Soper’s Hole, Tortola, BVI

The West End of Tortola is exactly that, the island’s western reaches. The verdant hills of both the bigger island of Tortola and tiny Frenchman’s Cay form a sheltered U-shaped harbor with beautiful views out to Great Thatch Island and Little Thatch Island. The scenic setting is complemented by a mix of the waterfront shops, restaurants, bars and casual eateries that cater to the nautical crowd, who laud it as a favored anchorage in the BVI. On the Tortola side of the harbour, a ferry terminal welcomes vessels from the islands of Jost Van Dyke, St. John and St. Thomas. Sailboats and yachts fill the marinas and wharfs on the cay side, which is linked to the bigger island by a small bridge. From here, seafarers enjoy easy access to the quiet sandy beaches of Tortola’s northwestern coast, hillside hiking and biking trails, and great vistas.