Capoons Bay (Tortola)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Capoons Bay (also referred to as Apple Bay by locals) is an exposed reef break with rights and lefts over reef. It is most dependable during winter swells from the north and works best when south winds blow offshore to groom the waves. Expect sharp reef hazards and shallow water at low tide—care is needed around the nearshore sections.
- Reef-wave quality is described as excellent/powerful when on
- Best swell direction is north to northwest
- Winter/spring swell season is emphasized for reliable surf
- Exposed reef break with consistently good surf in the right season
- Powerful, high-performance peeling waves when conditions line up
- Works particularly well with north to northwest swells in winter/spring
- Reef hazards are significant (sharp coral and sea urchins)
- Crowds can build during peak swells
- Low tide can create very shallow sections
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE, SW
- Offshore directions
- S, SE, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade wind pattern; offshore winds from the south can groom the reef waves, while northerly winds can blow conditions out.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- The bay is somewhat protected by surrounding headlands but remains exposed to northerly swells.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed sand/rock access with reef hazards near shore.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Narrow strip of sand and rocks located in front of the road and seating areas
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Narrow access strip and immediate nearshore hazards.
Through the year
Can become very crowded during holiday periods and when a major north swell arrives
Hurricane season runs from June through November
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with fairly consistent surf; right/left reef waves are known for high-quality rides when the swell and wind line up.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the south groom the waves; northerly winds can blow it out.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well, becoming more powerful and hollow as the swell increases.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer rides up to 150 meters on a good day, particularly the right-handers.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides can reach around 150 meters on a good day, especially on the right-handers.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Capoons Bay (Tortola) in the full forecast view.
Capoons Bay (Tortola) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–16 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- ESE117°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2616 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.7 m4s period
- Temperature
- 28–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Capoons Bay (Tortola) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.3–0.7 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Sharp coral reef
- Sea urchins
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Jellyfish
- Coral
- Shallow water at low tide
- Rip currents near the main peak during large swells
- Crowds during peak swells
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and Rescue) is a dedicated volunteer lifeboat service providing 24/7 emergency response across the territory's waters.
- Emergency Info
- Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town; general emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance is 999 or 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Respect locals at the main peak.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the locals at the main peak.
- Works best with north or northwest swells (N/NW).
- Offshore winds from the south groom the waves; northerly winds can blow it out.
- Take extra care around the shallow reef—conditions can be unforgiving at low tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Road Town
- Nearest Town
- West End
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking is available along the bay
- Public Transport
- limited service (local safari buses and taxis); car or scooter rentals are the standard way to reach coastal bays
- Access
- Easily accessible via the North Shore Road which runs directly along the beach
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several villas and small guest houses are located within walking distance in the Apple Bay area.
- Food & Drink
- Local bars and restaurants are situated directly across from the surf break.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surf rentals may be available at local establishments nearby; equipment rental is also widely available in Road Town and Nanny Cay for surfing, paddleboarding, and foiling gear.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is primarily provided through local watersports centers and specialized sailing marinas like Nanny Cay.
- Gear Repair
- Basic fiberglass and dinghy repair services are available via the island’s maritime and yachting service industry.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Capoons Bay (Tortola)?
The best overall months at Capoons Bay (Tortola) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Capoons Bay (Tortola)?
Capoons Bay (Tortola) works with S, SE, SW winds. Offshore directions are S, SE, SW.
What skill level is Capoons Bay (Tortola) suitable for?
Capoons Bay (Tortola) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.