Soper's Hole: A Different, Purer World

Soper's Hole was founded by Joost van Dyk, an early 17th century privateer and pirate who worked for the Dutch East India company. There are no traces of van Dyk's early settlement, but the protected cove still bears the feel of that early rakish settlement, and it's easy to see why the Dutch found it to be a perfect place from which to raid Spanish ships leaving Puerto Rico.

At Soper's Hole, you'll find the peace, privacy, and relaxation you need with all the modern comforts you crave. Imagine waking up to sunlight filtered through tropical trees, the smell of the ocean drifting through your open windows, sea gulls and loud jungle birds your only alarm clock.

The Soper's Hole marina community is located on the far west end of Tortola, Virgin Islands, in the very heart of yacht country. Rentable villas and condominiums decorate the hillside overlooking the bay, allowing for sprawling views of the small islands and surrounding mountains.

What To Do At Soper's Hole

Soper's Hole is one of the nicest cruising spots on Tortola. Its protected bay and scenic mountains turn any sightseeing expedition to a long, slow afternoon of sheer delight. Before renting a boat, learn where the tidal currents are; some out at the mouth of the bay can get strong and pull you further out to sea than you want to be.

There are dinghy docks all over, most notably at Pusser's Landing or Kelly's Restaurant, making it easy to stop and have lunch or tea whenever you're ready.

Or sail over to the small island of Frenchman's Cay, where you'll find the Clubhouse Restaurant and plenty of lazy-day activities like a pool, tennis, and a very nice beach.

The Jolly Roger is an excellent barbecue restaurant near the opening of Soper's Hole, and during happy hour you'll find great conversation with locals and boaters just passing through.

You'll also find several nice shops here. If you need to check your email, try Samarkand Jewellers and Internet Cafe. Soper's Hole also has a perfumerie, several apparel shops, and of course the required superettes and provisioning stores for boaters.

Soper's Hole is probably the place on Tortola most convenient to the very quiet beach of Smuggler's Cove. It's down a dirt road just outside the marina, and if you want real privacy and romance, the feeling of being on your own private Caribbean island, a quick side trip down to the cove is just what you need.

Where To Stay at Soper's Hole.

If you've come in your own boat and plan to stay there, you can rent mooring buoys for about $25 a night at the marina or Frenchman's Cay Shipyard, with access to ice and showers and a place to dump waste. If you want to stay onshore, you'll have to make prior arrangements. Soper's Hole does not offer a formal hotel, but you can rent one of several villas and homes located mostly up on the hillsides, where you'll have a magnificent view of the ocean and cay. It's also a wonderful place to soak in the vivid Caribbean sunset, watching as the sun sinks below the horizon.

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