If you are looking for a quieter scene, Brewers Bay is just north of Cane Garden Bay. There is no taxi stand at this beach so youll have to arrange a pickup time with your taxi driver. Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay are the two most recommended beaches on Tortola. It offers tours and tastings for a nominal fee. This island bar is well-known for its live music and beach parties. The laid-back atmosphere is kid-friendly and its very common to see families spending their day between splashing around in the wateror hanging out at the bar. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The Tortola BVI cruise port is known for Cane Garden Bay Beach, Dolphin Discovery and the Baths at Virgin Gorda. Theres a beach bar for some refreshments and snacks. Many reviewers have said though that the roadto the Smugglers Cove is one of the worst in the Caribbean. At White Bay Beach, you will find soft white sand, turquoise waters, and the famous Soggy Dollar Bar. The ruins are intact and are the oldest historical landmark in Tortola. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. Its very steep and narrow but it will be worth it once you see the powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters and colorful sea life parrotfish, brain corals and more. Tortola is a port of call on Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries. Again, water shoes are highly recommended for anyone visiting Virgin Gorda. Once in Spanishtown, taxis are available for a short ride to the Baths. The Baths on Virgin Gordas north shore is acollection of immense granite boulders which have formed over hundreds of years and have created caves, grottoes and sheltered sea pools. Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Site Map Most cruise ships spend less than 8 hours in Tortola with many leaving before 3:30 PM you may only have time for one attraction or activity. Your email address will not be published. The capital of the British Virgin Islands is Road Town, located on the island of Tortola. The Spring Bay Beach, located right next to The Baths, is a smaller but less popular beach, with enough boulders to make the landscape interesting. As on Overseas British Territory, cars drive on the left in the British Virgin Islands; however, most vehicles are left-hand drive. Smugglers Cove Known for its tranquility, this quiet beach is a favorite with locals and snorkelers. You will also find some of the loveliest and least crowded beaches in the Caribbean. 3.70), Three course meal for 2 people in a mid-range restaurant = 55.00 $ (approx. The Original Virgin Canopy Tour is located a short ride outside of Roadtown at the top of Johnsons Ghut.

The tropical island of Tortola forms part of the archipelago that makes up the British Virgin Islands. It lies only 5 miles in the northwest direction. The best times to visit Tortola are March and April are for a combination of warm temperatures and low risk of rain. Most cruise lines offer excursions to this national park and wed highly recommend booking it if youre looking for a unique one-of-a-kind Caribbean experience. Ferry docks are located in Road Town (Central Tortola), Sopers Hole (West End) and Beef Island (East End). The ferry is about a 10 minute walk to the left from the cruise pier in Roadtown, (Speedys and Smiths) and offers trips over to Virgin Gorda every couple hours. And make sure you try the banana smoothie at the cafe after your hike reviewers rave about it! From rum cocktails at one of Tortola's many beachside shacks to a glass of wine at a rooftop bar, this island has it all. The Soggy Dollar, a famous swim up bar and legendary creator of the Painkiller, is located on White Bay. One of the last true rum distilleries in the British Virgin Islands, Callwood Distillery is both historic and fun. Not only will they be able to get into the water with the friendly dolphins but theyll also learn a lot about them and their conservation. It also attracts swimmers, windsurfers and local residents. Tortola has several major beaches near the cruise port, although they require transportation to reach them. The Baths at Virgin Gorda This is one of the most visited spots in the British Virgin Islands and for good reason. Located only 22 miles from St. Thomas, Tortola is the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands. From Tortola, cruise lines often offer a shuttle to Virgin Gorda. The 9 Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port in 2019, 10 Essential Tips for Planning a Holiday Cruise in 2019, Our Top 15 First Time Cruise Tips in 2019, Complete Caribbean Cruise Packing Guide (2021), Virgin Voyages Restaurant Guide with MENUS, Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Guide (2022), Virgin Voyages Drops COVID Testing Requirements, Discovery Princess Restaurant Guide With Menus, Complete Guide to Holland America Line Drink Packages, Everything You Need to Know About Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea, Complete Wonder of the Seas Dining Guide with Restaurant Menus. After spending the day in Jost Van Dyke, you may never want to leave! Book your Tortola excursions today and be ready to explore Torotola when your cruise ship docks. March and December are the most popular months for tourists to visit. See a historic century-old prison, catch scenic views from Fahie Hill and Sage Mountain and more on this cultural tour near Romney-Pier Park. Cruisers will need totake a taxi, car or ferryto get to them. Passport Requirements for British Virgin Islands, Tortola BVI Taxi Rates for Cruise Visitors, Baths at Virgin Gorda Shore Excursion Tips, BVI is known as a sailing paradise.

