Tortola
Tortola British Virgin Islands
Tortola is not only the capital of the British Virgin Islands, it is also the largest and most populated island in the BVI chain. Powdery white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, and a sheltered yacht-filled harbor characterize the island of Tortola, where the past of the West Indies meets the present of the British Virgin Islands.
The Northern coast has the best beaches on the island, including Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Josiah’s Bay, and Lambert beach. In addition to beaches; there is sailing, surfing, scuba diving, , historic sites, hiking, and much more. Tortola is a great starting off point for crewed yacht charters as well.
Experience the beauty of Tortola. Swim or stroll the white-sand beaches, explore ancient ruins, enjoy delectable local cuisine, or drop anchor and rock with the rhythm of the azure ocean. In Tortola there’s a variety of Caribbean vacation activities to engage in and dining opportunities are numerous. Satisfy your taste buds and indulge in a four-star dinner at a coveted sugarmill or a quaint meal in a pastel-painted cottage.
Warm, friendly and hospitable, Tortola has a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from luxury resorts and private villas to smaller hotels.
Tortola Activities
Water Sports
You can fish, scuba dive, snorkel, kite-board, windsurf, and enjoy other water-sports from the well-equipped facilities on the islands many beaches.
Natural Beauty
Explore the islands natural beauty and take your Caribbean vacation to new heights on the cool slopes of Sage Mountain National Park, where traces of a primeval rain forest can still be seen at higher elevations. This is a great spot for a day hike or bird watching.
Culture and Heritage
- 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum
- Fort Burt
- Mount Healthy Windmill
- Callwood’s Rum Distillery
- J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens
- Old Government House Museum
- VI Folk Museum
Shopping
Everything from local spices, jams, rums, and soaps to handcrafted jewelry, silk-screened fabrics, and local art, can be found on Main Street in the capital city of Road Town.
WANT MORE? GO TO…TOP 7 THINGS TO DO ON TORTOLA
Tortola Anchorages
- Brandywine Bay
- Cane Garden Bay
- Hodge’s Creek
- Soper’s Hole
- Trellis Bay, a boater’s paradise
Tortola Beaches
Swim or snorkel at the secluded palm-shaded sands of:
- Apple Bay
- Brewer’s Bay
- Elizabeth Beach
- Josiah’s Bay Beach
- Long Bay Beach
- Smuggler’s Cove
Tortola Dining
You don’t have to go far to experience some of the finest cuisine Tortola has to offer! Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas on-site restaurants include the beachfront ‘1748’, the romantic ‘Pasta House’, and the elegant Palm Terrace, renowned for the quality of its Continental cuisine. For a taste of the Caribbean’s rich cultural mix and local delicacies, indulge in fresh lobster, conch, spicy goat curries, Johnny Cakes and West Indian roti.
- 1748
Delightfully informal, ‘1748’ is a popular beachfront deck restaurant. Part of an 18th-century sugar mill, it offers buffet breakfasts, as well as extensive lunch and dinner menus featuring anything from grills and fresh seafood to tasty local dishes. Special weekly events include a ‘Barbecue Cook-out’ and a ‘Taste of Tortola’ buffet, both evenings featuring live entertainment.
- The 1748 Beach Bar
This is where to get an ‘Island Fizz’ with breakfast, a ‘Long Bay Cooler’ with lunch or a ‘Papaya Daiquiri’ with dinner!
- The Pasta House
Located on the upper terrace of the 18th-century sugar mill, the Pasta House is an intimate dining venue open for dinner twice a week. It serves traditional Italian cuisine complemented by fine wines and ocean views. Reservations necessary.
- The Palm Terrace
For elegant, leisurely candlelight dinning situated in the midst of a Palm Garden, this restaurant is widely regarded as one of the finest in Tortola and known for their fresh-from-the-reef seafood. Offering tempting selection of wonderfully prepared appetizers, entrees desserts and fine wines and liqueurs to compliment your repast.
- Palm Terrace Bar
A social or romantic setting, this is the perfect spot for enjoying cocktails in the lounge or outside on the terrace.
- Pelican Swim-up Pool Bar
This popular swim-up pool bar serves tropical drinks and tasty snacks (burgers, sandwiches and salads).
Tortola Getting Around
Car Rentals can be made at the Beef Island Airport and the island also provides a variety of taxi services.
CONTACT US for more Information about Tortola British Virgin Islands at 321-777-1707
Tortola Getting There
Tortola can be reached both by sea and by air. Convenient to the other British Virgin Islands, regular ferries, private and crewed yachts, and planes offer visitors daily commuting options.
- Getting There BY AIR
Flights to Tortola arrive at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. The airport is located on Beef Island, just to the East of Tortola, and is connected by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Seabourne, Cape Air and Air Sunshine provide scheduled service from San Juan. Island Birds Air Charter can connect you from San Juan, St Thomas, Antigua or St Marten.
- Getting There BY BOAT
There are many ferry companies providing travellers with the opportunity to arrive by sea. The ferries run between Charlotte Amalie in the center of St. Thomas, and Red Hook in the East End of St. Thomas and St. John, and either Road Town or the West End of Tortola.
CONTACT US for more Information about Tortola British Virgin Islands at 321-777-1707