4.7 / 5
Located in the breathtaking British Virgin Islands, Tortola is on many Caribbean cruisers’ dream destination radar. With white sandy beaches, lush jungle mountains, and various historic landmarks, Tortola is the prime destination to bring out your inner explorer.
About Tortola
Tortola is an island belonging to a portion of the archipelago of islands known as the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in the Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico and north of St. Croix. It is the BVI’s largest and most populated island in the group, and a territory of the United Kingdom. Tortola enjoys a robust financial sector and is a home base for many offshore companies.
Initially settled by pirates including Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, Tortola was later occupied by the English. British loyalists relocated to the island from the U.S. following the American Revolutionary War, bringing their slaves with them who helped build up a thriving sugar industry in Tortola until the abolition of slavery in 1834. Ensuing labor struggles and changes in the sugar industry caused many white landowners to eventually leave the BVI.
The island suffered considerable damage in 2017 by Hurricane Irma; thanks to help from the British government, worldwide charitable organizations, and the indomitable spirit of the locals, Tortola has largely rebounded to popular cruise destination status once again. With its natural beauty, pristine beaches, consistent warmth, cultural charm, and shopping opportunities, this laid-back island is perfect for those who want to get away from it all.
What to Do in Tortola
Cane Garden Bay
Cane Garden Bay, the most popular Tortola beach, is nestled inside a curved bay on the island’s northern edge and shelters you from heavy winds (making it a favorite anchoring spot for boats).
The area’s calm, clear turquoise waters will melt your cares away and are fantastic for swimming, snorkeling, and for the little ones. Stretch out on the sand for some sunbathing then hit up one of the beachfront bars for a refreshing tropical cocktail as you grab that Insta-worthy photo of a windsurfer silhouetted against the horizon, or a pic of the lush Green Mountain (aka The Peak) on nearby Ascension Island.
Sage Mountain National Park
This rugged 127-acre national park sits at 1,710 feet above sea level and is the highest point in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. The park underwent reforestation with mahogany, white cedar, and fig trees after the government acquired the land in 1964. There is still a section of old-growth forest that has not been touched since the time of Columbus, with flowers and ferns that are exclusive to that area only.
The north and south sides of the mountain ridge have different vegetation thanks to the moist trade winds that create rain on the northern side; this results in the northern side having your typical wet Caribbean rainforest — in stark contrast to the south side with its old pastures and dry forests. Hermit crabs, lizards, and a wide variety of birds including red-tailed hawks and pearly-eyed thrashers make their home here.
Enjoy a good trip from the coastline up the mountain with island drive with stunning views of the capital city of Road Town as well as Jost Van Dyke. There are several hiking trails on the mountain rated easy to moderate, while the hike to the summit is steep with rocks and roots. You’ll feel like an early explorer as you make your way along the shoulder-wide path of unspoiled forest to the wooden observation tower at the top where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the neighboring islands rising out of the sea.
Road Town
Situated in a horseshoe-shaped harbor in Tortola is Road Town, the capital city of the BVI. It welcomes you off the pier with Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, a colonial style outdoor shopping mall featuring a wide array of music, food, and shopping. With over 70 retail outlets to browse, you’ll find everything from sunglasses and footwear to clothing and high end jewelry. Wifi, restrooms, an ATM, and medical services are also on site for your needs while you are in the area.
This quaint city is small and walkable with a surprising amount of historical landmarks:
Her Majesty’s Prison is a century-old prison that in recent years was converted to a police station, then a fire station, then a passport office, and now, a museum. A walking tour of the grounds gives you a good idea of what the prisoners experienced as you learn of the conditions they were subjected to.
Head to Fahie Hill with its 460 foot wall following Ridge Road’s mountainous curves; this wall is decorated with colorful murals by local artists, each one showcasing a scene out of old Tortola life. At the Sunday Morning Well you can imagine the joyful reactions as the 1834 Proclamation of Emancipation was read aloud here, announcing the end of the island’s plantation slavery system.
