Snorkeling and swimming are popular in the calm waters of Smuggler's Cove.
Located on the island of Tortola, 0.2 miles north of West End, You might think about stopping by even if you are not staying in the vicinity. Seclusion and privacy are the features which most exemplify the Virgin Islands' beaches, but the ambiance at Smuggler's Cove is one of both seclusion and activity; this means you can relax without having to be too far removed from the city's activity.
Smuggler's Cove is a secluded beach on Tortola, but is easily accessible by car. The crescent-shaped beach has sugary white sand and the water is stunningly blue.
Many visitors find themselves ordering a drink or snack from the concessions here, even if they move off-site for lunch. If available, you could also buy food from one of the mobile vendors who operate at or near this spot.
Keep in mind that restrooms won't be found on-site, but you may be able to find facilities at a nearby business. The water here is fit for snorkeling, so bring your gear if you're looking to see what goes on beneath the surface. Secluded and quiet, visitors won't find big crowds on Smuggler's Cove.
Be mindful that the area right around Smuggler's Cove is rather congested, so make sure to get a spot!
Smuggler's Cove is beautiful natural attraction, which you'll find on the North coast of Tortola. Vigilant Sloop is among the the area's interesting attractions.
Some may feel that museums and beaches are an odd combination, but a quite a few vacationers find that museums like North Shore Shell Museum (one of the closest to Smuggler's Cove) offer an entertaining diversion and a new way to experience the Virgin Islands' culture.
If your taste for travel keeps you looking for new activity and attraction options, the following table shows the closest options.
Attraction | Type | Distance | Direction | Island |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vigilant Sloop | Historical Site | 0.6 mi. | S | Frenchman's Cay |
Belmont Archaeological Site | Historical Site | 1.0 mi. | ENE | Tortola |
Fort Recovery | Historical Site | 1.7 mi. | E | Tortola |
North Shore Shell Museum | Museum | 2.3 mi. | NE | Tortola |
St. Michael Church Ruins | Historical Site | 2.5 mi. | NE | Tortola |
John Lettsom House | Historical Site | 3.6 mi. | NE | Tortola |
The Dungeon | Historical Site | 3.6 mi. | E | Tortola |
Callwood Historic Distillery | Historical Site | 3.7 mi. | NE | Tortola |
Thornton Plantation | Historical Site | 4.0 mi. | E | Tortola |
Fort Charlotte Ruins | Historical Site | 5.5 mi. | E | Tortola |
Sunday Morning Well | Historical Site | 5.6 mi. | ENE | Tortola |
Historic Main Street Walk | Scenic Trail | 5.6 mi. | ENE | Tortola |
Cities near Smuggler's Cove include Coral Bay, which isn't a congested area, and it can be an interesting destination for those wanting to get a taste of local life. From the shore, Coral Bay is a fairly short distance away, roughly three and a half miles (five and a half kilometers).
The crowdedness of the shoreline can vary widely, depending on everything from the time the sun sets to how full the nearby hotels are. There aren't many major hotels in the immediate vicinity, but you may encounter visitors staying at some of the smaller accommodations in the area.
Visitors trying to find a place to stay near the beach shouldn't find it that difficult, as there are lots of hotels and resorts to choose from nearby. Find the closest lodging options by viewing those listed in the following table.
Hotel | Distance | Direction | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Long Bay Beach Resort | 0.8 mi. | E | Resort |
Sebastian's on the Beach | 1.3 mi. | E | Hotel |
Sugar Mill Hotel | 1.7 mi. | ENE | Hotel |
Fort Recovery Beachfront Villas | 1.7 mi. | E | Resort |
Heritage Inn | -- | -- | Hotel |
Elm Beach Suites | 3.7 mi. | NE | Hotel |
Myett's | -- | -- | Hotel |
Agape Cottages | 3.7 mi. | NE | Cottages |
Rhymer's Beach Hotel | 3.7 mi. | NE | Hotel |
Quito's Gazebo | 3.7 mi. | NE | Hotel |
Don't worry if your stomach starts rumbling while sunbathing at Smuggler's Cove; you'll have a variety of choices within a few miles. One of the closest restaurants is Soper's Hole. You could take a cab or probably walk to this restaurant since it's only a short distance away.
A few nearby dining options are shown in the table below.
Restaurant Name | Phone | Cuisine | Distance | Direction | Island |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soper's Hole | (284) 494-0740 | -- | 0.4 mi. | S | Tortola |
Pusser's Landing | (284) 495-4554 | American | 0.6 mi. | S | Frenchman's Cay |
Frenchman's Slipway Restaurant | (284) 495-4684 | French | 0.6 mi. | S | Frenchman's Cay |
The Clubhouse at Frenchmans | (284) 494-8811 | French | 0.8 mi. | SE | Frenchman's Cay |
(284) 495-4252 | American, Caribbean, International | 0.8 mi. | E | Tortola | |
Seaside Grill | (284) 495-4212 | Caribbean, Continental | 1.3 mi. | E | Tortola |
Fort Recovery Restaurant | (284) 541-0955 | Eclectic | 1.7 mi. | E | Tortola |
Sugar Mill Restaurant | (284) 495-4355 | Caribbean, Eclectic | 1.8 mi. | ENE | Tortola |
Banana Keet Cafe | (284) 494-5842 | -- | -- | -- | Tortola |
Big Banana | (284) 495-4606 | Caribbean | -- | -- | Tortola |
Callwood's Restaurant & Bar | -- | American, Caribbean | -- | -- | Tortola |
Myett's Garden Grille | (284) 495-9649 | Caribbean, Eclectic | 3.7 mi. | NE | Tortola |
Of course, you'll find plenty of other beaches on Tortola, so perhaps you can explore more than one.
You might also enjoy Apple Bay, found only a short distance away. Home to the renowned Bomba's Shack, a popular surfer's bar on the island, Apple Bay is a popular destination for watersports lovers. However, if that's not exactly what you're looking for, Sandy Cay Beach could provide a little more opportunity for excitement, and is closer to other popular destinations. It's found three miles to the north.
You might also want to visit Long Bay West, which is located three quarters of a mile to the east-northeast. Long Bay West is a beautiful beach with breathtaking views where travelers can relax in style. The views and sunsets are spectacular and there's plenty of room for sunning, walking, or jogging.
Maybe Smuggler's Cove is a perfect spot for you to kick back, and at the same time perhaps not the the ideal fit; if so, there are other beaches and natural attractions in the Virgin Islands you might like.
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