Tobacco Bay Beach

Survivors of Sir George Somers’ ship, the Sea Venture, gave this bay its name after they discovered tobacco growing here. The beach here is the most popular in St George’s especially during the week when cruise ships dock in the town.

The bay is sheltered by unusual Daliesque limestone rock formations and is a haven for colourful tropical fish like parrotfish and sergeant majors. The calm, relatively shallow water has good visibility and is ideal for children.

During the summer the Tobacco Bay Beach Pavilion (297 2756), operated by former teacher Kirk Bartrum, rents chairs, umbrellas and snorkelling equipment. Snacks, cold drinks and beers are also available. On Fridays reduced priced drinks are on offer during happy hour (18:00 – 22:00). The beach also has toilet and changing facilities.

Tobacco Bay is a 10 minute walk from the centre of St George. If you don’t fancy the trek catch one of the St George’s Minibus Service’s vehicles. They depart from King’s Square in St George. The lady in the Visitor Information Centre will point out the minibus if you are unsure.

Reader Reviews and Additional Information

Jen :

Tobacco Bay is a 20 minute walk from where the cruise ships dock. It's beautiful! You can swim, snorkel and cliff dive.

Pico :

A great place! We walked there from the cruise ship every day and enjoyed the beach, food and beer. One day we tried some of the other beaches but they weren't as good and the food was more expensive

Katie Wright :

My husband proposed to me here. It is a beautiful place. I'll never forget it.

Chrissy :

I went to Tobacco Bay on a Celebrity cruise and it was absolutely amazing! It is a little beach surrounded by trees which gave me the perfect feeling of privacy. I recommend it to anyone who visits the island.

Phyllis Johnson :

We visited Tobacco Bay Pavillion on our cruise with Royal Caribbean/Empress of the Seas. Beautiful place to take the family, crystal clear water while wading, from a distance water can look turquoise. Super place to rent chairs and umbrellas, nice place to order quick food and a fun store for shopping too. You have to visit here on your next cruise. You'll be glad you did.

Monika :

We went here for a BBQ. It was delicious. I had freshly caught seafood - YUM! The snorkeling there is awsome and the beach is very shallow so it is great for children as well adults. There is also a gift shop to buy presents or souvenirs while you are there.

dominique :

The barbecue is really nice, and it's a tradition for many families to go at least once a year.

Gordo :

Achilles Bay, next to Tobacco Bay, is also a good spot for snorkeling.

GiGi :

It's quite a walk here from St George, so I'd get a minibus, at least going there (it's uphill). Going back to St George is easier and you can call at the Unfinished Church.