The Old Government House Museum was originally the governor’s house built in 1899 atop an old fort. The original structure was destroyed by a hurricane in 1924; the present one was built shortly afterward and was the home of many government officials up until 1999. Several years later this two story house was converted to a museum that gives you a beautiful snapshot of British history on the island throughout the years, with photos, historical documents, maritime antiques, and even royal family artifacts on display.
Josiah’s Bay is one of Tortola’s more undeveloped beaches and a hidden gem! This long, wide beach full of powdery sand is bordered on each side by lush hills and offers up some of the best surfing on the island. There is the requisite beach bar available on site for food and drinks.
Bellevue’s Peak is 1,100 above sea level and is a great spot to capture 360 degree views of the island and lush landscape below. Bring your camera to get picture-perfect shots of Road Town, Brewers Bay Camping Ground, and the private Guana Island.
Jost Van Dyke Island
Jost Van Dyke Island is right off the coast of Tortola and is the smallest one in the BVI — but don’t let that fool you: it is 3 square miles of jam-packed fun!
Discovered in the mid 18th century and rumored to be named after the infamous pirate Joost Van Dyk, this little piece of paradise has been attracting beachgoers and snorkelers for decades. Many yachts and independent boats set anchor and use a dinghy or swim to shore to relax and play.
You can get there with a round trip ferry ride and spend the day exploring the island, hanging at the beach, or checking out the many restaurants and bars. Legend has it White Bay Beach was the inspiration for the book Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and it’s not hard to see why, as it has all the tropical island vibes. It also has a definite party vibe as the day goes on, making it more of an adults-only scene.
Enjoy an award-winning cocktail at Soggy Dollar where it is said the famous Painkiller cocktail was invented; this heady concoction of pineapple and orange juice, coconut, nutmeg, and dark rum can help take many cares away. Other notable local beach bars include Ruby’s and Foxy’s, and the majority of the bars also serve food.
Jost Van Dyke offers great snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities with several coral rock formations, colorful tropical fish, spotted eagle rays, and even a shipwrecked sailboat that will have you humming tunes from The Pirates of the Caribbean.
Virgin Gorda and The Baths
This third largest BVI island is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts! It has nature sanctuaries, forest walking trails, wonderful snorkeling and, of course, the beaches… though “the Baths” are the main attraction here.
This maze of volcanic rock grottos, tunnels, and salt water pools at the edge of the sea will challenge your agility and fitness as you climb and crawl over massive granite boulders, wade in knee deep water, and squeeze through narrow rock passages to get to secret rock pools and The Cathedral Room, so nicknamed for the natural pool located inside a small cave. Afterward, relax and swim in the crystal blue waters of Devil’s Bay or take a dive and see the unique coral and marine life of the area.
Shopping and Dining Experiences
There are plenty of shops along Main Street and around town including Pusser’s Landing and Cane Garden Bay where you’ll find such treasures as beaded jewelry, jams, spices, art, clothing, and handicrafts.
The Mountain View Restaurant and Bar on Sage Mountain is a cozy, rustic place serving up gourmet food and scenic views. Jim, the chef and manager, will wow you with his first-rate food, hospitality, and stories about his time in the Antarctic with a British expedition (hint: his banana smoothies — with or without rum — are legendary).
For a true taste of the islands, try some of the local cuisine bursting with British, Caribbean, and West Indian flavors available at many Tortola restaurants and food trucks:
Roti — these meat-filled turnovers are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Callaloo — these wild greens, comparable to kale or collard greens, have a nutty overtone and are a popular breakfast staple
Salt fish and conch — used in many of the more popular fish dishes here
Johnny cakes — simple yet satisfying flat cornbread that is fried and paired with meals
Soursop — like bananas? Like mangos? Then you’ll love this island fruit that tastes like a sublime mixture of them both
Potato stuffing — this island specialty is made with mashed sweet potatoes, vegetables, and raisins
Popular spices used – jerk, curry, and hot peppers
Tortola: an Experience of a Lifetime!
With verdant landscapes, mountain views, pristine beaches, and fascinating culture, Tortola is THE place to escape the norm and explore everything this unique island port has to offer. Let us set you up with memories galore when you book your Tortola excursion with us today.