Jost Van Dyke is easy to reach from Tortola by ferry. Credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons, Cruise ships dock at Road Town on Tortola island, Top attractions include a Dolphin Discovery. However, it is also a starting point for trips out to neighboring BVIs including Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Norman Island. The structure is over 80,000 square feet, is nestled within the towns administrative building, and contains over 50 shops and restaurants. It offers plenty of sand, sun, and generally calm waters at no cost. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What forms of payment is best when souvenir shopping and the local restaurants? Here, you will have amazing views as you soar over the rainforest canopy. Sage Mountain National Park If youre looking for a break from the sun and surf, head to Sage Mountain National Park for a day of hiking. Skyworld is a restaurant that sits above Roadtown high up in the hills (off Ridge Road). Although touring Tortola itself is a popular activity for cruise visitors, the countrys 21 national parks are a big draw for anyone who likes beaches, hiking, tropical forests, bird sanctuaries and shipwrecks. Brewers Bay If youre looking for a day at the beach that is a quieter than Cane Garden Bay, then Brewers Bay is the perfect spot. Rising to 1,709 feet at its highest point and famed for its rugged volcanic landscape, Tortola has proved difficult to develop as a major tourist haunt, and so has preserved its charm. But Main Street is the place to go for the biggest concentration of shopping and dining. Car If youd prefer to rent a car for the day, youll need a BVI license which costs $10 and proof of a valid drivers license. Drop us an anchor below to tell us your Best Things to Do in Tortola on a Cruise. Driving is on the left side of the road in Tortola. Weather is slightly cooler than the nearby St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which lie a bit to the southwest. Most cruisers will agree that a visit to Tortola would not be complete without exploring the Baths at Virgin Gorda. There are plenty of amenities at Cane Garden Bay including several beach bars and restaurants, chair rentals (at Myetts, among others), and water sport rentals sure to please cruisers of all ages. Youll end up at Devils Bay Beach where you can spend the rest of the day swimming or snorkeling. It too offers a great sandy beach, Nicoles beach bar where chair rentals are available, and great snorkeling. Be sure to visit the cafe/gift shop beforehand for directions and a map as the trail isnt marked very well. After passing through the Tortola Pier Park (located next to the terminal), travel by ferry between the other BVIs or spend time enjoying the beaches and bays of Tortola Island. If you head west on the island, Long Bay Beach is another popular cruiser destination as is Smugglers Cove. These excursions cost about $50 per person. British VI Tourist Board, Cane Garden beach. Looking for more info on Caribbean Ports of Call? Tipping is discretionary and should reflect the service you have received, though a service charge of 10% is typically added to your bill in restaurants. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. This clean, white-sand beach is definitely less developed than Cane Garden Bay with fewer amenities. Several excursions offer sightseeing trips around the island that may include a beach stop. At the entrance of the park, there is also the Mountain View Restaurant to refuel after a long day of outdoor activity. At Cane Garden Bay you can tuck into a barbecued freshly caught fish; snorkellers will find the most eye-boggling marine life at Lower Belmont Bay, while those who enjoy a walk can stroll through the rainforest at Mount Sage National Park. Tortola is also considered the yachting capital of the Caribbean. Road Town is small enough that cruise visitors can reach most of the shops, restaurants and attractions on foot. The reefs at Smugglers Cove make it dangerous for boats to dock so you definitely wont see the day-trip crowds youd see at the beaches mentioned above. Rates are standard, but be sure to ask for the rate before getting into the cab. If your entire family is participating in a Dolphin Swim activity, be prepared to pay for individual photos or a photo package asno cameras or phones are allowed in the water. This combination of natural beauty makes the island of Tortola a traveler's paradise, where you can experience dolphin encounters and sail on a pirate-style ship. This experience is showcased by Viator and has met our quality standards. The Caribbean has always been a magnet for people seeking sunshine and smiles. December and April through July are a little more wet. Have you visited the British Virgin Island of Tortola?

