British Virgin Islands · Tortola

Welcome to Tortola

An Island Overview of Tortola BVI

Imagine basking in the sun on a white sandy beach. All before you is the expansive Caribbean Sea. Its crystal clear turquoise water stretches out for miles and melts into a rich blue, the same color as the dome-like sky, which arcs gracefully overhead.

If you're looking for a true island paradise, then you're likely to be satisfied when visiting the island of Tortola. Extending 10 square miles (or 26 square km), Tortola is the cultural center of the British Virgin Islands. That's because it's the biggest of them all, with the highest population and the greatest number of shops, restaurants, hotels and countless exciting attractions. If you're looking for nightlife and fun, Tortola is you're best bet.

Indeed, the island of Tortola is truly special because it combines the austere beauty of the tropics with the lively, vivacious Caribbean spice which makes for a really good party experience. Happy vacationers head straight to Tortola if they want to relax and enjoy some of the most amazing and secluded natural surroundings - yet they know they're always just minutes from a party.

Indeed, Tortola is one of the top Caribbean destinations for fun in the sun - water sports and midday margaritas go hand in hand, and at night the place really lights up with fun and entertainment. Enjoy restaurants, bars, clubs dancing and a festive atmosphere that really reflects the relaxed and happy nature of island culture.

As the biggest island in all of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is a prime destination for shopping and sight seeing. Stroll about the island or hop on a bicycle and ride along the curving coastline. Pop into charming villages along the way and meet smiling locals which unique and exciting arts, crafts, souvenirs and other exciting knick knacks.

Overall, you'll be amazed by the quaint beauty of this island. And sooner or later you'll realize that something's missing. The high rise hotels - where are they? It may take some getting used to, but you'll soon find that they're hardly missed here by both Tortola locals and happy vacationers alike.

But after you've done everything you can do on land, the fun is far from over. With white sandy beaches, extensive docks and plenty of blue Caribbean water to splash about in, Tortola is a paradise for watersports and adventure. Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail from a beautiful Tortola harbor, dive deep into the reef and check out the amazing sea floor - or snorkel above the surface and mingle with colorful tropical fish. Whatever your pleasure, this exceptional vacation destination is ideal for water adventure.

Extreme sports are quite popular here as well. Check out the amazing stretches of water that are perfect for windsurfing, and discover the novel thrill of kiteboarding in the warm trade winds of the crystal blue Caribbean.

Tortola is also an exceptional destination for nature lovers. Look up from that white sandy beach and discover why. Behind you stands a huge mountain forest, full of lush green palm trees and thick-leaved plants that have tropics written all over them.

If you're looking to trek all the way up to the top, keep in mind that it's a steep climb to get there - but that may be just what you're looking for. Indeed, hiking the parks of Tortola can be a truly adventurous experience. And you won't have to bushwhack your way through the mountains - all hiking is facilitated by superb trails into the exceptional Sage Mountain National Park. Hikers will also enjoy the amazing Mount Healthy National Park, a fascinating historical sugar plantation full of well-preserved, centuries-old relics.

For More Information

• Visit our BVI vacation Q & A discussion forum
• Tortola business directory
• See photos of the British Virgin Islands
• Sign up for the VI Newsletter

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