Taxi Cost & Beach Recommendation

We will be stopping in Tortola in March for a 7:00-3:00 visit. We previously went to Jost Van Dyke about 5 years ago when we were on vacation in St. Thomas so we wanted to try something different this time. I have read a lot of the reviews so I have an idea of what the suggestions are going to be, but everyone's situation is a little different. We are looking for a beach that is somewhere in the middle of crowded and isolated that is easy to get a taxi to & from, but that also has that wow factor (the postcard beach with the soft sand, clear water, lush vegetation, etc). The ability to rent chairs would also be a bonus. Facilities would be a necessity and at least one place to grab a drink or something to eat. Relaxing is more of the idea with a swim in the water throughout the time there. Snorkeling isn't a priority.

In addition, what is the cost for a taxi? It will be just my wife & I.

Hi!

You have a few good beach options that offer that "WOW" factor, not huge crowds, and enough amenities and facilities to enjoy yourself.

Brewers Bay would be the first choice because others will go there and taxis are accustomed to returning to pick you up there. Nice bay, Nicole's beach bar, lounges for rent and there are restrooms. Many people will recommend Brewers for what you are looking for. Group safari taxi is $8pp each way, $12pp for just 2 ppl.

Another beach to the north that is visited by surfers from October - April and not very many cruisers is Josiah's Bay. You'd have to be sure the driver returns, although you can call one from the Grape Tree Bar & Grille as well. Just call early, taxi is the same price as Brewers.

We're partial to Smuggler's Cove, but there are no restrooms and there may or may not be a guy named Nigel selling drinks and food. But closeby is Long Bay (West End, there is another Long Bay on Beef Island). Nice, long, picture postcard quality beach that's great for walking, swimming (to the right as you face the ocean is less rocky), watching the pelicans dive, or just staring at the beautiful water and island views. There is a restaurant, $5 lounges, and restrooms, and the taxi is $12pp each way or $14pp for 2 ppl.

So take a look at those on google and youtube and see if they are of any interest. :)

Meant to add that as far as the number of people, there will be fellow cruisers at BB, and probably just locals and land guests at JB and LB. Cane Garden Bay will be the busiest bay by far...

Very helpful, thank you. This may seem like a dumb question, but what is the group safari taxi compared to what you would consider a standard taxi in the US? Is it a different taxi if you are going just the two people versus a group taxi?

Very helpful, thank you. This may seem like a dumb question, but what is the group safari taxi compared to what you would consider a standard taxi in the US? Is it a different taxi if you are going just the two people versus a group taxi?

The safari taxi holds 8 - 28 people and you'll pay the lowest fare that way which is a 3-person fare. You can take a private taxi on your own and there is a 2-person price a little higher. Most folks just hop the safari taxi heading to Brewers or CGB. If you want to go to a sightly less-visited beach like Long Bay or Josiah's you should talk to the nice ladies at the visitors center at the pier and they will help you find the best taxi.

Very easy, the hard part is choosing the beach!

I would assume then that you just tell them which beach you are going to and they will point you to the safari taxi that is headed that way?

I would assume then that you just tell them which beach you are going to and they will point you to the safari taxi that is headed that way?

Yes that's right, you'll see many staged to deliver folks to CGB and Brewers, and a coordinator will be directing people. If looking to go to a beach other than CGB or Brewers just ask the coordinator or at the visitors center.

Time wise, how far is Brewers Bay from the port? What time does Nicole's open to rent chairs, drinks, food, etc?

25 min, 10

We are getting closer to that time and we are trying to decide between Cane or Brewers. From strictly a visual perspective, which beach has the better appeal (sand, water, landscape, etc). Not necessarily from a crowd/business perspective.

We are getting closer to that time and we are trying to decide between Cane or Brewers. From strictly a visual perspective, which beach has the better appeal (sand, water, landscape, etc). Not necessarily from a crowd/business perspective.

Actually both are very pretty. You can find YouTube videos of both, and here is a webcam at CGB -

http://www.resortcams.com/webcams/cane-garden-bay/

Removing the crowd/business perspective it is very hard to choose one over the other!

But for a beautiful, picture postcard beach with the palms, pretty water colors, and gorgeous island views we would head to Long Bay (West End). It really is a picture postcard beach, and there is a restaurant and restrooms there along with $5 lounges. You probably won't see anyone else there except folks staying at the small resort there or somewhere else.

Such a tough choice. I guess we will just have to go back another time :)

If we go to Brewer's, do you know if Nicole's takes credit cards or is it cash only?

We visited Tortola on a land vacation before cruising there and it is my favorite Caribbean destination. You may want to return for a longer visit after this cruise as well!

I believe Nicole's is cash only but someone else may have more current feedback.

Enjoy whatever beach you choose! :)

Very helpful, thank you. This may seem like a dumb question, but what is the group safari taxi compared to what you would consider a standard taxi in the US? Is it a different taxi if you are going just the two people versus a group taxi?

We always take a regular, private taxi to CGB instead of the safari bus. We have found that the safari bus takes a significant amount of time to fill and the drivers will not leave until it is full (and I mean full :)).

The private taxi is only marginally higher in price and gets you to the beach before the rest of your shipmates who are in the safari bus, so you can get a comfortable spot, chair, and an umbrella :D