Tortola Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and lush green hills, Tortola offers a picture-perfect setting for a dream vacation.

One of the highlights of Tortola is its stunning beaches. Cane Garden Bay is a must-visit destination, with its calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is lined with vibrant beach bars and restaurants, offering delicious local cuisine and refreshing cocktails. For a more secluded experience, head to Smuggler's Cove, a hidden gem tucked away on the island's western shore. Here, you can unwind on the quiet beach and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, Tortola boasts a rich cultural heritage. The island is dotted with historic sites and landmarks, providing a glimpse into its colonial past. Visit the ruins of Fort Burt, a 17th century fortress that offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. For a taste of local history, explore the Callwood Rum Distillery in Cane Garden Bay, where you can learn about the island's rum-making traditions and sample their famous spirits.

Nature lovers will find plenty to do in Tortola. Take a hike through Sage Mountain National Park, home to the highest peak in the British Virgin Islands. The park offers a network of trails that wind through lush rainforests, providing opportunities for birdwatching and breathtaking views of the island. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to the nearby island of Virgin Gorda and explore The Baths, a natural wonder formed by giant granite boulders, creating a series of secluded pools and grottoes.

Alternative names: Area: 21.51 mi²Maximum elevation: 1739 ftArchipelago: Virgin IslandsCoordinates: 18°24'41"N, 64°38'26"W

Location

Region: TortolaBritish Virgin Islands

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Tortola Top Attractions

Tortola Attractions - What to See and Explore

Tortola offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Nanny Cay, Mount Sage National Park, Fort Recovery, Cooper Bay ruin. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

18°24'0"N • 64°37'60"W
Nanny Cay
Nanny Cay is an island of the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It is made up of three cays originally known as Big Cay, Little Cay and Miss Peggy Cay.
Natural attraction • National park • Park
Mount Sage National Park
Mount Sage National Park is a protected area of the British Virgin Islands. It is named after the highest peak of the island of Tortola, Mount Sage.
Tower
Fort Recovery
Fort Recovery is a fort on the West End of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. In historical records, the fort is often referred to as Tower Fort, and the area around the fort is still referred to as "Towers" today. A hotel is now built around the Tower.

Ruins
Cooper Bay ruin
Cooper Bay ruin is a ruin in Cooper Bay, on the north side of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The ruin dates from the sugar plantation era, and was presumed abandoned during the economic collapse of the British Virgin Islands during the mid-19th century.
Ruins
Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte is a fort built on Harrigan's Hill, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The fort was named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who was the wife of King George III.
Ruins
Fort Purcell
Fort Purcell is a ruined fort near Pockwood Pond on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
Ruins
Cooten Bay ruin
The Cooten Bay ruin is a ruin in Cooten Bay, on the north side of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The ruin probably dates from the sugar plantation era, although the fortification of the property with cannon may suggest an earlier date.
Ruins
Larmer Bay ruin
Larmer Bay ruin is a ruin in Larmer Bay, on the north side of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The ruin dates from the sugar plantation era, and was presumed abandoned during the economic collapse of the British Virgin Islands during the mid-19th century.
Ruins
Mount Healthy windmill
Mount Healthy windmill is a ruined windmill on the north side of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. It was formerly used during the plantation era of the Territory to crush sugar cane.
Church
St. Phillip's Anglican Church
St. Phillip's Anglican Church, also known as the African Church, in the Kingstown area of Tortola in British Virgin Islands, was built in 1840 by a community of Africans who had been liberated from illegal slave ships.
18°24'46"N • 64°36'45"W
Wickams Cay
Wickams Cay and Little Wickam's Cay were former islands of the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. They were both located in Road Harbour, but due to reclamation of land projects in Tortola, Wickhams Cay now makes up part of Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands.
18°22'59"N • 64°41'57"W
Frenchman's Cay
Frenchman's Cay is an island of the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It is located 2 km southeast from Great Thatch and is located just east of Little Thatch by a distance of approximately 400 m.

Day trips

Tortola – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Tortola, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Baths (Virgin Gorda), St. William's Church (Road Town), The Moorings Marina (Road Town).

13 milesE
Beach, Geologic formation, Park
The Baths, Virgin Gorda
The Baths is a beach area on the island of Virgin Gorda among the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.
1.6 miNE
Church
St. William's Church, Road Town
The St. William's Church also alternatively called Catholic Church of St. William is a religious building that is affiliated with the Catholic Church and is located on the island of Tortola in the Main Street of the village of Road Town capital of the British Virgin Islands, a territory of the United Kingdom in the Lesser Antilles.
1.9 miNE
18°25'36"N • 64°36'56"W
The Moorings Marina, Road Town
Sailing, Scuba and snorkeling, Boat tours
2.4 miNE
Ruins
Fort George, Road Town
Fort George is a colonial fort which was erected on the northeast edge of Road Town, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands above Baugher's Bay. The site is now a ruin.
29 milesNE
Island
Anegada
Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, a group of islands that form part of the archipelago of the Virgin Islands. It lies approximately 15 miles north of Virgin Gorda.

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Best Time To Visit Tortola

Learn when is the best time to travel to Tortola weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Tortola?

The top attractions to visit in Tortola are: