Near the island’s northwestern tip, Smuggler’s is a gorgeous patch of sand that is lightly trod compared to its neighbors, as access is via a crazy-narrow, pothole-cratered road. That said, cruise-ship groups do make their way here on occasion. Nigel's snack stand sells beer and rents beach chairs. The only other amenity is a portable bathroom. Snorkeling is fair.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
17.04 MILES
This collection of sky-high boulders marks a national park and the BVI’s most popular attraction. The rocks – volcanic-lava leftovers from some 70 million…
3.23 MILES
At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…
14.71 MILES
The sugary mile that fringes Magens Bay, 3 miles north of Charlotte Amalie, makes almost every travel publication’s list of beautiful beaches. The seas…
2.52 MILES
This bay adjoins the Annaberg mill ruins. Park in the plantation’s lot and follow the trail along the water for 25 minutes. Some of St John’s best…
2.86 MILES
Part of the national park, this site near Leinster Bay is home to the most intact sugar-plantation ruins in the Virgin Islands. A 30-minute self-directed…
17.55 MILES
Water Island’s palm-lined main attraction offers fine swimming and snorkeling in calm, shallow water. A couple of beach bars sell drinks, sandwiches and…
3.65 MILES
Cane Garden Bay is probably on the postcard that drew you to the British Virgin Islands. The gently sloping crescent of sand hosts plenty of beachside…
19.05 MILES
A short distance north of the Valley, Savannah Bay features more than a mile of white sand. Except for the beaches of Anegada, no other shore provides…
Nearby Tortola attractions
1.02 MILES
Long Bay is an attractive 1-mile stretch of white sand well used by joggers and walkers. A top-end resort sits on the eastern portion, where you can get…
1.64 MILES
Apple Bay is long and narrow, and is known as the ‘surfing beach,’ especially from late December to March, when the consistent swells roll in. It’s not a…
2.28 MILES
It’s more a folk-art gallery and junk shop than a museum, but it’s funky however you describe it, with a hodgepodge of shells and signs painted with…
2.52 MILES
This bay adjoins the Annaberg mill ruins. Park in the plantation’s lot and follow the trail along the water for 25 minutes. Some of St John’s best…
2.86 MILES
Part of the national park, this site near Leinster Bay is home to the most intact sugar-plantation ruins in the Virgin Islands. A 30-minute self-directed…
6. Sage Mountain National Park
3.23 MILES
At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…
3.46 MILES
Francis Bay is home to one of the most serene stretches of sand on St John, with calm waters and fewer tourists than at any other beach of its size. It's…
3.52 MILES
Just off the North Coast Rd at the west end of Cane Garden Bay, this is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Eastern Caribbean. The…