The primary tourist destination of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Tortola rests in a sheltered harbor like a submerged rocky mountain. Just 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, the island’s rugged mountain peaks dominate the southern coast of the island, while sandy beaches form the northern coastline. The island is so mountainous that the closest airstrip was built on nearby Beef Island, connected to Tortola by a bridge. Scenic views converge upon the senses from the heights of mountain roads.
Like much of the Caribbean, Tortola (translated “Turtle Dove”) was first inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indians, and then settled by the Dutch and English who introduced sugar cane and slavery. Fueled by locally-grown sugar, an original distillery still produces rum in Cane Garden Bay, welcoming visitors from around the world.
Today, the Tortola life is unhurried and pleasant, gently caressed by year-round trade winds that create a welcoming haven for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Proximity to nearby islands offers the chance to jaunt between them just for fun. The island is home to the annual Highland Spring HIHO Windsurfing and Sailing Adventure, where competing windsurfers race from one island to the next and back again over a span of 150 miles.
To get to Tortola from the U.S. or Canada, travelers can first fly to San Juan, book a flight to St. Thomas, and then board a ferry. Travelers can also fly to Beef Island at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport, which then connects to eastern Tortola by bridge.
Departure Tax
US$10 by air; US$5 by boat; and US$7 by cruise ship.
Tortola and the rest of the British Virgin Islands enjoy the breezes of the trade winds, with a warm, tropical climate year round. Winter temperatures range between 72°F and 82°F; summer is warmer at 79°F to 89°F. September through November are the wettest months due to the rainy season.
Area code: 284 (from the US, dial 1 plus area code plus seven digits). Most of the larger hotels handle direct international dialing; for local calls, Tortola uses a seven-digit system similar to that in the US. Phone cards are an excellent alternative, and can be purchased in local stores.
U.S. dollar. Most hotels, restaurants, and other businesses accept major credit cards. Checks and traveler’s checks are assessed a ten-cent stamp duty. ATMs can be found in Road Town.
Meals
- Low-end: US$5-15
- Middle: US$15-30
- High: US$30-40
- Gourmet: US$40+
Lodging
- Low-end: US$50-100
- Middle: US$100-250
- High: US$250-400
- Deluxe: US$400+
Passport & Visa
A passport is required for U.S. and Canadian citizens. Visas are required for citizens of certain countries. Travelers can stay up to six months with proof of return ticket or boat charter, evidence of financial means, and proof of prearranged lodging.
Tortola operates on a 110V/60Hz cycle electric current.
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for all visitors.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for those who may make intimate contact with local residents, especially for stays longer than 6 months.
- Routine Immunizations: All visitors should have up-to-date tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and varicella immunizations.
Official language: English
Common sense is always the rule in this otherwise safe and quiet island. Valuables should be kept in a hotel safe and not left in plain view. Rental car doors should be locked, and valuables tucked out of sight.
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -4 hours
Hotels will add a 7% tax plus a service charge of 10%. Tipping is not a formal custom, but a 10% tip for good service is always welcome.
