Shark Bay hiking tour Tortola: Bat cave and coastal cliffs

Rocky beach, tropical forest, and a cliff face rising above the waves in one morning

Shark Bay is an 18.4-acre national park on Tortola's northern shore where you hike through shady tropical forest, walk a rocky beach, and climb to an impressive cliff overlooking the sea. A live English-speaking guide covers the area's history, fauna and flora, including Brown Pelicans and Laughing Gulls. The tour runs 2.5 hours, includes pickup, fruit bowls, lemonade, water and cold towels, and welcomes children from age 5.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Shark Bay National Park

• Visit historical ruin
• View historical painting
• Hike through Shark Bay trail

The experience

What makes Shark Bay worth the trip is the mix of three distinct landscapes packed into one morning. You start in shaded forest, move down to a rocky beach, then climb to a cliff face that drops straight into the ocean. The park sits on Tortola's northern shore between Anderson Point and Mount Healthy, and because it's one of the newest national parks in the region, established in 1999, it stays quieter than the busier spots. Your guide walks you through the local history and points out the seabirds that nest here, especially Brown Pelicans and Laughing Gulls.

The hike itself is moderate: you'll cover the main trails in 2.5 hours, moving at a pace that lets you take in each section without rushing. Pickup is included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the trailhead. Along the way you get fruit bowls, lemonade, water and cold towels: practical touches that matter on a tropical hike.

What’s included

• Pickup from your hotel.
• a live guide speaking English.
• fruit bowls, lemonade, water and cold towels throughout the hike.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by HIKE BVI

Is this one for you?The moderate fitness requirement and 2.5-hour timeframe suit hikers who want a real walk (forest, beach and cliff) without committing a full day. If you have spinal issues, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns, this hike's terrain and pace aren't the right fit.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What's the bat cave part of this tour?

The tour is also called the Bat Cave hike because the cave is one of the stops along the Shark Bay trails. Your guide will show you the cave as part of the walk through the park.

How much climbing is involved in this hike?

The tour includes a hike to an impressive cliff that rises above the waves, but the overall terrain mixes forest walking, beach sections and the climb to the cliff. It's rated for moderate fitness level, and the full hike takes 2.5 hours.

Can I bring my five-year-old on this hike?

Children are welcome from age 5, so your child can join. The moderate pace and mixed terrain mean younger kids should be comfortable with the distance and the climbing involved.

What birds will I see at Shark Bay?

Brown Pelicans and Laughing Gulls are the main seabirds that live in the park. Your guide will point them out as you move through the different sections of the trail.