North Shore Shell Museum

Tortola


It’s more a folk-art gallery and junk shop than a museum, but it’s funky however you describe it, with a hodgepodge of shells and signs painted with cryptic local sayings filling the shelves. The hours vary depending on when the proprietor, Egbert Donovan, is around to show you through. He’ll also encourage you to buy something.

There's now an on-site restaurant where you can sit amid the shells and chow down on mango pancakes at breakfast, conch fritters for lunch or even a full Anegada lobster at dinner.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tortola attractions

1. Apple Bay

0.74 MILES

Apple Bay is long and narrow, and is known as the ‘surfing beach,’ especially from late December to March, when the consistent swells roll in. It’s not a…

2. Sage Mountain National Park

1.01 MILES

At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…

3. Callwood Rum Distillery

1.26 MILES

Just off the North Coast Rd at the west end of Cane Garden Bay, this is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Eastern Caribbean. The…

4. Long Bay

1.34 MILES

Long Bay is an attractive 1-mile stretch of white sand well used by joggers and walkers. A top-end resort sits on the eastern portion, where you can get…

5. Cane Garden Bay

1.42 MILES

Cane Garden Bay is probably on the postcard that drew you to the British Virgin Islands. The gently sloping crescent of sand hosts plenty of beachside…

6. Smuggler’s Cove

2.28 MILES

Near the island’s northwestern tip, Smuggler’s is a gorgeous patch of sand that is lightly trod compared to its neighbors, as access is via a crazy-narrow…

7. Brewers Bay

2.5 MILES

Shady, tree-lined Brewers has decent snorkeling and a more tranquil scene than you'll find at nearby Cane Garden Bay – possibly because getting here…

8. Methodist Church

3.33 MILES

Flanking the north side of the prison, this working Methodist house of worship dates from 1924. It’s a fine example of classic West Indian timber-framed…