Awesome beach, crystal clear water, white sand, good snorkelling but be careful of the waves over the reef!
Getting there was challenging and we were glad we had a four wheel drive vehicle. But once there the wave surfing was awesome!
This is deff in the top three beaches of the island and is more protected from the wind than long bay. There is no bar so bring a cooler with your favorite goodies and some snorkel gear too.
Smugglers Cove is a hidden paradise. One of the best spots for swimming and for snorkeling. Hidden on the other side of Long Bay Beach, it is an adventure getting there, as the road is verrrry bumping and you think you may be lost in the rainforest...but if you stay the course the road ends in a clearing that is known as smuggler's Cove. Very small beach, but large enough for an enjoyable walk.
You have to work a little to get to this beach. It's down a bumpy dirt road, but on arrival, it is breathtaking. We enjoyed some snorkeling and sunbathing and had the beach nearly to ourselves. Be aware that depending upon time of year and water conditions, there can be a bit of a rip current here. Facing the water, there is a shallow reef to the left - shallow enough to scrape your stomach while snorkeling if the tide is out. The rip current ran along the edge of this reef. As a fitness instructor, I have a reasonably good fitness level and I had a bit of trouble swimming back in - bear that in mind as you swim out. In spite of that, it's a gorgeous stretch of sand and a beautiful spot to snorkel. Worth a visit.
I love to go to Smuggler's Cove because I go out paddling and I always see the turtles. There is a feed bed and if you go out to the point and go straight across you will see many turtles. I miss Nigel on the beach serving drinks at sunset!
On Tortola on cruise ship days, if you don't have a boat, finding a relatively un-crowded beach can be a challenge. Smuggler's Cove fits the bill. The last mile of road to the breach is unpaved and most of the day excursion vehicles will not drive it. However, the road is not that bad, you just have to take it slowly. If you don't have a car, most taxis will take you there. Even if they will not, have them drop you off at the Long Bay Resort and walk the mile in. I have seen reports that in the past there was a restaurant located at Smuggler's bay. As of February 2015, there was nothing but one guy renting lounge chairs for $5 a day. I would not count on even that being there for long.
We stayed at the Long Bay Beach Club, so Smugglers' Cove was fairly nearby (albeit on narrow, rough "road" with treacherous potholes). That said, it was a pleasant way to spend a few hours. Would it be worth a drive from another resort? Probably not. We brought our snorkel gear, but were disappointed with the small number of fish we saw. We were there on a Sunday, and there were a lot of people in the small beach area - probably 50-60. It seemed to attract people who like to stand around in the water nursing their alcoholic drinks. If that's how you roll, go for it.
Smugglers cove is a well-known secluded beach spot. It sure takes a sense of adventure to get there but it's a lovely spot. There are no amenities so either pack a lunch/beverages or plan to head to Long Bay down the road which has more to offer and is another beautiful beach.
We stayed at a house near this beautiful beach and it was blissful. There is great snorkeling, the right amount of shade under the palm trees and a wonderful beach. I was hesitant to write a review because I don't want tortola to be discovered. It hasn't been ruined with resort hotels and doesn't look like south Florida! I hope it stays this way.