Tortola Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit in Tortola, the must-try dishes, and the safest ways to travel, as well as cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and more in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Tortola

Tortola is one of the British Virgin Islands, located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea, in North America. Its breathtaking natural surroundings of crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green hills make it an ideal destination for travelers from all around the world. The following is a comprehensive guide to Tortola, where you will find all the information you need to plan your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Tortola

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Virgin Islands Folk Museum - This museum displays the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands, from indigenous people to the present day.

  2. Callwood Rum Distillery - A family-owned distillery, Callwood Rum Distillery, is the perfect spot for rum lovers and history buffs alike.

  3. JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens - This small, yet stunning garden showcases the natural beauty of the British Virgin Islands, with a wide variety of plant species and over 300 native plants to the area.

Natural Attractions of Tortola: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Cane Garden Bay - This is one of the most popular beaches in Tortola, and for good reason. It offers crystal clear waters, soft white sand beaches, and numerous beach-side cafes and restaurants.

  2. Sage Mountain National Park - As the highest point on the island, Sage Mountain National Park offers stunning panoramic views of Tortola and the surrounding islands.

  3. Long Bay Beach - Set apart from the hustle and bustle of Tortola downtown, Long Bay Beach is a hidden gem that a lot of tourists don’t even know about. The beach boasts of crystal-clear waters, white sandy beach, and perfect surf waves.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tortola

  1. Mount Sage Trail - Starting at Sage Mountain National Park, Mount Sage Trail is a beautiful and strenuous hike that showcases the natural beauty of Tortola.

  2. Beef Island & Great Camanoe’s Trunk Bay Trail - The trail to Trunk Bay Beach on Beef Island & Great Camanoe is an excellent hiking option for those looking to combine a nature hike with a beach day.

  3. Shark Bay Trail - As the name suggests, Shark Bay Trail is named after the rare nurse sharks that can be seen whale watching. The trail ends at a beautiful reef which is perfect for snorkeling.

Best Things to Do in Tortola: Activities and Tours

  1. Island-hopping tour - The British Virgin Islands are a large and diverse place, and there’s no better way to explore it than with an island-hopping tour that will introduce you to the various cultures, cuisine, and activities of the islands.

  2. Scuba Diving - The clear and calm waters surrounding Tortola are perfect for scuba diving. Book a guided tour to explore the colorful coral reefs, caves, and shipwrecks.

  3. Surfing - Tortola is one of the best spots for surfing within the British Virgin Islands and by attending a surf camp, you can learn from the pros, and make the most of the waves.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tortola

Day 1: Arrive in Tortola and spend the day relaxing at one of the secluded beaches such as Long Bay Beach Day 2: Visit the JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens followed by the Mount Sage Trail hike
Day 3: Take an island-hopping tour to Anegada to get a chance to spot rare lobsters and flamingos. Day 4: Scuba Diving at one of the many renowned coral reefs in the turquoise water of the ocean Day 5: Visit the historic Callwood Rum Distillery and explore the local cuisine. Day 6: Embark on an exciting surfing lesson and enjoy the waves at Apple Bay beach Day 7: Relax and enjoy the soft sand and crystal-clear waters of Cane Garden Bay.

Food and Drink Scene of Tortola

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Conch Chowder - a flavorful creamy soup made with tender mollusk meat, vegetables, and spices.

  2. Roti - a traditional dish of the Caribbean made using a mix of curried potatoes, chicken, and beef wrapped in a roti bread.

  3. Fish and Fungi - wrapped in banana leaves, this baked fish dish is accompanied by a staple of cornmeal usually served as a side dish.

Local Beverages

  1. Painkiller - A local cocktail made with coconut cream, rum, pineapple and orange juice - a must-try in the Virgin Islands.

  2. Virgin Islands Brewery - This local brewery is renowned for their Caribbean-style beer such as the Island Summer Ale, the Blackbeard Ale and Red Rascal rum punch.

Where to Stay in Tortola: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Long Bay Beach Resort - Located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Long Bay Beach Resort offers luxury accommodation, a spa, and 4 restaurants.

  2. Hotel Maria - A family-run hotel located in Road Town providing affordable yet quality stay options.

  3. Sebastian’s on the Beach - This hotel is located in Little Apple Bay on the western coast, is right on the beach, offering a range of rooms, a beach bar, and restaurant.

What to Buy in Tortola: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handcrafted Pottery - Make some space in your luggage for local pottery and ceramics made in the Virgin Islands, which are very famous among tourists.

  2. Island Spices - Virgin Islands spices are a blend of Caribbean and international flavor profiles and are available in many stores throughout the island.

Local Culture and Customs of Tortola

Residents of Tortola are welcoming and warm, and the culture is influenced by British, African, and Caribbean traditions. English is the official language, and US dollars are generally accepted, along with the Eastern Caribbean dollar.

Best Time to Visit Tortola

The best time to visit Tortola is from November to mid-December when the weather is mild, the prices are more affordable, and the islands are less crowded. However, it’s important to note that Tortola’s peak tourism season runs from December to April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tortola

Do:

  1. Dress in modest clothing when visiting places of worship or historical site

  2. Tip 15-20% when dining in restaurants

  3. Take a sailing tour to explore the surrounding islands

Don’t:

  1. Leave valuables unattended or a sign of them to avoid becoming a target for theft.

  2. Swim outside designated areas, as currents and tides can be dangerous.

  3. Underestimate the power of the sun, use appropriate sunblock and cover your head with a hat

Safety and Health

Safety in Tortola

The British Virgin Islands are considered a safe destination by most travelers. Petty crime can still occur, and it is advisable to not leave valuables unattended in public areas.

Health in Tortola

There are no specific health risks for traveling to Tortola. However, visitors should take care with food hygiene and avoid tap water.

Getting to Tortola: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tortola

Tortola’s International airport (EIS) is located on Beef Island, about 20-minutes drive from Road Town. Most major airlines fly into EIS.

Bus Stations Near Tortola

There are no bus services on the British Virgin Islands, so visitors are welcome to rent a car or hire a taxi service from any of the local taxi companies.

Other Options

Many visitors prefer private water taxis, a scenic and comfortable option of travel between the islands, which is especially useful if island-hopping.

How to Get Around in Tortola

The best way to get around Tortola is by private taxi, which is easy to hire and is the most convenient as well. Visitors can also rent a car or opt for a scooter, but the roads tend to be narrow and winding, so it is important to proceed with precaution while driving.

Where to Go Next from Tortola: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Visit Virgin Gorda, the second-largest island in the British Virgin Islands, known for the world-famous Baths
  2. Jost Van Dyke, an enchanting getaway located just 5 miles from Tortola, is world-renowned for its beautiful white sand beaches, lively beach bars, and of course, the legendary Foxy’s bar

Conclusion

Tortola is a beautiful island that offers a variety of activities and attractions for travelers. From exploring historical and cultural attractions to enjoying some of the natural wonders and stunning beaches, there is something for everyone in Tortola. With this comprehensive guide in hand, visitors can make the most of their vacation and have a memorable time exploring every inch of this beautiful Caribbean destination.

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