Is Tortola Worth Visiting (The Complete Guide to the Island)

Like other islands in the Caribbean, Tortola is definitely worth visiting. It is one of the British Virgin Island’s gems. No wonder it also has secluded and pristine beaches. Also, you can find a rugged green environment for exploration.
Is Tortola Worth Visiting
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To prepare yourselves more on what to expect on this island, here is a complete guide on the activities you can do and places to visit in Tortola!

What Is Tortola Like?

Tortola is the British Virgin Islands’ largest island. It offers a mountainous landscape that is ideal for hiking and nature exploration.

It is also considered one of the islands with the most delicate sandy coves and beaches. Its beaches are beautiful and perfect for various activities as a Caribbean island.

The island is an excellent destination for a summer escapade!

What Is Tortola Known for?

Tortola, an island in the Caribbean, is known for its diverse spice collection. You can find and buy spices here, such as scotch bonnet peppers and dried sorrel. The island also has cinnamon, thyme, and scallions. Tortola has a good climate for these spices, so it is a significant source of trade.

Aside from the spices, Tortola is also known for its beaches, like other islands in the Caribbean.

Is Tortola Good for Families?

Tortola is suitable for families. There are beach resorts, cottages, hotels, and private villas. You can choose the place you will stay with your family. Adults and teens can also enjoy the activities on the island’s beaches. This includes snorkeling and scuba diving.

Is Tortola Kid Friendly?

Tortola is kid-friendly. So, you don’t have to worry if you are going to bring them. You can swim, ride on boats, and go around the island with them.

Is Tortola a Safe Island to Visit for Tourists?

Tortola is a safe island to visit for tourists. Crimes are rare, so you do not have to worry about your safety — the island is extremely safe to visit.

Yet, it would be best if you would always be on guard. Be cautious and choose your accommodations wisely. Do not leave your things unattended, especially while doing some activities.

Is the Water Safe to Drink in Tortola?

Water in Tortola is safe to drink.  Desalinated saltwater, such as tap water, is safe to drink.

But if your accommodation advises you not to drink its water, it is safer to follow, and drink bottled water. This will help you avoid any further problems with your health.

Is Tortola Expensive to Visit?

It is pretty expensive to visit Tortola. It would be best to spend around $200 per day. Accommodations in hotels can be a bit pricey. However, you can always try the alternatives. You may stay in private rooms, studios, and cottages.

For food, you can buy it from restaurants in the capital, Road Town. These establishments offer inexpensive food but are still of the best quality.

How Much Is a Beer in Tortola?

In Tortola, beer costs around $2-$6. You can buy it anywhere on the island. You can find it in groceries and restaurants, which serve both draft and bottle options.

What to Do in Tortola

Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, has a lot to offer. Here is a list of things to do on the island that you might enjoy.

  • Explore Road Town’s bars, restaurants, and shops
  • Discover the native forest of Tortola
  • Learn about the island’s history through national parks
  • Feel the tranquility of the island’s botanical gardens
  • Enjoy the beaches through different activities
  • Discover the varied aquatic life of Tortola
  • Shop for spices

What Is There to Do in West End Tortola?

There are lots of things to do in West End Tortola. You can try the following:

  • Boarding luxury catamarans and yachts to discover different Caribbean destinations
  • Paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, surfboarding, and snorkeling
  • Experiencing world-class spas at Serenity Spa & Amara Spa and Driftwood Spa
  • Shopping at Soper’s Hole to buy Caribbean crafts

Are Tortola Beaches Nice?

Tortola beaches are excellent. This is something to expect on an island located in the Caribbean. Its beaches are wide, long, and sandy. Unless a cruise ship is docked, beaches are rarely crowded.

You will always have the chance to enjoy crystal clear water with different activities.

What Beaches Are There in Tortola?

As an island in the Caribbean, beaches surround Tortola. This includes Apple Bay, Smugglers Cove Beach, Josiah’s Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Little Thatch, and Long Bay Beach.

You can choose which to visit depending on the activities you want to do. You can swim, snorkel, eat, drink, surf, and enjoy Tortola’s beaches.

The best beaches that you can find in Tortola are on the northern coast – Cane Garden Bay and Long Bay Beach. Both beaches have crystal clear water and a silky strip of white sand. You can also find Apple Bay, which is perfect for surfers.

