Summary
The British Virgin Islands are a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea, and they offer a great surfing destination for both beginner and advanced surfers. The four major islands are Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Anegada. The islands are exposed to a variety of swells coming from the Atlantic ocean and the Caribbean Sea, mostly through the winter months. Tortola remains the most popular surfing destination in the British Virgin Islands.
Read our surfing guide to Barbados
In general, the surf culture in the British Virgin Islands is very laid-back and welcoming, and there are a number of surf schools and rental shops on the islands that can help you get started or improve your skills. The water is typically warm and crystal clear, and the beaches are beautiful and uncrowded, making for a great surfing experience.
Cane Garden Bay is a popular spot for beginners and intermediate surfers, as it has a sandy bottom and gentle, long-period swells that provide a forgiving ride. Apple Bay is another spot that is popular with intermediate surfers, as it has a mix of sand and reef breaks that offer a range of conditions. Josiah’s Bay is a more advanced spot, with powerful reef breaks that can provide challenging and rewarding surf.
When to go
The best time to surf the British Virgin Islands is during the winter months, from November to April, which is when swells are more consistent and bigger in size. The summer months tend to be flat and inconsistent.
Where to stay
Tortola remains the best island to visit on a surf trip to the British Virgin Island. Furthermore, Cane Garden Bay is a perfect place to settle with a perfect point break right in the bay.
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Best surf hotels in British Virgin Islands
Surf spots in British Virgin Islands
Cane Garden Bay
Cane Garden Bay is a consistent, high-quality surf spot on the island of Tortola. The waves at Cane Garden Bay are typically long and rolling, with a moderate level of power. There are several different breaks in the bay, including a right-hand point break and a left-hand reef break, which provide a variety of wave types for surfers to enjoy.
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand and reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : E
Apple Bay
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : E
Josiah’s Bay
Josiah’s Bay is a punchy A-frame reef break that works mostly through the winter months.
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : NE