| Tortola
British Virgin Islands
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Tortola |
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The
town square of Roadtown, Tortola |
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| Things
to do in Tortola - A Rundown
Snorkeling
If you want to explore the underwater beauty that
defines Tortola but aren't ready for scuba gear,
try snorkeling. There's plenty to see very close
to shore in several different areas. Smuggler's
Cove, located on the island's northwest end, boasts
two reefs just 100 feet from shore. Brewers Bay
is another prime snorkeling spot that showcases
lots of fish and underwater plant life.
Old
Government House
An island landmark that was constructed in the
1920s, this historic building was formerly the
governor's home. It is now a museum that provides
visitors a look at the drawing and dining rooms
by guided tour. A small gift shop offers souvenirs
for sale. 284-494-4091.
Josiah's Bay Plantation
Art Gallery
At one time a sugar plantation and then later
a rum distillery, this structure is now an art
gallery that showcases a standout collection of
Indonesian and African sculptures as well as African
Zulu masks, paintings and mixed media pieces.
Definitely a must visit when taking in Road Town
– but call ahead as they keep irregular
hours.284-494-1637
Beaches
At almost any spot in Tortola, you're not far
from a white sandy beach that seamlessly flows
into sparkling blue waters. Some of our favorites
are Apple Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler's Cove
and Long Bay. Apple Bay is known as the surfer's
beach and houses the notorious Bomba's Surfside
Shack. Cane Garden Bay features powdery white
sand and a host of hotels, restaurants and beach
bars, making it a lively and fun place to spend
a day. Smuggler's Cove, featuring two reefs just
100 feet offshore, is quite secluded and reached
by an unpaved road. Long Bay, located on Beef
Island, is picturesque and is prime hunting grounds
for seashells. It's also a nice snorkeling spot.
Sage
Mountain National Park
Explore the natural beauty of these islands by
visiting Sage Mountain National Park. It is located
at an elevation of 1751 feet, the British Virgin
Island's highest point, and offers outstanding
views of surrounding islands and cays. It covers
91 acres, with two main trails providing easy
access to its beauty, including a wealth of vines,
trees, ferns and other tropical plants. If you
want to explore the park via horseback, contact
Shadow's Ranch at 284-494-2262.
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White
sand beaches, green mountains, yacht filled harbors, and a heady
mix of island history. Tortola offers visitors a variety of
possibilities.
If youÕve come to shop, donÕt miss Main Street in Road Town.
ItÕs lined with shops offering everything from local spices,
jams, rums and soaps to handcrafted jewelry, silk-screened fabrics
and local art.
Have lunch at one of the restaurants on the harbor. Dine on
local delicacies like lobster, conch and curries while gazing
at spectacular cruise ships and private yachts.
Get a sense of rich local history in centuries-old ruins like
the Dungeon and Fort George and at the Virgin Island Folk Museum
in Road Town. You can visit living history at CallwoodÕs Rum
Distillery, which is still making rum!
There are National Parks of all kinds Ð from a primeval rain
forest to a mountain ridge from which you can observe the local
farms, settlements and churches to wild rock outcroppings and
dry steam valleys. For a relatively small island, there is an
incredible diversity to the topography. And the friendly and
welcoming people of Tortola will help you discover it all.
There are plenty of restaurants and cuisines to choose from,
no matter what youÕre in the mood for. You can try authentic
BVI cuisine, or some upscale Caribbean Fusion. TheyÕre plenty
of delicious local seafood restaurants, as well as international
cuisines from all over the world. Be adventurous and try something
new Ð youÕre on vacation in the most beautiful place on earth!
Tortola Beaches
Cane Garden Bay
Centrally located on Tortola's north shore, Cane Garden Bay
is a long, lovely, curved bay sheltered from heavy winds, making
it a favoured anchorage for boaters. Attracting both tourists
and residents, an abundance of activities can be found here:
boating, windsurfing, water-skiing, and swimming. Some of Tortola's
most popular bars and restaurants line the beach, and island
music can be heard at many of these spots nightly.
Apple Bay Beach
Apple Bay Beach is just over the hill from Long Bay. Here, on
any day in season you can see at least a dozen surfers from
all over the world. The bay is also known for its full moon
parties at Bomba's Surfside Shack, as well as the Friday night
fish fries hosted by local residents under the banyon trees.
In the evenings, you can usually find music playing at one of
the bay's two hotels and several local restaurants.
Elizabeth Beach
Elizabeth Beach is without doubt, one of the widest on Tortola,
providing sun worshipers plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy
the beautiful views of the British Virgin Islands.
Long Bay
Long Bay is a mile-long stretch of white sand beach, perfect
for a tranquil sunset walk. A resort and several guest houses
line the eastern portion of the beach. The western end, fringed
with palms and seagrapes, offers greater solitude and good swimming.
