Beach Lover’s Tour

There are beaches for every taste in the Virgin Islands: small crescents of sand and broad hard-packed shores; crowded, high-spirited coasts and empty, private retreats; beaches with reefs to snorkel and walls to dive; beaches with fine white sand and high-colored grains; hot sandy beaches and shaded escapes. Beach lovers can set for themselves the singular task of finding the best beach—it is a project that could take months, or a lifetime.

For travelers with less time, consider this, the greatest hits. Stops include Trunk Bay on St. John; Magen’s Bay on St. Thomas; Cane Garden Bay on Tortola; and the Baths on Virgin Gorda. Stray a bit off the beaten path to discover Smugger’s Cove, Spring Bay, and Hawksnest Beach. Finish it all off with the beach to beat all others: Anegada’s North Coast.

DAY 1
Arrive at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Beef Island, British Virgin Islands. Check into a beachfront hotel or campsite for seven nights. Take a sunset beachcombing walk along Long Bay, Tortola.

DAY 2
Go for an early swim at Cane Garden Bay before heading to Little Apple Bay where you can watch surfers (or join in).

DAY 3
Catch a ferry to St. John. Rent a car and hit the best beaches: Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Hawksnest Beach.

DAY 4
Take a day sail or ferry to Virgin Gorda, and spend the day at the Baths and Spring Bay.

DAY 5
Fly to Anegada for the day and head straight to the North Coast, an unbroken strand of white sand.

DAY 6
Take a ferry to St. Thomas and head to Magen’s Bay Beach. Stop at Coki Point in the afternoon for a snorkel.

DAY 7
Spend the day at Smuggler’s Cove Beach on Tortola.

DAY 8
Take a ferry to Jost Van Dyke and check into a beachfront campsite for two nights. Relax on White Bay.

DAY 9
Take a guided eco-tour to Little Jost Van Dyke, the Bubbly Pool, and Sandy Cay.

DAY 10
Swim at Long Bay, Beef Island, before you catch your departing flight from Beef Island.