British Virgin Islands · Tortola

Tortola's Attractions & Sights

What to See on Tortola

When visiting the Caribbean, there's often little more a traveler comes for than the amazing tropical beauty of the ubiquitous white sandy beaches-and endless blue waters stretching out into the great beyond. Many happy vacationers come to Tortola seeking very little more than simple relaxation in the tropics.

They seek time away from the office, rest, sunbathing and maybe a dip in the cool water from time to time.

But then something odd happens. Upon sailing out to this secluded island destination, travelers begin to wake up. They experience a day, a night - and then another day - completely free from the fluorescent lights off the stale office. They look around and are stunned by the amazing natural beauty, the warmth sunshine and the lush green forest that surrounds them. Simply put, they wake up.

When traveling to a paradise island destination in the tropics, there's no better place to wake up than in the exceptional island of Tortola. That's because once you get to explore, there are countless exciting things to do and see.

Tortola's Hostorical Sites

Do you like history? If so, then Tortola will fascinate you. Full to the brim with amazing cultural relics from the days of Dutch and British colonialism-not to mention the millennia of inhabitation - the island of Tortola is far from being characterized as a historical black hole.

One of the most fascinating relics of this destination can be found at the somewhat oddly-named Mount Healthy National Park. This is the location of what used to be a thriving sugar plantation. Discover the centuries-old remnants of a sugar mill, called the Mount Healthy Windmill. While the other type of mill used in the British Virgin Islands was powered by horses and mules, this Mount Healthy Windmill dates back to the 1600's and is the only one remaining throughout the BVI.

Other fascinating relics include what are thought to be the Overseer's Quarters and the Boiling House. It is important to note, however, that the Mount Healthy National Park is just one of many plantations that fueled a sugar economy based entirely on slavery. Indeed, it's a grim testament to the past, and it was only in the 19th century slavery was abolished and therefore the sugar plantation trade essentially ended in the British Virgin Islands.

Tortola's Natural Wonders

Along with Mount Healthy, a fascinating testament to the rich island history, there is the Sage Mountain National Park. Filled with exciting natural wonder, this is in turn a testament to how beautiful the untouched world can be.

If you like to see plants in a more, well, cultivated setting, then it is highly recommended that you check out the fascinating J.R. O'Neal Botanic Garden. Come here to stroll about the 4 1/2 square acres of pure garden tranquility as you gaze upon exotic plants from all over the world as well as local wonders preserved in this artfully controlled setting. Enjoy the amazing tropical birds here that just can't resist the tropical perfume emitted by these gorgeous flowers. This fantastic attraction is located at Station Ave, Road Town, Tortola.

Skyworld is a must-see attraction for the whole family. Everyone will be impressed. That's because this observation deck offers a wide panorama (free of charge) to anyone willing to take and hour and hike (or, okay, just drive) on up here. Soak in the breathtaking vistas of St. Croix Island that's 40 miles off in the distance, as well as the countless deep green islands spotting the Caribbean all around. Find this superb observation deck and lookout point on Ridge Road, at Joe's Hill. Call (284) 494-3567 to find out more about this tourist lookout point.

For More Information

• Visit our BVI vacation Q & A discussion forum
• Tortola business directory
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• Sign up for the VI Newsletter

See you on the Island, John "Big Hat" Walsh