Welcome to Tortola, the largest and most populous island in the British Virgin Islands!
The tropical island of Tortola forms part of the archipelago that makes up the British Virgin Islands. Tortola is comprised of beautiful blue waters, sandy beaches, and Rocky Mountains. This combination of natural beauty makes the island of Tortola a traveler's paradise, where you can experience dolphin encounters and sail on a pirate-style ship.
With its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, Tortola offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and Caribbean charm. Here's your comprehensive city guide to exploring Tortola:
Discover Road Town:
- Historic Sites: Start your exploration in Road Town, the capital city of Tortola. Stroll through the historic streets lined with colorful colonial buildings and visit landmarks like the 18th-century Fort Road and the Old Government House Museum.
- Craft Alive Village: Immerse yourself in local culture at Craft Alive Village, where artisans showcase traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. Browse for souvenirs and handmade gifts to take home as mementos of your trip.
- Main Street Shopping: Shop for duty-free bargains, local artwork, and Caribbean souvenirs along Main Street in Road Town. Explore boutiques, galleries, and markets for unique treasures like handmade jewelry, spices, and rum.
- Cuisine and Dining: Sample delicious Caribbean cuisine at local restaurants and eateries in Road Town. Indulge in fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and island specialties like conch fritters, jerk chicken, and rum punch.
Island Adventures:
- Beach Hopping: Explore Tortola's stunning beaches, each offering its own unique charm and scenery. Visit popular beaches like Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler's Cove, and Long Bay for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Dive into the clear turquoise waters surrounding Tortola and discover vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and diverse marine life. Join a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion to explore hidden treasures beneath the surface.
- Sailing and Boat Tours: Set sail on a catamaran or yacht charter and explore the pristine waters of the British Virgin Islands. Sail to nearby islands, secluded coves, and snorkeling hotspots for an unforgettable day on the water.
- Hiking and Nature Trails: Lace up your hiking boots and explore Tortola's lush landscapes on foot. Hike to scenic viewpoints like Sage Mountain, the highest peak in the British Virgin Islands, or trek along coastal trails for breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Things to Do
Shopping
For a unique shopping experience, wander into Road Town, the British Virgin Islands' capital city, where you can snap a picture of the adjacent harbor dotted with sailboats. Shop in one of the town's many boutiques, enjoy a freshly made snack at a local eatery, or simply sit back and soak up the tranquil ambiance.
Mount Healthy National Park
Wander the picturesque grounds of this 18th-century plantation and experience history as never before. Explore the ruins of the Boiling House, the Overseer's Quarters and the majestic Mount Healthy Windmill.
Dolphin Discovery
Engage in a thrilling, personal interaction with dolphins during a visit to Dolphin Discovery, where you are invited to swim alongside these gentle creatures of the deep.
Skyworld
This restaurant features an observation deck that rises a quarter mile above the capital city of Road Town. As you dine, revel at panoramic views of Tortola's white sands and glittering seas. On clear days, you can spot the island of St. Croix 40 miles away.
J.R. O'Neal Botanic Garden
Go for a stroll amidst colorful flowers and exotic plants during a visit to this picture-perfect arboretum. Tropical birds, splashing fountains and a miniature rain forest create an atmosphere of paradise on earth.
Cane Garden Bay
Soak up the sun, sand and surf of Tortola's most popular beach and village. Snorkel in the warm azure waters; explore a stunning coral reef teeming with colorful fish; or just sit back and savor the dazzling view.
Sage Mountain National Park
Sage Mountain is the highest peak in Tortola at a height of 1,716 feet. Its slopes and crags are strewn with noble mahogany trees, white cedars and mountain guavas. Embark on a nature hike through this scenic wonderland and marvel at sweeping views of the miniature rain forest and sparkling seas from the summit.
Enjoy Your Tortola Adventure!
Whether you're exploring historic sites in Road Town, lounging on pristine beaches, or embarking on island adventures, Tortola offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler. Embrace the island's laid-back vibes, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, and create unforgettable memories in this Caribbean paradise.
Enjoy beach time swimming in crystalline bay waters.
The popular Cane Garden Bay Beach is perfect for some much-needed beach time. This curved bay's location shelters it from heavy winds, making it a great place to relax on the beach as you watch the boats sail by. Cane Garden Bay Beach is also a haven for water sports, so you'll have plenty of activities to do like windsurfing or just swimming in the bay's turquoise blue waters. Relax with refreshments from a nearby beach bar at your leisure before returning to your pier.
Jost Van Dyke, the British Virgin Island's (BVI) smallest island.
While Jost Van Dyke may be known as the British Virgin Islands' smallest main island, it's jam-packed with tons of activities to do. This three-square-mile island dates back to the mid-18th century and is believed to be named after a former pirate and Dutch privateer names Joost van Dyk. Today, Jost Van Dyke is known for its sandy white beaches, laid-back restaurants and bars and yacht anchorages like the Great Harbour-a sheltered bay that attracts beachgoers and yachters year-round, thanks to its busy port and beach dotted with famed bars like Foxy's bar.
Photo Credit: Shore Excursions
Explore Tortola's historical sites and get panoramic views of the island from places like Fahie Hill and historic Mount Healthy National Park.
Visit Walter Francis Drive, where you'll catch views of a century-old prison along Main Street known as Her Majesty's Prison. This historic prison dates back to the late 1700s and is Road Town's oldest prison. The prison is nestled between the Road Town Method Church and St. George's Anglican Church and had come a long way since it's days as a prison when it stopped operating in 1995 to being a police station, fire department, passport office and the future location of a new museum.
Visit the Sunday Morning Well, the location where the Proclamation of Emancipation of 1834 was read aloud to inform the public that slavery was abolished.
Travel Information
What to know before you go to Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Language
English is universally spoken throughout the British Virgin Islands, though sometimes with a West Indian accent. British influence has impressed upon the locals a tendency toward politeness; you'll want to begin conversations with "good morning,” "good afternoon" or "good evening" when interacting with Tortola's locals.
How to Pay
Even though the British Virgin Islands are under the British flag, the U.S. dollar is the official currency. Major credit cards and travelers checks are also widely accepted.
How to Get Around
A number of transportation options are available to visitors of Tortola. There are independent car rental businesses in Tortola that you can take advantage of at rates comparable to what you would find in the U.S. However, the roads on the island can be inconsistently repaired or maintained and you must be accustomed to driving on the left side of the street.
A more practical and less expensive option than renting a car is to get around via taxi. Cab drivers are generally knowledgeable about popular tourist spots in the area.
Safety in Tortola
Tortola is a family-friendly destination and considered very safe, but Disney Cruise Line Guests are always advised to follow safety precautions to protect valuables.
Instances of pickpocketing activity may increase in busy tourist areas and outdoor festivals. Always be conscious of your personal belongings and surroundings. It is a good practice to keep your wallet in your front pocket and any bags securely zipped.
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