Explore historic Road Town, a bustling city with British influence, upon docking at the British Virgin Islands Cruise Port, before taking short ferry rides to enjoy The Baths on Virgin Gorda, the bars on Jost Van Dyke, and the coral reefs off Anegada. If you want to get back to nature, then head over to Sage Mountain National Park. Theres a bar, Italian restaurant and restrooms as well. Tortola is a mountainous island spanning 12 miles (19 km) long and 3.1 miles (5 km) wide. amzn_assoc_linkid = "bd63041f5150b35ae0dab995f774903a"; Home Cruise Tips Best Things to Do in Tortola on a Cruise (2021). The Devils Bay Trail guides visitors through the boulders to Devils Bay, where you can enjoy some snorkeling or just relax on the beautiful beach. English is the official language of the British Virgin Islands, although Caribbean patois is also widely spoken.

It has an observation deck that offers panoramic views of Tortola and other neighboring islands. Tortola's coffee shops are relaxed affairs, often family-run businesses which also offer delicious pastries.

Beach chairs are available for rent and there are plenty of palm trees for shade. Posted taxi rates show one way is $24 per person, $12 each for two people and $8 each for three or more people. Welcome Aboard! Starting prices for Discovery Dolphin excursions are $100 to $150 per person, depending on the program, with discounts for children. Travel to Virgin Gorda can be done via an organized shore excursion or on your own by simply taking the approximately 30 minute ferry ride to Spanishtown. Attractions near British Virgin Islands Cruise Port: J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens Tours & Tickets, British Virgin Islands Cruise Port Tours & Tickets, How to Spend 3 Days in the British Virgin Islands. Visit our Port Guides page to check them out. Cruisers visiting Tortola for the day will find taxis for rent at the ferry docks in Road Town.

Get forecasts each morning for every major island. It is a 25-minute drive from Road Town on the east side of Tortola near Callwood Rum Distillery. Smaller ships sometimes dock at neighboring islands, but the Road Town port is the biggest and most frequented in the BVIs. Taxis and Open Air Safaris Safari cabs and taxivans is by far the most popular way to get around Tortola when visiting for the day. An approximately 30 minute ferry ride from Tortola (West End) as well as private tours are available to shuttle tourists to this island paradise. Visitors can climb and swim through the giant boulders scattered along the bay by an ancient volcano eruption. Walking There are several shops and dining establishments around the cruise pier (including those at Tortola Pier Park) howevermost of the popularattractions and activitiesare not within walking distance. Rates are subject to change at any time. The lovely and relaxing Tortola Island is the largest and most populated island within the entire British Virgin Islands archipelago. Anegada Island is a so-called drowned island in Road Town that is surrounded by shallow reefs. Most cruise ships dockin Road Town the capital of Tortola. Major credit cards are accepted in most but not all establishments. Tortola, the largest of all the British Virgin Islands, is comprised of beautiful blue waters, sandy beaches, and rocky mountains. The ferry will drop you off in Great Harbor which is a 5 minute walk to the lively Foxys Bar. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Quickly access bookings. Burt was originally built on a hill overlooking the harbor to defend the town. This interactive dolphin program gives children and adults alike the opportunity to kiss, hug, and swim with a dolphin. Find tickets & tours worldwide. The many beaches along Tortolas Road Town are popular among tourists, but arent as busy as the ones found on other Caribbean islands because the municipality doesnt advertise, and is therefore far less commercialized.

amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lecruki-20"; Fort Recovery was built in the 1640s as a military gun post. Good morning -Good Mahning"Good Mah-ning", I dont understand -Me'en know"Me-en know". amzn_assoc_asins = "B00KR9OQGS,B014VBIEZQ,B00MRZIFD0,B0194WDVHI,B00RZV7WKS,B01N6DC2ZE,B009ZB17W0,B007XTLO0G,B01GKZNWTO,B07GC4V65T"; For You to Know: Lets Cruise Kids participates in several affiliate programs including Amazon Associates. What are the nearest attractions to British Virgin Islands Cruise Port? The Road Town cruise terminal has a complex of shops and restaurants. This park has 12 trials forming a circular route through the forest and is mostly an easy hike, offering breathtaking views of neighboring BVIs and plenty of flora and fauna to admire including mahogany trees, elephant ear vines, and tropical birds.

Located on Tortolas northern shore, this oasis is bordered by beautiful reefs and is another fine spot for swimming and snorkeling. Below are 4of the most frequented beaches in Tortola by families with kids: Cane Garden Bay Cane Garden Bay is located on the northwestern edge of Tortola and is the most popular beach for visitors.