Sage Mountain National Park
At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Tortola
Among Tortola’s sharp peaks and bougainvillea-clad hillsides you’ll find a mash-up of play places. Take surfing lessons, join fire jugglers at a full-moon party, dive on shipwrecks, and by all means go sailing amid the festive surrounding isles.
More than 80% of the BVI’s 28,000 citizens live and work on Tortola. It's the BVI’s governmental and commercial center, plus its air and ferry hub. It's also the Caribbean's charter-boat capital. Beyond busy Road Town, groovy beaches and West Indian settlements full of local flavor await.
Explore Tortola
- Sage Mountain National Park
At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…
- CCane Garden Bay
Cane Garden Bay is probably on the postcard that drew you to the British Virgin Islands. The gently sloping crescent of sand hosts plenty of beachside…
- BBrewers Bay
Shady, tree-lined Brewers has decent snorkeling and a more tranquil scene than you'll find at nearby Cane Garden Bay – possibly because getting here…
- JJosiah’s Bay
An undeveloped gem at the foot of a valley on the north shore, Josiah’s Bay is a dramatic strand that has excellent surf with a point break in winter…
- SSmuggler’s Cove
Near the island’s northwestern tip, Smuggler’s is a gorgeous patch of sand that is lightly trod compared to its neighbors, as access is via a crazy-narrow…
- AAragorn’s Studio
Local metal sculptor Aragorn Dick-Read started his studio under the sea-grape trees fronting Trellis Bay, the broad beach just east of the airport. It…
- NNorth Shore Shell Museum
It’s more a folk-art gallery and junk shop than a museum, but it’s funky however you describe it, with a hodgepodge of shells and signs painted with…
- AApple Bay
Apple Bay is long and narrow, and is known as the ‘surfing beach,’ especially from late December to March, when the consistent swells roll in. It’s not a…
- CCallwood Rum Distillery
Just off the North Coast Rd at the west end of Cane Garden Bay, this is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Eastern Caribbean. The…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tortola.
See
Sage Mountain National Park
At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…
See
Cane Garden Bay
Cane Garden Bay is probably on the postcard that drew you to the British Virgin Islands. The gently sloping crescent of sand hosts plenty of beachside…
See
Brewers Bay
Shady, tree-lined Brewers has decent snorkeling and a more tranquil scene than you'll find at nearby Cane Garden Bay – possibly because getting here…
See
Josiah’s Bay
An undeveloped gem at the foot of a valley on the north shore, Josiah’s Bay is a dramatic strand that has excellent surf with a point break in winter…
See
Smuggler’s Cove
Near the island’s northwestern tip, Smuggler’s is a gorgeous patch of sand that is lightly trod compared to its neighbors, as access is via a crazy-narrow…
See
Aragorn’s Studio
Local metal sculptor Aragorn Dick-Read started his studio under the sea-grape trees fronting Trellis Bay, the broad beach just east of the airport. It…
See
North Shore Shell Museum
It’s more a folk-art gallery and junk shop than a museum, but it’s funky however you describe it, with a hodgepodge of shells and signs painted with…
See
Apple Bay
Apple Bay is long and narrow, and is known as the ‘surfing beach,’ especially from late December to March, when the consistent swells roll in. It’s not a…
See
Callwood Rum Distillery
Just off the North Coast Rd at the west end of Cane Garden Bay, this is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Eastern Caribbean. The…
Featured videos
The best of Caribbean islands
2:52
Guidebooks
Learn more about Tortola
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.