Little is known about the awesome waves and surfs that grace the United States and British Virgin Islands during warm seasons. During this time, roughly from mid-November to late April, waves can reach up to eight-feet in height, and on bigger days may reach as high as double overhead. And although the VIs waters are pretty flat and un-surfable the rest of the year, passing storms on the Northern part can still create some pretty exciting surf.
Here are the top 5 surf spots in the Virgin Islands.
Sprat Bay, Water Island, USVI
A 10-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas, Water Island, is better known for swimming and snorkeling. However, Sprat Bay, near the Island's East End, has hollow, fast, and ledgy right point breaks that suit surfers of any skill level -- including beginners. Settled in a mostly undeveloped island, Sprat Bay does not draw in a heavy crowd; making it a good place for "limin'" (chilling and relaxing).
Hull Bay, St. Thomas, USVI
Hull Bay is perhaps the beach that's most associated with surfing in all of St. Thomas. Located on the island's Atlantic side, the bay produces four to ten-foot point/reef breaks from the swells that come from the Northeast. With fast and powerful ledgy left and right point breaks, as well as having a reef and coral bottom, Hull Bay is recommended only for experienced surfers.
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVI
The point break at Cane Garden Bay generates strong waves wrapping around as they race down the harbour's inside bowl section. Although waves can reach heights of up to fifteen-feet, they need to be over five-feet before the break is surfable. The bay's inside reefs are exposed as the water sucks out, which can be quite risky for beginners.
Long Bay, Tortola, BVI
Long Bay is perfect if you are looking for family friendly surf. The bay is popular with kids and newbies because of its "learner's wave". The beach has long sections of shallow water and has a sandy bottom with soft rocks. Wall after wall of whitewater reforms after the waves break further out, which can be exciting for the kids.
Sandy Spit, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
Surfable four to fifteen-foot waves form as left-hand waves break in front of Sandy Spit. Waves at the Southern tip of this desert island paradise are small but long and curling round the point. The Spit has a coral bottom and have several reefs line up its shore; recommended for experienced surfers.
There are many more surfing spots in the Virgin Islands; some are conveniently located near big towns while some can only be reached by boats. If you ever feel the urge to ride some waves while in the VIs, these are the places to visit.