Tortola Travel & Vacation Guide

With over two hundred years in operation, the Callwood Rum Distillery is one of the oldest establishments in the British Virgin Islands, located in the stunning — and aptly named — Cane Garden Bay. Visitors are offered the chance to get an insight into rum production, and to buy a bottle of the widely renowned Arundel.

Tourists tend to flock to Virgin Gorda for its beauty, Anegada for the lobster and Jost Van Dyke for the vibrant bar scene — crowds will be thinner in Cooper Island, but it does not mean it is any less worthy of dropping anchor. Boasting pristine beaches, excellent diving conditions with a 'wreck alley' to explore, a solar-powered brewery, and many more, Cooper Island is the perfect place for a quiet recharge away from the hustle of Road Town.

There are a dozen of national parks in the British Virgin Islands, and since every major island has one, it is easy to incorporate a hike into your itinerary. Diamond Cay is Jost Van Dyke's treasure box located on the east side of the island, and is in fact a 1.25-acre bird sanctuary that's also home to turtles and lizards. Bubbly Pool, formed by waves crashing against the rocks, is only a short walk away to the north.

A unique landmark in the centre of Road Town, whose history has been enriched by numerous events since the era of plantation society in the 18th century. The site is easy to explore on your own, but it's worth joining a guided tour for some insider facts on this unsettling place.

J.R. O'Neal Botanical Gardens is a small, serene oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Road Town, located about 2 km from the cruise terminal. Despite the damage caused by Hurricane Irma, the gardens are still a delightful and well-maintained attraction filled with lush tropical vegetation. The collection of tropical plants represents different habitats of the BVI, such as the rainforest and coastal environments, in addition to exotic species and an extensive collection of palms. Visitors can enjoy a greenhouse for orchids, a lily pond, a gazebo of orchids, and a scenic pergola. The nursery at the gardens plays a crucial role in preserving endangered species of flora found within the BVI.

Extending between Dead Chest Island and Salt Island southeast of Road Town, Rhone Marine Park is an 800-acre treasure trove of marine species where corals, fish, turtles, lobsters and many other marine species drift around the famous wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer Rhone. Sunk by a hurricane in 1867, the steamship has over time become the most popular dive site in the British Virgin Islands.

This secluded beach is the best option for a quick dip outside Road Town. Located only a half an hour's drive from the city across Sage Mountain National Park, Smuggle's Cove guarantees not only a peaceful time but also excellent conditions for snorkelling.

A popular time to visit the British Virgin Islands is during the annual Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival, which has been attracting vast crowds of sailing enthusiasts since 1972. Set your own sail or explore the offerings of many a charter company, and get to know the Caribbean from a whole new perspective.

One of the island's favourite lodging and dining spots, where the atmosphere is elevated by palapas, hammocks and a refreshing swimming pool. Lobster is omnipresent from breakfast to dinner; other seafood standouts include mahi mahi and conch. There is also pizza, tacos, steak and more to meet any needs that may arise.

A no-frills beachside restaurant and bar on Anegada's eastern shore, serving sizeable seafood dishes made from the island's famous lobster. The menu also features conch, chicken, steak and ribs, to be had after snorkelling or while enjoying the turquoise views.

A classy yet modern restaurant opposite the cruise port, where meals are artfully presented on plates and inspired by Asian, British and French cuisines. The menu is extensive — from quinoa salad to tostadas to house ribs — and the cocktails made from house ingredients are no less worthy of attention.

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, the Island Roots Cafe is a well-frequented hangout place with a cosy interior and painting-adorned walls, coffee and snacks, daily soup offers and outdoor seating.

This waterfront restaurant in West End is essentially specialised in Caribbean and Indian cuisines, but besides the mandatory curry meals, lobster and jerk chicken, the menu also contains quesadillas, burgers and pizza. Omar's Coffee House is the little sister only a 4-minute walk from the restaurant, with foamy cappuccinos and hearty breakfasts as day-starters.

Pusser's Road Town Pub offers a selection of strong, delicious Painkiller cocktails made with Pusser's Rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut and orange juice, topped with a grating of nutmeg. The historic Victorian-era interiors feature wood-paneled walls adorned with knick-knacks, creating a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to their cocktails, the pub also serves great fish and chips. The bar is decorated with pictures and furniture from British and USCG ships, and there is a gift shop on-site selling Pusser's merchandise.

Cradle of the famous, rum-infused Painkiller, Soggy Dollar Bar offers appetising breakfast for your morning swim and filling platters to pair with your afternoon imbibing. Enjoy the splendid views of White Bay and browse the unique merchandise promoting this postcard-worthy location.

Sitting on the shore of White Bay next to the namesake bar — which belongs to the same owner and is likewise worth a visit — Foxy's offers a wide range of men's and women's clothing and other souvenirs, so you can keep that famous Jost Van Dyke sunset with you for a long time.

An organic farm only a 10-minute drive away from Road Town, known all over the islands for their services to provide boat trips — both charter and private — with locally produced meat and fresh fruits and vegetables. They also offer garden walks regularly, where delicious bites as well as farmers' knowledge are shared.

Nutmeg & Co. is an unmissable stop on your souvenir hunt in Road Town. It has an excellent selection of locally designed and crafted products, from clothing to beauty products to edibles. An artistic as well as eco-friendly store that also houses paintings and other artworks capturing the lights and colours of the West Indies.

A multi-building shopping centre with a variety of shops, restaurants and other services right next to the cruise port. Clothing, gourmet market, souvenirs, car rental, cosmetics — this colourful, palm tree-dotted complex has something for everyone.

The British Virgin Islands enjoy a tropical climate with steady temperatures all year round. The hurricane season usually runs from June to November, the wettest months being September and October. The best months to visit are from late spring to early summer, when weather is the most enjoyable and crowds are not as large as during the winter months.

Nationals of most countries do not require a visa to enter the British Virgin Islands if their planned time of stay does not exceed 3 months. However, visitors are required to hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their date of leaving the country, and hold proof of onward and return flights as well as other documents required for the next destination. For complete information on entry requirements, please contact the BVI Tourism Board or the embassy or consulate in your country.

Taddy Bay International Airport (VIJ) is located just outside Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda, only 3.2 km away from the island’s most famed attraction, The Baths. Car rental options are available, as well as ferry services to Road Town, Beef Island, and Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The largest airport in the British Virgin Islands is Terrance B Lettsome International Airport (EIS), which is located on Beef Island around 12 km from Road Town. Landing passengers can choose from a range of taxi companies and inter-island ferry services to reach their final destination.

Unless you are exploring the islands on a private boat — or water taxi —, a popular way of island-hopping is to use the extensive network of ferry services, with offerings from multiple operators. Reservations within the BVI are not necessary but are required when travelling to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Road Town Ferry Terminal is a few hundred metres south of Tortola Cruise Ship Pier.

Medicure Pharmacy is a well-supplied pharmacy only a ten-minute walk from the Tortola Cruise Ship Pier. Their second location is on Virgin Gorda island, opposite the Yacht Harbour.

Cruise ships to the British Virgin Islands dock at the Tortola Cruise Ship Pier, not far from the heart of Road Town. The name of the cruise ship pier is practically synonymous with the adjacent Tortola Pier Park, which is a large entertainment centre with numerous shopping and dining facilities.