Shark Bay National Park
A coastal park on Tortola's northeastern shore, with a walking trail down to a rocky bay.
Updated 2 September 2026
Shark Bay National Park protects a stretch of Tortola's northeastern coast, dry coastal scrub and cactus running down to a rocky shoreline with a small bay at the bottom. A trail drops from the road through the vegetation to the water, and the coast here is exposed to the Atlantic, which makes the bay rough and unsuitable for swimming most of the time. The park exists for the habitat rather than the beach.
What you'll find
- The coastal trail - the path from the road down to the bay.
- The dry scrub - the cactus and coastal vegetation the park protects.
- The rocky shore - the exposed Atlantic coast at the bottom.
- The bay - the small inlet the trail ends at.
When to go
December to May is the dry season and best for the walk. The Atlantic side is rough in most conditions. Hurricane season runs June to November.
Practical notes
The bay is rough and not a swimming beach. The trail is unmarked in places and overgrown. There are no facilities.
Nearby
Josiah's Bay is west, and Beef Island is east.
What to pack for Shark Bay National Park
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
