Tortola
Country: British Virgin Islands · Region: Eastern Caribbean · Currency: US Dollar
Tortola is the capital island of the British Virgin Islands with Road Town as its main port city. Cruise ships dock at a large pier near Road Town's inner harbor with easy walking access to town and spectacular white-sand beaches along the north shore.
Top sights
Cane Garden Bay, Brewer's Bay, Mount Sage National Park, The Dungeon, African Church, Callwood Rum Distillery
Things to do
- Mount Sage National Park
- Offers hiking trails through rainforest with cooler temperatures and the tallest mountain in the US and British Virgin Islands.
- Callwood Rum Distillery
- Historic rum manufacturer located in Cane Garden Bay offering tours and tastings.
- The Dungeon
- Spanish fort dating from the 1700s originally named Dojon, offering insight into the island's colonial history.
- Joseph Reynold O'Neal Botanic Gardens
- Beautiful gardens showcasing representative vegetation and plants of the islands.
Beaches
- Cane Garden Bay
- The most popular and touristy beach with five restaurants, bars, live music, and moorings, though crowded when cruise ships are present.
- Brewer's Bay
- The only non-white sand beach with excellent snorkeling opportunities, calm water, and good food in a peaceful setting.
Where to eat
- Sugar Mill
- Fine dining restaurant located in Apple Bay.
- The Grape Tree
- Casual beach bar at Josiah's Bay offering excellent food at moderate prices.
Bars and nightlife
- Bomba Shack
- Main party site on the island famous for full moon parties held on the street in Apple Bay.
Forecast for Tortola
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Weather in Tortola by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F | 33°F | 1.7 in | 7 |
| February | 55°F | 35°F | 1.3 in | 6 |
| March | 59°F | 39°F | 2.6 in | 10 |
| April | 65°F | 43°F | 2.6 in | 11 |
| May | 74°F | 50°F | 1.5 in | 7 |
| June | 83°F | 59°F | 1.2 in | 6 |
| July | 92°F | 66°F | 0.3 in | 2 |
| August | 91°F | 65°F | 0.4 in | 3 |
| September | 79°F | 57°F | 1.8 in | 6 |
| October | 69°F | 50°F | 3.1 in | 9 |
| November | 57°F | 41°F | 2.0 in | 9 |
| December | 52°F | 36°F | 1.7 in | 6 |
Getting around
From the cruise pier, walk into Road Town town center, or use taxis (abundant and regulated), car rentals, or organized taxi tours to explore the island.
What to eat
Local dining ranges from casual beach bars like The Grape Tree and Quito's at Josiah's Bay to fine dining at Sugar Mill in Apple Bay, with fresh fish frys on Fridays.
Tips
Visit beaches early to secure a good spot before cruise ship crowds and beach chair vendors arrive, especially at popular Cane Garden Bay.
Best for
Beaches, snorkeling, sailing, diving
More ports in Eastern Caribbean
Antigua · San Juan · St. Barts · St. Croix · St. Kitts · St. Maarten · St. Thomas