Caribbean
British Virgin Islands
Tortola
Places to visit in Tortola
Smuggler's Cove

Smuggler's Cove, Tortola: Address, Smuggler's Cove Reviews: 4.5/5

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Smuggler's Cove

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Smuggler's Cove
4.5
599
#3 of 36 things to do in Tortola
Bodies of Water • Reefs • Beaches
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This Tortola cove offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.
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Top ways to experience Smuggler's Cove and nearby attractions

The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
17 within 5 kms
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21 m₹ • Caribbean • Bar • Seafood
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1 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Caribbean • Bar
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1.2 km₹ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
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1 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Sushi
Omar's Fusion
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1.1 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Indian • Caribbean
Omar's Cafe and Restaurant
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1 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Cafe
ReTreat BVI Limited
1
1 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Italian • American
Omar's Coffee House
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1 kmAmerican • Caribbean • British
Tropical Fusion Beach Bar and Grill
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1.6 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Caribbean • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
1748 Restaurant
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1.5 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • European • Contemporary • Healthy
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Popular mentions
4.5
599 reviews
Excellent
417
Very good
144
Average
27
Poor
7
Terrible
4
Ed G
11 contributions
Slice of Heaven
Apr 2022
Tiny little beach with two little beach bars. It is a hidden gem tucked away in the west end of Tortola.
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laurie M
Shoreline, WA16 contributions
NIgels bar was fun
May 2022
NIgel was the local owner, very personable and fun. A great little beach bar with a fun flair. He offered lounge chairs and tables. The beach was amazing for swimming. Some snorkled.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
carmetMarion
Oxford, NC12 contributions
Patricia's Beach Bar at Smuggler's cove and snorkelling.
Apr 2022
Very clean beach and water. We snorkeled here several days. While the coral appears bleached and for the most part dead, there were still plenty of fish and coral formations to see. The best point of entry is to the right of Patricia's Beach Bar. If you are going by car or taxi, drive past the first parking lot with the Nigel's Boom Boom Bar sign, but keep going about 100 yards further down the road. Be on the lookout for a dirt road where there is an opening and parking. This is also where the life guard is located if they are on duty. When looking out into the water, you will see the dark areas where the coral are. Enter the water to the right of the coral as it is quite shallow for a bit. Swim out keeping the coral on your left and you will soon be deep enough to snorkel over the coral. the beach is very open and few people. There are trees for some shade. We particularly enjoyed the food and drinks at Patricia's. Patricia and Bushman have a great fish sandwich and jerk pork and chicken. The rum punches and painkillers were the best on the island. Warm greetings and hard work from this little spot on the beach from Patricia and Bushman.
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MargaretMB
Washington, DC8 contributions
Patricia's Sandwiches
Mar 2022
Loved this gem of a beach just down from our rental villa. Patricia's is right on the beach where you can order fresh fish sandwiches (we decided they were the best on the island) and drinks.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Elisha
Moalboal, Philippines4 contributions
STUNNING BEACH WITH CLEAR WATERS
Mar 2022 • Couples
This beach is a hidden gem

We opted for this beach from our cruise ship for the day, didn’t prebook an excursion just walked to a taxi on the port. There were only 2 of us so they prefer bigger groups as is c 30min drive, but we paid $30 for 2 one way (make sure you get a business card with contact details/ arrange time for collection back to the cruise ship)

We sat just outside Patricia’s beach bar - they serve food & drinks through the day with some loungers. There’s other bars on the beach too, all reasonably priced $5 beers/ $10 cocktails. Cash only though!

We ate at Patricia’s bar - see photo 🤤!

& we got engaged!!! Fabulous day, clear blue waters, clean pristine beach and stunning backdrop.

ENJOY
Written 11 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kimralphie
North Attleboro, MA5 contributions
It should be called Patricia’s at Smuggler’s Beach
Feb 2022 • Couples
This beach was amazing. Stayed at Long Bay Beach Resort right down the way and found this little piece of heaven right away! What made this beach even better was Patricia’s Beach Bar. It’s run by Patricia and Bush, 2 hard-working, kind hearted, generous and lovely people. They made us feel like family right away. So much we spent 3 afternoons with them. The food is delicious and drinks .. perfect!! We can’t wait to get back to the fabulous island of Tortola and will be spending many more days at Patricia’s!! 🌴💗💗🍹
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GRZ
Chicago, IL7,387 contributions
Beautiful and Peaceful Beach
Jan 2022
My expectations weren't high as I was more excited for Cane Garden Bay or Long Bay or even Brewers Bay (we didn't get a chance to actually lay down on Brewers as the weather didn't comply during our visit) but after seeing them all I must say I enjoyed Smuggler's Cove the most while on Tortola - it's not the best BVI beach as there are clearly nicer ones in Virgin Gorda or Anegada but to me it was the best one we stayed on while in Tortola for couple reasons;

1. It's somewhat secluded yet conveniently located on the western end of Tortola - you need a car to get here as there are no hotels/resorts walking distance, cruise ships go to Cane Garden Bay mostly but I can see how people can be dropped off here as there is a huge flat open area/parking - the road leading to here is unpaved but any type of car will make it, people even visited on small scooters

2. The water is beautiful and fairly peaceful - it doesn't get deep fast but I must admit Cane Garden Bay's water had longer "shallow entry" than here, but then again it could be the day visited - all in all water felt save without crazy currents etc

3. Beach is biiiiiiig and wide - and foremost not cramped with beach bars and chairs - here it's only Nigel's chairs for rent and his beach bar behind the bushes - apparently there is one more vendor here as well but during our visit it was closed so can't speak to that - if you are interested in more info on Nigel's see my separate review - it's cash only for chair rentals and food FYI so bring cash with you!!!

4. No PEOPLE!!! there are some here but compared to Cane Garden Bay (and we visited the latter one on a day where there were no cruises in town!!!) this is like a secluded island :) it's somewhat a concept of White Bay on JVD but take away all the bars and drunk people - so if you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing beach come here

Highly recommended - almost passed on it at first and I am glad we did not, as it was my fav beach day on Tortola!
Written 11 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shelly Ann
Mount Vernon, NY20 contributions
Visit Bush and Pat at Smuggler’s cove
Feb 2022 • Couples
Go see this sweet beach. A little rocky and the sea was rough because of the weather but it was still lovely. There are only two vendors there. Turn left when you walk on to the beach from the parking lot. You should find Bush and Pat there. They are friendly and fun and become lifelong friends with their customers Order the jerk chicken. Thank me later!
Written 8 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JDD
Kimberley, Canada124 contributions
Just Ok…there are much better on the island
Dec 2021
This is a slightly less than average beach. The beach is narrow in width, mostly due to rock and coral washing up. Wave action creates quite a steep drop once you’re 10-20’ into the water. Good for a swim but less easy to get out. Snorkelling on the west end was Ok, however sun bleaching is taking its toll on the coral. While it was not busy when we arrived, the crowds began coming in droves around 2:00pm when afternoon sun was full on the beach. Road access is a challenge over a rock/dirt track. It’s fine if you know how to manage it. Nigel is as laid back as others may note, and a nice change of pace!
Written 28 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lily G
Caribbean4 contributions
Horrible
May 2021
Last time I went I saw sewage in the water and it stunk so I left straight away, showered and then went to another beach (Cane Garden Bay)
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Smuggler's Cove
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