Tortola

Widely known as the largest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is a charming little Island 55 square miles across, with a population of about 24,000. Year after year, thousands flock to town at the height of summer to delight in the open beaches, history, charming architecture, and BVI sailboat charters.

Caribbean Sailing Vacations and cruise ships are the city’s biggest sources of tourism and business, and the economy of the Island is woven around both industries. Attractions range from cheap and easily accessible to premium and expensive. Whether you’re thinking about Tortola sailing charters, sightseeing, snorkeling and cave diving, or good food, you’ll find plenty of options in your price range.

The Beaches of Tortola

The Beaches of Tortola are scattered throughout Road Town and towns in Tortola, each boasting of a unique personality and experience. Where there are beaches, Marinas and water activities are not far behind.

Smuggler’s Cove is tucked away at the very end of west Tortola, and it's a popular traveler's haven for fun and privacy. It is also a great spot for snorkeling.

Cane Garden Bay is one of the busiest beaches in Tortola. Cruise trips touchdown by the anchorages, and it’s a great spot to start sailing Tortola. It’s also walking distance to Callwood’s Rum Distillery, the oldest distillery in the British Virgin Islands.

Long Bay Beach is a far-removed rocky beach with one trail leading to and away from it. It’s perfect for Tortola Catamaran day trips and private getaways. Apple Bay feels similar to Long Bay in many respects. Located in a rural fishing village, its blue waters are perfect for surfing and snorkeling. Small resorts and restaurants also dot its shoreline.

Brewer’s bay is to the north of the island and is protected by large hill formations that deepen into barrier reefs. It’s a famous spot for Tortola Yacht charters, Tortola catamaran rentals, snorkeling, and private aquatic tours. Josiah’s Bay has a similar rock formation but stretches half a mile and has no reefs.

Nanny Cay has the rustic feel of a small village beach but is surrounded by local restaurants and attractions, and is a stone's throw away from the local Marina.

Marinas of Tortola

Tortola's Marinas are the heart and soul of the sailing community, and there are four famous ones on the Island.

Village Cay Marina has 106 Berthing slips and 40 Finger piers. It’s a great location for BVI Yacht charters and Tortola Sailing charters and rents out gear for snorkeling, kayaking, etc. Hodges Creek Marina and Morrings Marina are located at Eastend and Road Town respectively, and offer largely the same services. You can rent equipment, buy sailing essentials, and look for Caribbean Yacht charters and BVI catamaran charters.

Many Caribbean catamaran charters companies are based out of the buildings surrounding the Marinas and provide hired skippers, sailing lessons, and guided trips, along with Tortola catamaran rental services.

Saper’s Hole is on the west end of the Island and is a relatively cheap and safe spot to set down the anchor of your Tortola sailing charters.

Things to do on the Island

Roadtown and the smaller towns surrounding it are rich with history and life, inviting travelers to explore and discover its secrets. The Island has a little bit of something for every class of visitors.

Diving resorts, water sports centers, and the Rhone National Marine Park are open to thrill-seekers who want to explore the reefs, underwater caves, and bays of Tortola. Rhone water park was built around the HMS Rhone, a popular mail ship that sunk to the bottom of the ocean during the hurricane in 1867.

Mountain Sage and the surrounding peaks are the highest point in Tortola and are a paradise for hikers. There are canopy jungle tours and ziplines that take you from the highest point in the city to the lowest.

The resorts, restaurants, and bars bring you closer to the soul of the city: the people. Participate in celebrations, cultural functions, and party like only the Tortolans can.

Weather on the Island

The weather remains fairly even year-round in Tortola, and the temperature hovers around 80 degrees even during winter. The coldest months of the year are January to April, where the temperate averages around 77 degrees. June to October sees temperatures in the early 80s. It’s never a bad time to book a Tortola Catamaran rental and travel down to the Peninsula.

August to November is hurricane season and are the wettest months of the year. You can still rent a Tortola sailboat charter and tour the Island, just make sure you check the weather before traveling down.

Making the Trip

A lot of thought goes into planning your trip to Tortola. You can travel there by ferry, cruise ship, or touch down at a nearby international airport. Before you make your trip to Roadtown and see the rest of Tortola, take the time to look for and book a catamaran rental or Yacht rental.

Also, look into resorts and accommodations. It will save you a lot of time and is usually cheaper than booking on site. With a solid plan in place and a diverse itinerary, Tortola will be every bit as exciting as you hope it will be.