The Best Beaches in Tortola You Need to Experience

Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, is a prime destination for cruisers looking to unwind and soak up the sun.

Renowned for its powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes, this tropical island offers something for everyone — from adventure seekers and nature lovers to families wanting a peaceful day in paradise.

Here at Shore Excursions Group, we specialize in providing exceptional beach excursions, giving cruisers access to some of the most scenic and relaxing spots in Tortola, all while traveling in smaller, more intimate groups.

The Best Beaches in Tortola

Let’s explore the best beaches Tortola has to offer and why they should be on your must-visit list during your cruise stopover.

Cane Garden Bay Beach

Cane Garden Bay Beach is one of Tortola’s most popular and beloved beaches by cruisers and locals alike. Located on the northern coast, it’s easily accessible from the cruise port in Road Town with a short drive, making it a popular choice for beachgoers.

This sheltered beach is famous for its soft white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating in pure bliss. Palm trees line the beach, creating plenty of shade and making it ideal for families seeking a safe, relaxing day in the sun.

You’ll also find a fantastic selection of local beach bars and restaurants, where you can sip on refreshing drinks and enjoy island flavors with a view of the Caribbean’s sparkling blue.

With its laid-back yet lively vibe and picture-perfect beauty, Cane Garden Bay is an absolute highlight for any cruise stop. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or dive into some delicious local eats, this beach has everything you need for an unforgettable beach day in Tortola.

Long Bay Beach (Beef Island)

For a serene beach escape, head to Long Bay Beach on Beef Island, just a short hop from the lively cruise port.

This hidden gem on Tortola’s eastern side boasts a beautiful stretch of golden sand and calm, shallow waters — ideal for a dip or just kicking back by the sea. Beachgoers get an added treat: its location near the airport makes for some fun plane-spotting while you soak up the sun.

Compared to busier beaches like Cane Garden Bay, Long Bay Beach offers a more peaceful vibe but is still easy to reach with a quick drive from the port. Nature lovers will appreciate its untouched beauty and scenic views of neighboring islands.

While the beach has fewer facilities than the larger ones, there’s a cozy beach bar nearby for drinks and snacks, plus loungers and umbrellas for a truly laid-back experience.

If you’re in the mood for a beach day that’s quieter but just as stunning, Long Bay Beach is your perfect spot.

White Bay Beach (Jost Van Dyke)

Though not technically on Tortola, White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke is one of the most famous beaches in the British Virgin Islands and is easily reachable via a quick ferry ride from Tortola.

White Bay Beach is consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 beaches thanks to its powdery white sand and gentle, aquamarine waves that invite you to dive right in. Its laid-back, island vibe and spectacular snorkeling make it a can’t-miss spot for cruisers craving an unforgettable beach day.

The beach is also famous for the many beach bars dotting the shoreline, especially the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, where the iconic “Painkiller” cocktail is rumored to have been born. This refreshing mix of orange and pineapple juices, coconut, rum, and a dash of nutmeg is the perfect way to slip into island time.

White Bay Beach does get livelier as the day goes on, so families might want to arrive early to enjoy the peaceful side of paradise before the party vibes kick in. For a quintessential beach day in the British Virgin Islands, White Bay Beach truly has it all.

Beach Excursion Packages Offered by Shore Excursions Group

At Shore Excursions Group, we offer an exciting array of beach excursions that let cruisers explore Tortola’s stunning coastlines and nearby islands like Jost Van Dyke.

Our excursions are designed to give you an amazing beach experience, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both.

Jost Van Dyke Escape

For the ultimate beach day, our Jost Van Dyke Escape tour takes you on a four-hour adventure to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world — White Bay Beach.

After a scenic ferry ride from the cruise port in Tortola, you’ll step onto the powdery sands of Jost Van Dyke. Get ready to relax under the sun, snorkel in the calm waters, or visit the Soggy Dollar (featured on the television show Below Deck) and try their infamous Painkiller cocktail.

Alternately, head to Great Harbour to the popular Foxy’s beach bar to sample the local fare and try to find your hometown among the many team flags, license plates, and other global memorabilia decorating the ceiling and the walls. If you’re lucky, you might even be greeted with a joke, song, or story by Mr. “Foxy” himself!

This excursion is perfect for those looking to experience the beauty of the British Virgin Islands in a more intimate setting, away from the crowds. Learn more about the Jost Van Dyke Escape.

Scenic Mountain View Tour with Cane Garden Bay Beach

If you want breathtaking island views combined with beach time, our Scenic Mountain View Tour is a great choice. This three-hour excursion includes a scenic drive through Tortola’s lush hillsides, stopping for panoramic views of the island before heading down to Cane Garden Bay Beach.

Reach the 1,100ft mountaintop of Bellevue Peak for jaw-dropping, 360-degree views of Tortola, as well as the nearby private Guana Island. Get more picture-perfect views of Brewers Bay Camping Ground and Road Town as you descend down the mountainside.

Once at Cane Garden Bay, you’ll have the chance to swim in transparent water, relax on the soft sand, or enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the many beachside bars.

This tour is ideal for photographers eager to capture stunning vistas as well as beach lovers ready to relax. Explore more about the Scenic Mountain View Tour.

Tortola Beach Day

For cruisers looking for a mellow day at the beach, the Tortola Beach Day excursion offers a relaxing experience at Cane Garden Bay Beach.

You’ll start with a scenic drive through the lush hills of Tortola to Great Mountain, passing by Fahie Hill with spectacular views of Road Town. Be sure to bring your camera to capture panoramic views of the hillside homes as well as the luxury catamarans anchored in the bay.

Once you arrive at Cane Garden Bay, you can unwind on the beach, swim in the tranquil waters, or try your hand at water sports like windsurfing. Afterward, relax with a refreshing drink at the nearby beach bar and enjoy watching the boats glide by.

This excursion is perfect for families or solo travelers looking for a stress-free beach day. Discover more about Tortola Beach Day.

Discover Tortola’s Beaches with Shore Excursions Group

Tortola is a beach lover’s paradise, with pristine sands, clear waters, and stunning coastal views that make it a must-visit for cruisers. Whether you’re looking for the lively vibe of Cane Garden Bay or the secluded beauty of Long Bay Beach, we’ve got you.

At Shore Excursions Group, we offer a variety of exciting beach tours that allow you to experience the best of Tortola’s coastline in a smaller, more personalized group setting.

Explore all of our Tortola shore excursions and start planning your perfect beach day today!