For those who’re excited about exploring the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is without doubt one of the greatest locations to start out your journey. The most important and most populated of the archipelago’s 4 primary islands, it is the proper jumping-off level for additional Caribbean pursuits to Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and the 60 smaller islands that make up the BVI. 

Following the devastation brought on by Hurricane Irma in 2017, Tortola skilled a protracted journey of repairing and rebuilding. Previously few years, nonetheless, it has welcomed again guests seeking the island’s white sand, clear waters, and plush panorama. “Tortola gives a serene escape from the hustle and bustle; [it’s] a vacation spot the place you possibly can reconnect with your self and nature and simply expertise the which means of true island dwelling,” says Cassandra Quirk, the director of selling and public relations at Lengthy Bay Seashore Resort. Though island holidays typically conjure up photographs of seaside chairs and hours-long lounging classes, you’ll need to depart room in your journey itinerary for Tortola’s hottest actions, together with climbing, snorkeling, rum tasting, and visiting the British Virgin Islands’ first-ever nationwide park. 

A few different issues to notice: Highway City, the capital of the BVI, is situated within the heart of Tortola’s south coast, and it’s an excellent cease for boat chartering, buying, and admiring the arrival cruise ships. As Tortola is a British Abroad Territory, vehicles drive on the left facet of the street and US residents want a passport to enter; the island’s foreign money, nonetheless, is the US greenback.

Learn on to find extra ideas for visiting Tortola, together with the place to remain, the place to eat, and what to do, in accordance with native specialists.

Finest Inns and Resorts on Tortola

Lengthy Bay Seashore Resort

“One of the best lodging will depend on your price range,” says Karl Burnett, a Tortola-based information for ToursByLocals, who notes that Lengthy Bay Seashore Resort is a “beautiful possibility.” Positioned on a mile-long white-sand seaside, the resort is the epitome of island paradise. Its ethereal rooms, suites, and spacious Seashore Home — set on a stunning non-public seaside — are outfitted with air-con, Wi-Fi, and regionally made tub merchandise. 

The Sugar Mill Lodge

Historical past meets luxurious at The Sugar Mill Lodge, a 24-guest room property made up of eight buildings surrounding a stone-built, 400-year-old former sugar mill. Visitors can spend their days snorkeling, studying within the apple-shaped cabanas, having fun with meals from the lodge’s two eating places, The Sugar Mill and Tramonti, and sipping cocktails at one of many three on-site bars.

Wyndham Tortola BVI Lambert Seashore Resort

Burnett additionally recommends the Wyndham Tortola BVI Lambert Seashore Resort, which boasts “one of many greatest freshwater swimming pools within the British Virgin Islands.” The 14.4-acre distant property has a spa, a swim-up bar, 38 pet-friendly rooms and suites, and a Caribbean-Mediterranean restaurant, The Turtle. 

The Aerial, BVI

The Aerial, BVI sits on a personal island south of Tortola, only a quick boat trip away. Apart from its unique location, there are a number of different components that set the 17-room all-inclusive retreat other than different lodging within the BVI. Sure, there’s an oceanfront infinity pool and picturesque white-sand seaside, however the resort additionally supplies its visitors with a particular mix of wellness with sound baths, bespoke massages, thoughtfully curated menus (developed with out refined sugars, meals colorings, or preservatives), yoga courses, and extra. 

Associated: This All-inclusive Non-public Island within the Caribbean Is One of many Most Lovely Locations I’ve Ever Been — and It Simply Obtained Simpler to Go to

Finest Issues to Do on Tortola 

Tour Callwood Rum Distillery. 

“I extremely advocate taking a guided tour of Callwood Rum Distillery for a novel glimpse into Tortola’s historical past. Working because the island’s plantation period, the distillery supplies an insightful look into the previous,” says Burnett. The Callwood household has been distilling rum for greater than two centuries, however the distillery itself has been producing rum for greater than 400 years. Guests can cease by, pattern rum, and buy a bottle or two to take residence.

Go climbing in Sage Mountain Nationwide Park.

The primary nationwide park within the BVI, Sage Mountain Nationwide Park is extremely targeted on plant conservation and scientific analysis. The park additionally comprises 12 looped trails and the very best level within the Virgin Islands; Sage Mountain rises to 1,710 ft, granting guests gorgeous panoramic views of the island’s environment. 

Sail, snorkel, or swim in Tortola’s clear waters. 