Brewer's Bay Beach
Brewer's Bay, once the site of several sugar plantations and
distilleries (hence its name) is just around the eastern point
by boat or over a steep hill by car from Cane Garden Bay. Ruins
can be seen on the beach and along the road going out of the
bay to town. In winter, the campground here is home to an interesting
group of travellers who return year after year. The water offers
some of the best snorkelling on the island because of its many
reefs.
Josiah's Bay Beach
This beach on Tortola's East End has a long and wide swath of
sand that makes it ideal for sunbathing. There is a small beach
bar on the beach and several guest houses and restaurants nearby.
At certain times in the winter when the waves reach their optimum
peak, it is a favourite surfing spot.
Lambert Bay
Lambert Bay, also known as Elizabeth Bay, is one of the north
shore's finest beaches and is a favourite picnic spot for residents
because of its sheltering palm grove and fine white sand. A
resort is located behind the beach.
Smuggler's Cove
Located at the western-most end of Tortola, Smugglers Cove is
secluded, sheltered, serene, and hard to reach. The road to
it is unpaved, but passable. The water is exceptionally warm,
clear, and calm. Snorkelling off both points is good and sometimes
sea turtles can be found swimming close by.
Things To Do In Tortola
Callwood Rum Distillery
Some of the original buildings are still standing and in use.
Rum continues to be made and sold in the boiling room, where
the distillery's original boiler still operates, and the rum
is stored in some of the original storage casks. The old guard
house is also intact and has been turned into an art gallery
and gift shop.
Centre for Applied Marine Studies
at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College
The Centre offers education programmes, arts performances, nature
trails, and a museum with displays that showcase the local natural
history, as well as historical artefacts.
Fort Burt Island
Originally built on a hill with commanding views overlooking
the harbour to defend Road Town, the fort was rebuilt by the
English in 1776, and named after William Burt, Governor of the
Leeward Islands. Free and open daily from dawn to dusk, the
foundations and magazine remain of this historic ruin.
Fort Recovery Island
Built in the 1640s as a military gun post, these ruins remain
intact and are the oldest historical landmark in Tortola.
Josiah's Bay Plantation Island
Originally a sugar factory, the building at Josiah's Bay Plantation
was converted into a rum distillery in the early 20th century.
The machinery was powered by steam and diesel engines, examples
of which can be seen on the site today. An art gallery and store
are now housed in the historic building.
Main Street Island
In addition to serving as Road Town's main shopping district,
Main Street contains several historical landmarks including
the Post Office built in the mid 1800s, St. Phillips Anglican
Church constructed in 1840, and the Virgin Islands' Folk Museum.
Mount Healthy Windmill National Park Island
The 18th century windmill tower at Mount Healthy was part of
an extensive sugar works once belonging to the area's wealthiest
planner. Here, slaves once cultivated, harvested and processed
raw cane into sugar. Other ruins on the property include the
boiling house, and remnants of the animal mill round, distillery,
hospital, storage shed, and housing can also be seen on private
property in the area.
North Shore Shell Museum Island
A cluttered Carrot Bay museum with thousands of shells on display,
as well as boats and various crafts.
Old Government House Island
The recently refurbished Old Government House, a national landmark,
was once the governor's residence. It is now a public museum
open Monday through Friday 9AM to 2PM.
Saba Rock Nautical Museum and
Gift Shop Island
Saba Rock Owned and operator by renowned diver Bert Kilbride,
the museum showcases artefacts from the wreck of The Rhone,
as well as other shipwrecks. Unique jewellery and other gifts
are for sale. Visit
Website á Email
St. Phillips Anglican Church Island
Constructed in 1840, St. Phillips is said to be the first church
built for liberated Africans in all the Americas and it will
undergo a complete restoration in the near future.
The Dungeon Island
Located in Pockwood Pond, halfway between Road Town and West
End, this fort was built in 1794 and housed a garrison of soldiers
responsible for protecting the islands.
Thornton Plantation Island
This plantation was the birthplace of one of Tortola's most
famous sons. Architect William Thornton prepared his first plans
for the new United States Capitol building here. Ruins of the
Thornton family's Pleasant Valley sugar factory still stand.
Vigilant Island
Vigilant, a traditionally styled 25-foot wooden boat, is one
of just three original Tortola sloops remaining in the BVI.
Since the 18th century, sloops such as this have carried trade
goods and provided a means of communication amongst the islands.
Vigilant was one of the fastest, and a familiar sight on the
Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Virgin Island Folk Museum Island
Located on Main Street just past The Plaza, the Virgin Island
Folk Museum has some Arawak and Carib pottery and stone tools,
including a decorated spindle, wreck of The Rhone and H.M.S.
Nymph artefacts, plantation items and reef conservation information.
This small museum also sells t-shirts, paintings, maps, and
gifts.
Zion Hill Chapel Island
An early 19th century chapel, built atop Zion Hill, was the
site of celebration on the Day of Emancipation in 1834. After
being periodically destroyed by hurricanes, it was replaced
with the present Methodist chapel, a fine example of West Indian
simplicity built in pasture land at the foot of Zion Hill. It
has served both as a church and school.
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