Best Beaches in the BVI
With over 50 islands and cays, the British Virgin Islands boast hundreds of stunning beaches, making every sailing vacation a journey through paradise.
Whether you see yourself finding a good spot on the sand and soaking up some sun, or taking to the water for snorkeling, kayaking or water sports, there is no limit to the great beaches in the BVI where you can moor for an afternoon.
Explore our top five picks for BVI’s best beaches, including:
- Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada
- Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
- Devil’s Bay National Park, Virgin Gorda
- Sandy Spit, Jost Van Dyke
- Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola
Are you ready for sunshine, sea, and sailing? Let’s get started!
When should I go to the BVI?
The best time to go to the BVI is December-April, during the BVI sailing season. This is when you can experience the best weather and cruising conditions – there’s plenty of sunshine, stable breezes and the waters are much warmer, which makes swimming off picturesque beaches all the more wonderful. Note that if you visit at the very beginning or very end of the season the beaches will be much quieter – learn all about the Best Time to Sail the BVI.
Are BVI beaches private?
The beaches on the main four islands (Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada) are more likely to be busy with tourists and locals, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere. However, with dozens of small islands and cays to explore outside of the main four, it won’t take long to find secluded and private beaches. On the uninhabited BVI islands, you’re likely to have the beaches all to yourself!
1. Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada
Named after an 1800s shipwreck scattered with cow bones, Cow Wreck Beach now charms visitors with its pristine white sands and vibrant water activities, making it a must-visit in Anegada.
This is one of the best beaches in the BVI if you want to immerse yourself in as many activities as possible. You could rent kitesurfing equipment here and give that a try, or go snorkeling or beachcombing. This is a particularly great spot to visit if you love fishing, as bonefishing is really popular here. Read our What to Know About Fishing in the BVI blog if you’re interested in learning more.
When you’re ready for some food, visit Cow Wreck Beach Bar for a mango daiquiri and local delicacies like conch stew or Caribbean spiny lobster. You could also consider heading over to Francis Family Farm afterwards – it’s the only place in the BVI where you can go horse riding!
2. Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Cane Garden Bay, once lined with sugar cane mills, now features expansive white sands and serene, shallow waters—perfect for families and a scenic paddle. Cane Garden Bay is a treat to the passing sailor.
This beach is absolutely suitable for families with children, but couples and groups of friends will love how much there is to see and do. You can rent a canoe or surfboard, and take to the water in a new way. There are lots of shops and restaurants to explore around the shore – feast on delicious soul food like “jerk” chicken and sandwiches, or buy souvenirs and one-of-a-kind finds.
On a Friday or Saturday especially, you can often hear live music pouring out of the local bars, making this one of the best beaches in the BVI to visit if you’re looking for a lively, party-like atmosphere. Dance the night away, or simply take in the views with an ice-cold drink in hand.
3. Devil’s Bay National Park, Virgin Gorda
Established in 1964, Devil’s Bay National Park offers a tranquil escape at Virgin Gorda’s southern tip, with stunning boulders and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. Devil’s Bay National Park is one of the best beaches in the BVI for some peace and quiet, as well as some great sunbathing.
Behind the cacti and shrubs, you’ll find a sweeping beach dotted with enormous granite boulders that you can climb, in some instances, or swim around. The waters are lovely and shallow, perfect for leisurely snorkeling – spot vibrant tropical fish, swimming in groups not far from the shore.
You can follow the Devil’s Bay Beach trail for a great walk around the area, or head over to Spring Bay and The Baths National Park from here, as they are all in close proximity. Whatever you choose to do here, Devil’s Bay is a fantastic, unspoiled hideaway to spend an afternoon in.
4. Sandy Spit, Jost Van Dyke
Even if you haven’t heard of Sandy Spit, it’s likely that you’ve seen it – this cay, an inhabited slip of sand, has been featured in many Corona commercials over the years. You could not find a more picturesque place to visit while exploring the best beaches in the BVI.
The only thing you’ll find on Sandy Spit is a few solitary coconut palms – otherwise it’s just sand and sea. The best way to enjoy an hour or two here is to cross your fingers that you’ll have it all to yourself, bring a picnic from your yacht, and marvel in this remote slice of heaven with a beer in hand. Keep an eye out for hermit crabs though!
The reef to the south side of the island features fabulous colorful corals, perfect for snorkeling, but otherwise you truly just have to soak up its postcard-perfect beauty. You could head over to Green Cay, or Sandy Cay a little further afield, afterwards, where there is more vegetation for shelter.
5. Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola
Once a pirate haven, Smuggler’s Cove now ranks as one of Tortola’s most beloved beaches, offering tranquil waters and secluded sands ideal for a sailor’s retreat. Just west of Road Town, with fantastic views of Jost Van Dyke, this paradise is everything you want in a beach.
Smuggler’s Cove, despite being so well-known, is normally very quiet, as it isn’t easily accessed from the road and is used almost exclusively by sailors. Swim over from your yacht (the warm, crystal-clear water is wonderful for swimming in) and make sure to bring appropriate shoes, as there is a rocky sand and a sandy side.
There’s plenty to do here, from hiking to kayaking, but we recommend grabbing a drink at either Nigel’s or Patricia’s and just watching the world go by. Make sure to bring cash, order a Carib or Painkiller, and enjoy one of the best BVI beaches in style.
Soak up the sun in the BVI
We have only scratched the surface in talking about the treasures and secrets of the BVI – there are so many incredible places to discover. Make sure to take a look at some of our other BVI blogs – like our Local Guide to the BVI, or our guide to the Best Snorkelling and Diving in the BVI – as well as our BVI Sailing Itinerary for more inspiration.
The Moorings offers bareboat, power and crewed yacht charters on state-of-the-art yachts across dozens of worldwide destinations. If the British Virgin Islands sound right for you, start planning your trip with our personalized quote builder.
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isabelcoltham
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