What to see and do in Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Tortola is the largest island of the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
It is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean. Tortola is located in the northeastern part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and is a popular destination for tourists and sailors due to its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and excellent sailing conditions.
On a cruise of the eastern Caribbean on 12/03/2016, we stopped in Road Town on the island of Tortola. From the ferry terminal there we took the ferry to the island of Virgin Gorda where we then traveled by bus to the Baths. After returning, we stopped at an outdoor restaurant and listed to local music.
We visited Tortola a second time on 2/11/2025. This time we took a tour around the island.
Tortola is known for its lush hills, beautiful beaches, and historic sites, including the 17th-century Fort Recovery, the oldest stone fort in the Caribbean, and the 300-year-old Callwood Rum Distillery. The British Virgin Islands also boast a number of marine parks, including the world-famous The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda, which features giant boulders and grottoes that can be explored by swimming or snorkeling.
Visitors to Tortola can engage in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, and diving, or simply relax on one of the island's many beautiful beaches. The island is also a popular spot for sailing, with a number of marinas and anchorages available, as well as a thriving sailing community.
In recent years, Tortola has experienced rapid development, with a growing number of resorts, restaurants, and shops appearing on the island. Despite this growth, Tortola still retains much of its charming character and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Looking for a place to stay? Click here for options.
Looking for things to do? Viator offers numerous tours in the Tortola area. Click here for details.
Pictures from Tortola
Welcome sign at Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
The port at Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Ferry to Virgin Gorda and the Baths from Road Town.
Steel Drum Band in Tortola.
Second Trip to Tortola
BVI sign at the port in Tortola.
Shops at the Tortola Pier Park at the port in Tortola.
Tortola Pier Park sign.
Road Town Tortola.
View of the islands to the south of Tortola.
Josiah's Bay Pond and bay.
Flamingos in Josiah's Bay Pond.
St Philip's Anglican Church ruins sign.
St Philip's Anglican Church ruins.
Mount Healthy National Park sugar mill.
View of Road Town from Ridge Road.
Sage Mountain National Park is the highest point on the island of Tortola.
Sage Mountain National Park lookout tower.
Mountain View Restaurant at Sage Mountain.
Cane Garden Bay.
Cane Garden Bay Beach.
Callwood Rum Distillery is over 400 years old.
Callwood Rum Distillery sign.
View to St Johns in the US Virgin Islands from Tortola.