things to see and do on Tortola Archives

January 20, 2014January 15, 2020

Captain Mulligan’s, Tortola

Need a place to relax, unwind, enjoy a few beverages and watch sports on a 30 ft. screen while in Tortola? That’s right, a huge 30 ft. outdoor screen – as well as multiple flat screens in the bar!

We were recently asked by one of our readers if we knew of a good place to watch the upcoming Super Bowl around Nanny Cay in Tortola. Having stopped a few times at Captain Mulligan’s in the past, we thought it might just fit the bill.

To find Captain Mulligan’s, turn into Nanny Cay and look to the left. It’s located on a nice grassy area with a view of Sea Cow Bay from the back.

The bar/restaurant is open air and there is a lot of additional seating in the yard around the bar.

Additionally, there is a new miniature golf course on which to challenge your friends during half time.

We like the laid back vibe, friendly people, open air and decent prices.

And although one of us REALLY likes the idea of watching sports on the huge outdoor screen (see above), the other one likes the idea that there is also a great local arts and pottery shop called Bamboushay within walking distance :)

If you are going to stop by on Super Bowl Sunday this year, Randy and Allison of Team Mulligans say that the specials for the day are $2 Coors Lite all day, $2 hotdogs during the game and the tail gate starts at 2pm. With a projector screen and 6 flat screen tv’s, wherever you are you cant miss the action!

Check them out on Facebook.

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

December 17, 2013January 15, 2020

Long Bay, Tortola

Have you had a chance to explore the mile long stretch of picturesque beach called Long Bay on Tortola’s west end?

Of all of the beaches we’ve visited on Tortola, we’d have to say that the west end Long Bay is one of the most scenic – and Tortola has it’s share of scenic beaches! The soft, white sand combined with the vibrant blue water and views of Jost Van Dyke make Long Bay one of the prettiest around.

Looking for a lot of amenities? Not here. Although the recently renovated Long Bay Beach Club sits close to one end of the beach, you’ll likely enjoy the beach with only a few other lucky folks.

Need a cold beer or a rum punch? Walk down to Nature Boy Beach Bar at the far end of Long Bay and talk to Winston. He’ll serve you a great drink and tell you about how he built his bar and the history of the area.

Nature Boy Beach Bar

The best swimming on the each is on the far end of the beach – away from the resort because it is less rocky. Be careful entering the water anywhere on the beach though as the current can be very strong depending on the weather.

We love Long Bay for the solitude and love to walk it and take in the a gorgeous scenery and beautiful soft sand.

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory.

June 18, 2013January 15, 2020

Nature Boy Beach Bar, Tortola

We stumbled by Nature Boy Beach Bar by accident a few years ago while walking Long Bay Beach in Tortola.Unfortunately the bar was closed at the time and so on our recent visit to Tortola we decided to stop by once again.

The bar itself is small and has been assembled with materials found on the beach and land, but it’s located on stunning Long Bay Beach, just about where the road takes a left for Smuggler’s Cove.

Secluded and quiet, Nature Boy Beach Bar is a great place to relax, take in the scenery and enjoy a cold beverage.

Chat with Winston, aka Nature Boy, about Long Bay and the surrounding areas history. He eagerly shares his story about how he has built his own place in the sun – the bar and his home behind it.

If you’re in the area, or headed past it on the way to Smuggler’s Cove, be sure to stop in to say hi to Winston, enjoy a cold beer or Rum Punch and checkout the amazing scenery. As Winston says, it’s “Natures Little Secret”…

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

June 7, 2013January 15, 2020

Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola

Smuggler’s Cove is a gorgeous, tranquil, soft sand beach fringed with palms on Tortola’s northwest side.The road to Smuggler’s Cove is bumpy and slow going, but you can also access the beach by taking a 20 minute hike from Long Bay Beach. Smuggler’s is usually quiet in the mornings, but can get busy on weekends and afternoons.

Most of the time the water is great for swimming and there are some areas of good snorkeling, but be careful of rough surf when there is a north swell. Be sure to stop by Nigel’s Boom Boom Beach Bar & Grill for a cold one and a light meal!

The palms lining the shore are tropically gorgeous and offer a lot of great shade when needed.
(Update: the hurricanes of 2017 destroyed many of the palms in the area so currently there is not as much shade as there once was.)

View of Jost Van Dyke from the beach

Go for: swimming, snorkeling and water sports (on calm days), sunbathing, picnics and scenery…

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

January 26, 2012January 15, 2020

Bomba Surfside Shack

Have you heard of the “Full Moon Parties” on Tortola? Then you’ve probably heard of The Bomba Shack.

The Bomba Shack is quite the sight. Erected of materials dropped off by friends, the building looks as if it shouldn’t stay upright in a heavy wind. (It actually made it through a pretty fierce hit from Hurricane Earl in 2010 with minimal damage!)

Update: unfortunately the Bomba Shack was destroyed in the hurricanes of 2017. We are not sure if there will be any attempt to re-build, but we will update this post with any additional information as we receive it.

The walls and ceiling are adorned with graffiti, tons of pictures and clothing (namely undergarments). The architectural style is to say the least ….interesting. During the day, it’s a quiet place with a nice view of Jost Van Dyke.

Bomba’s Rum Punch with Jost Van Dyke in the distance

Bomba opened his bar in 1976 on Cappoons Bay – between Long Bay and Cane Garden Bay. He began the infamous Full Moon Parties in 1989 and due to the popularity of these get-togethers (there have been 800-1,000 people in attendance), Bomba opened up “The Back Yard” across the street in the same architectural style. It includes a bandstand for the live music and another bar.

We attended Bombas Full Moon Party in January of 2010 and did a little research on it before attending. One website said “Not for the easily offended” and after attending, we completely understand what they meant. Leave the kiddos at home – this party starts around 9 p.m., doesn’t really wind up until dawn, and it’s wild!

Many people come to partake in Bombas Mushroom Tea which is only served during certain hours, with special glasses that you need to purchase. Some of the locals we talked to recommended skipping the tea and going for Bombas Rum Punch instead, or adding rum to the tea. We tried both the tea and the punch – for research purposes of course…

Pouring the Mushroom Tea

Midnight rolled around and we said goodbye to Bomba. As we looked around, the place had gotten crowded with both locals and tourists and we waded through a sea of people trying to find our ride. This party was just gettin’ started!

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory