In the event you’re serious about exploring the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is without doubt one of the greatest locations to start out your journey. The biggest and most populated of the archipelago’s 4 primary islands, it’s the right 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. Up to now few years, nonetheless, it has welcomed again guests looking for the island’s white sand, clear waters, and luxurious panorama. Though island holidays typically conjure up photos of seashore chairs and hours-long lounging periods, you’ll need to depart room in your journey itinerary for Tortola’s hottest actions, together with mountain 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 positioned within the heart of Tortola’s south coast, and it’s a very good cease for boat chartering, procuring, and admiring the arrival cruise ships. As Tortola is a British Abroad Territory, vehicles drive on the left facet of the highway and US residents want a passport to enter; the island’s forex, nonetheless, is the US greenback.
Tour Callwood Rum Distillery
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 house.
Go mountain climbing in Sage Mountain Nationwide Park.
Go mountain climbing in Sage Mountain Nationwide Park
The primary nationwide park within the BVI, Sage Mountain Nationwide Park is extremely centered on plant conservation and scientific analysis. The park additionally accommodates 12 looped trails and the 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 personal boat lets you uncover hidden coves, pristine seashores, and vibrant marine life. It’s an unforgettable expertise that captures the essence of the Caribbean,” says Quirk. In the event you 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 web site left on Tortola that preserves and showcases life within the Virgin Islands pre-Sixties,” says Burnett. Artist Reuben Vanterpool heads up the museum, backyard, and artwork workshop — which reopened in 2019 following 2017’s hurricane harm — and “gives an insightful look into the island’s wealthy historical past,” in response to Burnett.
Finest Occasions to Go to Tortola
Temperatures in Tortola constantly attain the excessive 70s and low 80s all 12 months spherical, however vacationers ought to contemplate avoiding the rain and hurricane seasons. December by way of April is named the dry season — and tends to be a preferred time to go to; tropical methods come up extra continuously from August by way of October.