“Exploring the shoreline on a catamaran or chartering your non-public boat lets you uncover hidden coves, pristine seashores, and vibrant marine life. It is an unforgettable expertise that captures the essence of the Caribbean,” says Quirk. For those who don’t have your sea legs fairly but, you possibly can nonetheless enterprise to Brewers Bay or Smuggler’s Cove for loads of swimming and snorkeling. 

Go to Jenesis Studios.

Jenesis Studios “is the one website left on Tortola that preserves and showcases life within the Virgin Islands pre-Nineteen Sixties,” says Burnett. Artist Reuben Vanterpool heads up the museum, backyard, and artwork workshop — which reopened in 2019 following 2017’s hurricane injury — and “supplies an insightful look into the island’s wealthy historical past,” in accordance with Burnett.

Finest Eating places on Tortola 

D’Coalpot BVI Restaurant Bar & Grill

Whereas visiting Tortola, “you will need to make sure you attempt our nationwide dish, fungi and fish,” says Burnett. He explains that “the ‘fungi’ is a mix of cornmeal, onions, peppers, and okra,” and also you’ll discover it on the menus of many eating places that serve conventional native dishes. One in all his favourite spots to order the fungi is D’Coalpot BVI Restaurant Bar & Grill in Carrot Bay. His different fungi suggestions embody Sappy’s, Stone Haven, and Matcha’s.

Brandywine Property Restaurant

Brandywine Property Restaurant pairs Mediterranean delicacies with glorious Caribbean views. So whereas visitors take pleasure in dishes like sauteed octopus, tuna tartare, and crispy fried whitebait, they will take within the complimentary sea breezes and gorgeous surroundings from the restaurant’s place overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel. 

Pink Rock Restaurant & Bar

“When in Tortola, sampling recent seafood is a should. Head to a neighborhood beachside restaurant and take pleasure in dishes like conch fritters, grilled lobster, or mahi-mahi. The seafood right here is as recent because it will get, typically caught the identical day it is served,” says Quirk. Pink Rock Restaurant & Bar checks all of these bins — or, for one thing extra informal, there’s Sebastian’s on the Seashore or Patricia’s Seashore Bar at Smuggler’s Cove. 

Finest Procuring on Tortola 

Crafts Alive Village

For a “distinctive buying expertise,” Quirk recommends the Crafts Alive Village in Highway City. Right here, you’ll discover a “vibrant market the place native artisans show their craftsmanship.” She provides that “it is the proper place to select up souvenirs like handmade jewellery, pottery, paintings, and conventional Caribbean spices.”

Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park

Your selections are huge at Tortola Pier Park. The out of doors shopping center options 70 completely different retail shops promoting jewellery, clothes, footwear, and the whole lot in between. Honest warning: You’re prone to run into cruise ship crowds, so time your go to accordingly.  

Finest Occasions to Go to Tortola 

Temperatures in Tortola constantly attain the excessive 70s and low 80s all yr spherical, however vacationers ought to take into account avoiding the rain and hurricane seasons. December via April is named the dry season — and tends to be a well-liked time to go to; tropical methods come up extra continuously from August via October. “June is one of the best time to go to as the primary vacationer season is beginning to taper off upfront of hurricane season, so vacationer crowds are a lot smaller,” says Burnett, who notes that the waters are “extra clear, calm, and heat” throughout this time of yr. 

Associated: The Finest Occasions to Go to the Caribbean for Lovely Climate, Fewer Crowds, and Decrease Costs

Get There

For those who’re touring from america, you might have just a few completely different route choices to get to Tortola. In June 2023, American Airways began its inaugural flight service between Terrance B. Lettsome Worldwide Airport (EIS) — situated on Beef Island and related to Tortola by bridge — and Miami Worldwide Airport. Vacationers also can fly into San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín Worldwide Airport (SJU) or Cyril E. King Worldwide Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, then take one other quick flight to EIS by way of Air Sunshine or Cape Air. These flying into St. Thomas also can take the ferry to Tortola; the journey takes round 1 hour, and route choices and timetables could be discovered right here. 

Get Round

“The easiest way to discover Tortola is by driving across the island,” says Burnett. Quirk echoes his sentiment, including: “The island is a patchwork of emerald hills and valleys, adorned with tropical flora. The drive gives breathtaking vistas of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands. It is a serene journey that showcases the island’s pure magnificence.” Vacationers can lease vehicles via Itgo, Denzil Clyne, Avis, or Nationwide. Taxis are an possibility as effectively, however a rental automotive is critical if you happen to’re staying exterior of Highway City otherwise you need to discover by yourself. Keep in mind: Drive on the left, and navigate the steep, twisting roads fastidiously.