The largest of the British Virgin Islands has white-sand beaches, calm bays for swimming, and mountain peaks rising to 1,709 feet. Main port Road Town draws cruise ships.
Tortola is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, where Mount Sage rises 530 meters above the Caribbean Sea. You'll find sea turtles swimming in the clear waters of Smuggler's Cove, centuries-old mahogany trees in Sage Mountain National Park, and rum being made using 400-year-old methods at Callwood Distillery. From Road Town harbor, sailboats depart daily to explore the surrounding 60 islands.
Getting to Tortola
You can reach Tortola through Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, with direct flights from Miami or connections through San Juan and St. Thomas. Regular ferries depart from Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook in St. Thomas, arriving at Road Town or West End of Tortola. The ferry journey takes about 45 minutes.
Beaches and Swimming Spots
The northern coast has the clearest water for swimming. At Smuggler's Cove, the water stays calm enough to see parrotfish and angelfish near the shore. Brewer's Bay has coral reefs within 20 meters of the beach, with fewer people than other beaches. Long Bay Beach stretches for a mile with white sand and palm trees. At Cane Garden Bay, you'll find water sports equipment rentals and several beach bars playing Caribbean music.
Mountain Activities
In Sage Mountain National Park, six hiking trails wind through groves of mahogany trees and white cedar. The 2.5-kilometer main trail leads to viewpoints where you can see up to 10 neighboring islands on clear days. The park contains some of the oldest remaining mahogany trees in the Caribbean, with some specimens over 100 years old.
Water Activities
The channels between Tortola and nearby islands create protected waters for sailing. Local marinas rent vessels from 16-foot dinghies to 45-foot catamarans. Around Norman Island, you can swim with sea turtles and spot yellow-tailed snappers. The waters near Cooper Island have underwater caves where schools of silvery fish gather.
Local Food and Drinks
Try fungi (pronounced foon-ji), a cornmeal and okra mixture that locals eat with fresh-caught fish. Road Town's restaurants cook with ingredients from nearby farms, including breadfruit, cassava, and fish caught the same morning. At Callwood Rum Distillery, you can watch rum being made using copper stills and techniques dating back to the 1400s.
Getting Around
Drive on the left side of the road in Tortola. Car rental agencies operate in Road Town and at the airport. Taxis run fixed routes between beaches and towns, with rates posted at major stops. The mountain roads have sharp turns and steep inclines, especially challenging during rainfall.
Weather and Timing
Plan your visit between December and April for temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and minimal rain. June has similar weather with smaller crowds. From July to November (hurricane season), check weather forecasts regularly and expect some restaurants and activities to close early or operate irregularly.
