Long Bay Beach

Long Bay on Tortola's western end runs for something over a mile of pale sand backed by palms and sea grape, which makes it the longest beach on the island and, because there is little development along most of it, often almost empty. A resort occupies one section and the rest is open. The water shelves gently and the sunsets over the western channel are the reason many people come at the end of the day.

What you actually see

• The length - over a mile of continuous sand, the longest on Tortola.
• The emptiness - long stretches with nobody on them even in season.
• The gentle shelf - the shallow water running out from the sand.
• The sunset - the view west over the channel at the end of the day.

When to go

December to May is the season. Sunset draws people to the western end. Hurricane season runs June to November.

Honest expectations

There is no lifeguard and swell can bring rip currents. Facilities are limited to the resort section. Shade along most of the beach is minimal.

Nearby

Smugglers Cove is west, and Soper's Hole is south.