notes… Typical excursions provide transfers between the ship/ferry and ferry/ruins. On most land-based tours, the beach portion is indeed the beach at the bottom of the stairway at the ruins. Beautiful beach, but no amenities last I knew although that may have changed. I would pass on the Playa Del Carmen shopping version. You have similar shopping in San Miguel (Cozumel). The cenote choice would likely be Azul since it is on the way to the ruins, but it could be Grand Cenote near Tulum…Our favorite cenote to take visiting friends to is Jardin del Eden next to Azul - much less touristy, but a longer drive from the highway…But locals will make that walk from the colectivo just to avoid the busier vibe at Azul… The entry area (before the ruins) has grown significantly in the past several years, with many eateries and bars, a ton of shops, and even a skybar. So once your van parks you will likely be led through this busy area enroute to the actual ruins entrance. I assume you will have time after for eating or shopping… Yes, the ruins site gets very hot in the afternoon and there is no shade so bring or buy water before entering the ruins. A umbrella or wide-brimmed hat is recommended… Once you enter the ruins area there are no restrooms or other amenities. There are restrooms just before you enter the ruins. Mosquitoes are not usually a problem there, at least in our experiences, but the guide can better answer that. Most tours take video and photos during the excursion and offer that at a price. But you can use your phone or camera everywhere you go… strongly suggest obtaining pesos to use for any spending/tipping. Foreign currencies are accepted, of course, just better for you and the locals…

USD are expected from US tourists who do not travel frequently, or who just don’t look at exchanging for the local currency. But USD are certainly NOT preferred over the local currency, that makes no sense from a currency exchange perspective. 🤷🏼 If you ask a waiter if he/she prefers USD or pesos, they would normally answer pesos. The USD has no greater inherent value over the peso; And there is no need to exchange for pesos later. The ONLY consideration for the guest is the current exchange rate. As discussed in many of these forums, the only logical reason a staff person might tell you they prefer USD is BECAUSE you are asking that question. They know you are not savvy in regards to currency exchange, and they will never refuse a tip in USD or CAD.

The taxi fares are only one-way, and the ferry pass is only for one person… BVI Taxi fares increased December 16, 2022 and have not been published as far as I can see. But Trigger’s fares should be good except now $6/pp on Jost (for TWO people) So the cost for TWO people should be ~ RT Taxi cruise dock - West End = ~$64 RT Ferry = $80 ( $40/p) RT Taxi Great Harbour - White Bay ~$24 Total ~$168 for two people. The pp cost will be lower for 3 or more ppl… There may be a dinghy option from Great Harbour to White Bay when you arrive as well…

20+ cruises to Coz! That’s a lot! It is very unfortunate that you were this unhappy, but I think based on the many recent reviews and feedback here you just had an unfortunate day…You shared your disappointment, and that is all that needs to be said on this point… When we cruised to Coz 20+ years ago, and we’ve ventured to Coz from our home outside Playa Del Carmen more recently, we relied on info from frequent visitors and residents, including c-leg5, and folks on the TA Coz forum. We have two current favorite spots on the island, one when several mega-ships are in port, possibly (Buccanos), or Rasta Bar (no beach), and one when no ships are in (Playa Palancar). Of course everyone’s experience can be different at these places depending…

This review could have soooo many beach club names in it…☺️ You never want to have a bad experience, but especially when in a port for a short time and you’re committed to one club… Yes luckily there are many options, some AI and some not…

Yes, going on your own via the ferry is definitely a great option. If you want to share the cost of a private charter with others on your roll call that’s even better, but I’d want $$ up front from others to avoid getting stuck for the deposit…

Hi momscruising, glad to hear from you again! 😄 7 - 4 gives you plenty of time to go n your own. I haven’t checked the ferry times lately but I’m sure the schedules will work for you. It may be difficult to avoid some of your fellow passengers but we would also go on our own. And you know “the ropes” a ready! We look for a driver there that can work with us, maybe dropping us at Savannah Bay and picking us up or whatever they recommend based on the cruise ship tour times. So yes you have time, and a driver may make it a nicer day on VG if you want to try that…😄

Tortola is a beautiful island! We love staying on Tortola. On an island tour you would have some nice photo ops of the bays and other islands. With the taxi to CGB you should also see some nice views… Enjoy!

Just a little more detail on driving the island…Others will have more to offer - To give you an idea for your day, a drive south along the west coast, back north along the east coast, and then along the transverse highway back into town is an easy 1 hour drive with time to stop at a few spots… The Rasta Bar I mentioned is on the south end of the east coast, at the halfway point of the island circuit. That’s our favorite spot to take visiting friends and listen to the waves crash against the rocks with the Reggae music and a cold beverage. Drop the car back at ISIS when finished (after gassing up) and then shop and have a late lunch. Our favorite shop on the island is Los Cinco Soles, or the “Five Suns”, located on the main street (Av Rafael E. Melgar) @ Calle 8. Very dangerous shop if you like nice stuff! We usually enjoy the live music, tequila and tacos at Woody’s while people watching before boarding the Ultramar ferry, you may want to be closer to your ship for that… In regards to your safety, obey all traffic laws. If driving, drinking alcohol is a no-no, so if planning on drinking and driving a tour guide outfit would be better. There is also a popular “Barr hop bus” tour if you want that. When filling the gas tank some station attendants may try to scam you. The most common methods are one attendant distracting you by asking if you want the oil and tires checked while the attendant pumping the gas doesn’t zero the pump; And switching one bill for another- You hand them a $20 USD bill and they show you a $5 and ask for more, or in pesos they palm your $200 note and say you gave them a $50 note. Not a real concern as long as you step out of the car and watch the attendant. I will say we’ve had numerous attendants try to scam us over the years in the Riviera Maya, the 4 or 5 times driving Coz I’ve not had that problem… We’ve always felt very safe driving the island, just stick to the highway and the main roads.

