Location
Tortola is the largest island of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The British Virgin Islands are located next to the US Virgin Islands, and easily accessible by plane or boat.
Tortola has many interesting historical sites including ruins of plantations, sugar mills, colonial forts, mines and even a 18th century rum distillery that is still in operation.
The capital of Tortola is Roadtown, which features many fine shops and art galleries mostly located on old Main Street which preserves its traditional Caribbean character. There are artisan fairs on new Main Street near the dock, as well as fine jewelers on Wickhams Cay. At the east end of the island, near Trellis Bay, you will find a group of artisan’s workshops featuring all sorts of local crafts.
Throughout the year there are many festivals, regattas, sailing races, concerts and exhibitions. Check www.bviwelcome.com for dates and times.
Getting Here
Arriving by Air
The British Virgin Islands are served by several airlines. Most flights to the Beef Island Airport (EIS) connect through San Juan Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas US Virgin Islands. However there are non-stop flights from Miami on American Airlines. To travel to Tortola from San Juan or St Thomas you can fly Seaborne Airlines, Liat, Cape Air, or Air BVI. There are also small charter planes available upon request.We will be happy to meet your flight.
Arriving by Sea
Taking the ferry from St. Thomas to Tortola is the shortest route to the Sunset House, not to mention being a romantic trip over Caribbean waters passing by other islands to arrive at the West End ferry terminal. There are two major ferry companies that service Tortola from St. Thomas;
Native Son – (284) 495-4617
Smith’s – (284) 495-4495
For additional information please consult BVIWelcome.com or Google BVI ferries for schedules. Since ferry schedules can change it is prudent to phone in advance. If you would prefer to take a private water taxi, please contact Carmen and she will be happy to make a reservation for you.
Let us know your arrival time and we will meet your ferry.
Around the Island
There are numerous car rental services on Tortola. Some of these are;
Denzyl Cline – (284) 495-4900
Jerry’s Car Rental – (284) 495-4111
There are also offices for Dollar Rent a Car, National and Avis.
Entry Requirements
A valid passport is required to enter the BVI whether you are arriving by air or sea.
Area Amenities
- CULTURE AND HISTORY
- DINING
- DIVING
- SHOPPING
- FISHING
- GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS
- SAILING AND BOATING
- TOURS
- WATER SPORTS
Things to Do
BASK ON THE MULTITUDE OF BEACHES TORTOLA OFFERS.
- Walk to Long Bay in under 5 minutes
- Short drive to Tranquil Smugglers Cove
- Exciting Cane Garden Bay, with many dining and shopping opportunities
SAIL THE HISTORIC VIRGIN ISLANDS.
SNORKEL AND DIVE THE BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL CORAL REEFS AND THE HISTORIC WRECKS OF THE BVI.
- Most notably the HMS Rhone, suitable for novice divers, interesting enough for the most experienced divers.
HIKE THE RAINFOREST TRAILS OF THE ISLAND PEAKS.
EXPLORE THE OTHER VIRGIN ISLANDS WITH THE DAILY FERRIES FROM WEST END AND ROAD TOWN.
- Jost Van Dyke and St. John offer a quick ferry ride to a day of adventure.
- Virgin Gorda offers the majesty of the Baths and the tranquility of Bitter End.
- St. Thomas offers a bounty of shopping and history in under an hour.