Does Tortola Have Good Snorkeling?

Tortola has good snorkeling. Like other islands on the British Virgin Islands, it has diverse marine life. Tortola’s waters have many corals, fishes, and even shipwrecks.

For the best snorkeling experience, you can visit Smugglers Cove Beach. It has shallow waters, which makes snorkeling easier, especially for beginners. The beach has snorkel rentals.

Brewer’s Bay, on its northeastern side, is a good spot for snorkeling on Smugglers Cove Beach.

How Do You Get Around in Tortola?

Taxis are an easy way to get around Tortola. There are two types of taxis on the island: open-air safari taxis and private taxis. They are abundant in Tortola, and the fares can be pretty expensive.

Scooter and bike rentals are two other options for getting around the island. You only have to be extra cautious because Tortola’s roads are more mountainous.

Do You Need a Car in Tortola?

To have a car in Tortola is a recommendation. You can reserve cars in advance. This is a need, especially in peak seasons when plenty of tourists are on the island.

Having a car is also a way to discover the island at your own pace. This will lessen the worry of being stranded in some spots.

What Side of the Road Do You Drive on in Tortola?

In Tortola, you drive on the left side of the road. Although the island’s roads are well-paved, they are narrow, curving, and poorly lit. There are also speed bumps.

Be extra careful when driving at night to avoid any road-related accidents.

How Much Do Taxis Cost in Tortola?

Taxis in Tortola costs around $5 – $60 depending on the place you are leaving from and your destination.

Do They Have Uber in Tortola?

They don’t have Uber in Tortola. Ride-share companies such as Uber do not operate in the British Virgin Islands.

Do Cruise Ships Stop at Tortola?

Cruise ships stop at Tortola. Caribbean cruises port at Road Town City on the island. From here, you can explore Tortola and its famous tourist spots.

Some cruise ships that stop in Tortola are the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and the Norwegian Breakaway.

Where Do Cruise Ships Port in Tortola?

Cruise ships port at the city of Road Town on Baughers Bay. This pier can handle two cruise ships at the same time.

Next to the cruise terminal is Tortola Pier Park. It is an approximately 80,000-square-foot (7432 sq m) complex.  Tortola Pier Park has 50 different shops and eateries that you can explore.

Is Tortola a Tender Port?

Tortola is a tender Port. Since the island has an extra terminal, it can now accommodate two ships simultaneously. Each boat can tender at least two vessels in front of the Road Town Jetty if it has more than two anchors.

What Is There to Do in Tortola Port?

Upon docking at Road Town, there are several things that you can do near Tortola cruise port. Such is strolling and experiencing the local food in restaurants, bars, and markets. You can also buy some authentic island crafts and souvenirs to bring to your family at home.

What Should I Bring to Tortola?

Even if it’s a day or two or a week of vacation in Tortola, bring the following on your trip!

  • swimwear which includes rash guard and bikini cover-up
  • day and night comfortable clothes
  • walking shoes and slippers
  • Skin essentials (mosquito repellant, sunscreen)
  • neck wallet for your cards, money, and IDs
  • camera or phone to capture memories (include your charger and waterproof phone case)
  • first aid kit in case of emergency

Can You Bring Food Into Tortola?

You can bring food into Tortola. The island allows bringing prepacked foods such as canned and dry goods. The island’s customs may check on your things. You do not have to worry as long as they are prepacked.

Food is not a problem in Tortola. If you are not bringing food in, grocery stores are available on the island.

What Should I Wear to Tortola?

When visiting Tortola, you should wear bright casual clothes. Those that are made of lightweight natural fabrics. The island is warm so it would be best to include these in your suitcase. Also, bring a sweater or jacket as it gets cold at night.

On beaches, bars, and hotel pools, wear your swimwear! And do not ever forget to put sunscreen or mosquito repellant on to protect your skin.

Should I Visit Tortola?

You should definitely visit Tortola! The island is more laid-back, mainly because of its beaches. It has clear waters that are perfect for every activity for children and adults. You can sail near islands such as Anegada, Virgin Goda, and Jost Van Dyke.

Tortola is one of the British Virgin Islands’ main islands, and you should not miss it!

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