Quite safe, no worries. Highly recommend reserving a sedan, a 4x4 is not needed as the highway is very nice and flat, and any side roads you will use are not that bad. ISIS Rentadora is always our first choice, whether on Coz or in the Riviera Maya. Trustworthy, family-run outfit just a few blocks from the Ultramar ferry dock (as a reference point). All insurance is included in the quote. www.rentadoraisis@prodigy.net.mx WhatsApp: 529878009623 Phone: 529878723367 We like driving south along the west shore and stopping at a few spots there, perhaps the Money Bar. Our favorite spot is the Bob Marley Bar (now the Rasta Bar, you can view their Facebook page). Enjoy your day!

Yes to both. For CJB, you will see several 20+ passenger safari taxis dropping folks who are on cruise line excursions and on their own. That is the main beach destination. They will return throughout the day for returns. For Brewers, the driver will let you know about what time he/she will return.

So you may be traveling to Virgin Gorda by a cat or power boat and mooring off shore. If so there should be a note in the excursion about taking a dinghy into shore, or swimming?

When we ferry over to Coz we just rent a sedan since the roads are so flat. But whatever you rent we recommended ISIS Rentadora, great family outfit!

As a follow-up, there are no public facilities at Spring Bay, just the Guavaberry Villas, so you’d want to bring water. Same if you go to the Baths, although there is a restaurant and restrooms at the Top of the Baths. But as you can see on Google maps, you would have the driver drop you at the Guavaberry Villas and Spring Bay while others continue on to the Top of the Baths. It’s just a short walk down to the beach and boulders. You can then make the 850m walk from Spring Bay to Mad Dog restaurant for a bite and cold drinks, and the amazing views. If time allows stop in Spanishtown to shop, or if hungry stop at the Bath & Turtle (Chez Bamboo)… https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Spring+Bay,+British+Virgin+Islands/Mad+Dog+Bar+%26+Restaurant,+British+Virgin+Islands/@18.4499542,-64.435982,378m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x8c057925b0efc5a7:0x75176fec07a7e26e!2m2!1d-64.4459545!2d18.4321559!1m5!1m1!1s0x8c057920365a8e65:0xeb8e343731e6546c!2m2!1d-64.4419483!2d18.4293849!3e2?entry=ttu

Hi seahorse001 - Spring Bay is near the Baths and so has a similar topography. The walk to the beach is flat, whereas the boulders of the Baths are accessed by a downhill path. My memory is that the Baths are a much more unique experience, but of course the vast majority of your fellow cruisers will be going there. How long are you in port?

I would try Arnold at A.C.’s Taxi. Great personal tours, and with that much time in port you could easily enjoy some nice beach time at a more secluded spot like Smuggler’s Cove while your fellow passengers are at CGB and Brewers Bay. Depending on how you want to structure your day, you could include a day sail, island tour, and perhaps a nice dinner at Bananakeet with those spectacular views! Contact him now though! You can find reviews on TripAdvisor and helpful BVI sites by googling. if he is already booked try Stoutt’s… http://www.info-res.com/actaxibvi/

Pesos for sure. USD and CAD are widely accepted, and taxi drivers and shop vendors LOVE to see you using those currencies. So it’s just a good idea to use the local currency… But as c-leg noted unless spending a lot your currency is fine for a day…

You guys need to get a room! Lol… But these quieter threads are a good place to chat…

Yes while staying on the island we rarely went into Nassau, but when we did we stopped in the alley next to the market and picked up a few things. Definitely negotiate… You can spend too much time walking through the market if not careful…

Yes that’s a very contemporary or mod style steel bangle, a far cry from the traditional Hook bracelet. I’m sure there are many inexpensive styles to choose from today. This design in particular is smooth and sleek, and doesn’t incorporate the peening. A quality peening adds to the cost of the bracelet of course. The model you shared is gold-plated, stainless steel. Others are non-plated SS, and anodized SS, and all will show wear and staining as noted in the ads…But if not expected to be worn constantly, or in the shower, pool or sea that helps.

Sorry no, it is in Cruz Bay on St John… We have recommended them to others who have checked out their website and had a bracelet waiting for them when they arrived. https://www.facebook.com/stjbraco1/ The Hook bracelet is a symbol of love…If the open end of the hook is pointed up toward the heart, your love is taken... if the the open end of the hook is worn down, away from your heart, your love is free… Cruz Bay is a nice change of pace from Charlotte Amalie. If on a cruise we would go straight there and enjoy one of the beaches then drinks at the Beach Bar or another spot after shopping…😉 [EDIT] We looked at Hook bracelets in many of the shops on STT and the quality and workmanship (peening and wrapping, for example), does not come close to the STJ bracelet…

Yes Cardow has been our go-to on STT as well, just a much better experience, and they also had unique items the other ships did not, like a diamond/sapphire ‘flip ring”…