Tortola
Country: British Virgin Islands · Region: Eastern Caribbean · Currency: US Dollar
Tortola is the capital island of the British Virgin Islands with Road Town as its main port city. Cruise ships dock at a large pier near Road Town's inner harbor with easy walking access to town and spectacular white-sand beaches along the north shore.
Top sights
Cane Garden Bay, Brewer's Bay, Mount Sage National Park, The Dungeon, African Church, Callwood Rum Distillery
Things to do
- Callwood Rum Distillery
- A historic rum manufacturer located in Cane Garden Bay offering tours and tastings.
- Mount Sage National Park
- Features hiking trails to the tallest mountain in the US and British Virgin Islands with remnants of primary rain forest near the peak.
- Joseph Reynold O'Neal Botanic Gardens
- Beautiful gardens with a great representation of the islands' vegetation.
- BVI Scuba Co
- Located at the Inner Harbour across from the cruise ship terminal, offering daily scuba diving trips, snorkeling, eco-tours, and access to over 40 dive sites.
Beaches
- Cane Garden Bay
- The most popular and touristy beach with nearly 3/4 mile of white sand, five restaurants, one bar, two vendors, and live music, but crowded when cruise ships are in port.
- Brewer's Bay
- The only non-white sand beach on the island with excellent snorkeling opportunities and a dark gold sand.
Where to eat
- Sugar Mill
- A fine dining restaurant located at Apple Bay.
- The Grape Tree
- A casual beach bar at Josiah's Bay offering excellent food at moderate prices.
Bars and nightlife
- Bomba Shack
- A main party site at Apple Bay known for hosting the island's full moon parties.
Forecast for Tortola
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Weather in Tortola by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F | 33°F | 1.7 in | 7 |
| February | 55°F | 35°F | 1.3 in | 6 |
| March | 59°F | 39°F | 2.6 in | 10 |
| April | 65°F | 43°F | 2.6 in | 11 |
| May | 74°F | 50°F | 1.5 in | 7 |
| June | 83°F | 59°F | 1.2 in | 6 |
| July | 92°F | 66°F | 0.3 in | 2 |
| August | 91°F | 65°F | 0.4 in | 3 |
| September | 79°F | 57°F | 1.8 in | 6 |
| October | 69°F | 50°F | 3.1 in | 9 |
| November | 57°F | 41°F | 2.0 in | 9 |
| December | 52°F | 36°F | 1.7 in | 6 |
Getting around
From the cruise pier, walk into Road Town town center, or use taxis (abundant and regulated), car rentals, or organized taxi tours to explore the island.
What to eat
Local dining ranges from casual beach bars like The Grape Tree and Quito's at Josiah's Bay to fine dining at Sugar Mill in Apple Bay, with fresh fish frys on Fridays.
Tips
Visit beaches early to secure a good spot before cruise ship crowds and beach chair vendors arrive, especially at popular Cane Garden Bay.
Best for
Beaches, snorkeling, sailing, diving
More ports in Eastern Caribbean
Antigua · San Juan · St. Barts · St. Croix · St. Kitts · St. Maarten · St. Thomas