Caribbean (Fodor's, 2011) - Fodor's Travel Publications [7]
Skyworld.
Drive up here and climb the observation tower for a stunning 360-degree view of numerous islands and cays. On a clear day you can even see St. Croix (40 mi [64 km] away) and Anegada (20 mi [32 km] away). | Ridge Rd., Joe’s Hill VG11130 | No phone | Free.
Soper’s Hole.
On this little island connected by a causeway to Tortola’s western end, you can find a marina and a captivating complex of pastel West Indian–style buildings with shady balconies, shuttered windows, and gingerbread trim that house art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Pusser’s Landing is a lively place to stop for a cold drink (many are made with Pusser’s famous rum) and a sandwich and to watch the boats in the harbor. | Soper’s Hole VG11130.
BEACHES
Apple Bay | Map
(North Shore Rd. at Zion Hill Rd. VG1130), including nearby Little Apple Bay and Capoon’s Bay, is your spot if you want to surf—although the white, sandy beach itself is narrow. Sebastian’s, a casual hotel, caters to those in search of the perfect wave. The legendary Bomba’s Surfside Shack—a landmark festooned with all manner of flotsam and jetsam—serves drinks and casual food. Otherwise, there’s nothing else in the way of amenities. Good waves are never a sure thing, but you’re more apt to find them in January and February. If you’re swimming and the waves are up, take care not to get dashed on the rocks.
Brewers Bay
(Brewers Bay Rd. E off Cane Garden Bay Rd., or Brewers Bay Rd. W off Ridge Rd. VG1130) is good for snorkeling, and you can find a campground with showers and bathrooms and beach bar tucked in the foliage right behind the beach. An old sugar mill and ruins of a rum distillery are off the beach along the road. The beach is easy to find, but the steep, twisting paved roads leading down the hill to it can be a bit daunting. You can get there from either Brewers Bay Road East or Brewers Bay Road West.
Cane Garden Bay | Map
(Cane Garden Bay Rd. off Ridge Rd. VG1130), a silky stretch of sand, has exceptionally calm, crystalline waters—except when storms at sea turn the water murky. Snorkeling is good along the edges. Casual guesthouses, restaurants, bars, and even shops are steps from the beach in the growing village of the same name. The beach is a laid-back, even somewhat funky place to put down your towel. It’s the closest beach to Road Town—one steep uphill and downhill drive—and one of the BVI’s best-known anchorages (unfortunately, it can be very crowded). Water-sports shops rent equipment.
Elizabeth Beach
(Lambert Rd. off Ridge Rd., on eastern end of island VG1120), home to Lambert Beach Resort, is a palm-lined, wide, and sandy beach with parking along its steep downhill access road. Other than at the hotel, which welcomes nonguests, there are no amenities aside from peace and quiet. Turn at the sign for Lambert Beach Resort. If you miss it, you wind up at Her Majesty’s Prison.
Long Bay, Beef Island | Map
(Beef Island Rd., Beef Island VG1120) has superlative scenery: the beach stretches seemingly forever, and you can catch a glimpse of Little Camanoe and Great Camanoe islands. If you walk around the bend to the right, you can see little Marina Cay and Scrub Island. Long Bay is also a good place to search for seashells. Swim out to wherever you see a dark patch for some nice snorkeling. There are no amenities, so come prepared with your own drinks and snacks. Turn left shortly after crossing the bridge to Beef Island.
Long Bay West | Map
(Long Bay Rd. VG1130) is a stunning, mile-long stretch of white sand; have your camera ready to snap the breathtaking