British Virgin Islands · Tortola

Activities on Tortola

What to Do

You thought you came here to relax. And you were right - relaxation is one of the number one activities here on the beautiful tropical island destination of Tortola. Lie back and sip a margarita while the warm trade winds gently caress your face. At last, you've found the precise feeling of comfort that you've been waiting for.

But Tortola is full of surprises as well. Here's one of them: despite the fact that it's full of exceptional white sandy beaches, endless turquoise water and countless stooping palm trees, you'll find an amazing selection of things to do that, well, just seems to never end.

What to Do on Tortola

The almost limitless fun to be had on the island of Tortola is actually quite incomprehensible to many. In fact, it's dazzling. Whether tromping through the lush green palm trees carpeting most of the island's land mass or exploring the sparkling tropical fish 20 feet below the water's surface, you'll find that Tortola quite agreeable.

Dedicated hikers will absolutely love the vast network of paths through the breathtaking Sage Mountain National Park. Most of the land is located above 1000 feet of elevation. Up here, there's a lot more rain, clouds and moisture, which means that beautiful species of plants such as the Manilkara bidentata and bullet wood species. You'll also find White Cedar and West Indies Mahogany-planted as part of an effort to restore land that had previously been cultivated.

Yet aside from extreme land sports such as mountain biking and hiking throughout the wild parks, the island of Tortola is home to a fascinating range of water sports recreation. Splash into Caribbean Sea whether windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, or just snorkeling about in the waves, Tortola is a dream destination.

Also take advantage of the amazing splendor that is to be experienced even further out at sea. Set sail on one of the amazing boating charters, whale watching tours or fishing charters that leave from Tortola, and discover the true amazement of the region.

Tortola's Music Scene

And don't forget the music. Oh no. That's because Tortola has one of the most happening scenes in all of the Caribbean. You may not encounter the most famous names here in Tortola - after all, it's not likely that the guy out on the street corner has signed with any big labels. But nevertheless, the authentic sound which comes out of the bars and hotels is unlike anything else. Indeed, it's pure island magic that springs forth from the makeshift instruments, exposing the pure soul and romantic innocence of the island native and people of slaves' descent.

One of the best places to start is at the hotels. That's because Tortola is the hotel capital of the British Virgin Islands, and luxury accommodations are highly valued by both hotel owners as well as their patrons.

It's for this reason that hotels everywhere are able to provide some of the best music and entertainment to be found throughout the island. Really, it's at the hotels that you'll finally get to hear that authentic sound of the Caribbean, the infinitely happy steel drum tinkle that's get move your dancing feet throughout the night and into the wee hours of the morning.

While various clubs serve as excellent venues for live music - but there's also something else that lights up the night. It's romance, and on Tortola there's a whole lot going around. It's hard to explain, perhaps it's something in the water, or just the particular angle of the moon as it glistens upon the Caribbean, but when you come to this vacation destination you really are likely to find love - or at least a very fortunate night spent out on the town, the beach or a steamy bungalow all night long.

For More Information

• Visit our BVI vacation Q & A discussion forum
• Tortola business directory
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See you on the Island, John "Big Hat" Walsh