Best beach near Sopers Hole

[kathy16]

Our Windstar ship is visiting Sopers Hole in Tortola from 8-6 in January. What is best beach to go to from that area, and how would we get there? Taxi? Approximate cost? How about return to ship. Would we need to arrange return trip in advance?

Thanks,

Kathy

[blue_water]

All f the nicer beaches along the north coast are an option for you. Taxis will be waiting for you in West End. Prices range from $40pp round trip ($20pp for 2ppl, $16pp for 3 or more to Smuggler's, to $80pp round trip ($40pp for 2ppl, $30pp for 3 or more to Josiah's.

 

The beaches in order of distance from WE are -

Smuggler's Cove, arguably the nicest beach but no amenities other than a portapotty.

Long Bay (Tortola) has a restaurant and longe rentals and is a nice long, picture postcard beach that is a nice walking beach.

Apple Bay s home to Sebastian's restaurant and hotel and is a fun beach.

Over Windy Hill Rd is Cane Garden Bay, a larger bay home to several beach bars. This is the busiest beach on Tortola.

Just north is Brewers Bay which is a nice beach and has one beach bar with lounge rentals.

And just beyond is Josiah's, a more secluded and rougher bay popular for surfing.

Snorkeling is good at Smuggler's and Brewers.

 

On the east end Long Bay (Beef Island) is a quiet option but no amenities at all. Trellis Bay is a calm bay, not a great beach but a nice pottery shop and beach bars, and you can ferry to Marina Cay.

 

The date you're there would help. For example Jan 15 is an extremely busy day, while Jan 26 is very quiet as far as cruise ships in port.

A map showing the beaches -

http://www.skyviews.com/bviold/tortola/map.html

[kathy16]

Thank you for your very helpful response. We will be there on Tuesday January 5, 2016. We would like a beach with loungers/umbrellas, and restrooms. When we hire a taxi for round trip price, do we pay him when we are picked back up to bring back to ship?

Thanks so much,

Kathy

[blue_water]

Brewers Bay is a good choice, especially if you want to snorkel. There are 2 large ships in the cruise port in Road Town with over 7000 passengers and CGB is crowded with just one ship in port. Brewers has everything you need. It's a bit more rustic but a much nicer experience.

Usually the driver will offer to return to Brewers for you and you will pay him when you return.

 

[EDIT]

Since we're not big snorkelers we would actually choose Long Bay which is much closer to Soper's Hole. Nice long walking beach with beautiful island views, and the Long Bay Beach Club has lounge rentals, a restaurant, and restrooms. You can also walk west along the beach and visit Nature Boy's beach bar. The driver will probably offer to return for you or the staff at the restaurant can call a taxi, one lives very close to Long Bay.

Edited January 2, 2016 by blue_water

[blue_water]

Cruises ship schedule for the BVI -

http://www.bviports.org/?cruiseship

 

Taxi to Long Bay is about $16pp round trip