Tortola is the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands group. The capital of Tortola is Road Town. With a land area of 21.5 square miles and a total population of 32 680 people in 2014 (9400 of these live in Road Town) Tortola is not big but is a popular destination in the Caribbean famous for its white sandy beaches, lush mountain terrain and yachts docked in harbors and coves. Visitors from around the world come to enjoy the beaches, water sports, and warm and friendly hospitality. Popular ways to arrive at Tortola are via air or cruise ship. Road Town is the main port of call for cruise ships and the dock is walking distance from town.
Popular activities in Tortola include:
Water activities including diving and snorkeling, surfing, fishing, sailing and boating, kite boarding and windsurfing.
Visiting pristine beaches with powdery white sand such as Apple Bay, Brewer's Bay, Smuggler's Cove, Long Bay Beach and Elizabeth Beach.
Touring the island and hiking in the mountainous terrain. A challenging hike to the top of Sage Mountain will take you up to 1780 feet.
Taking in the arts and culture by visiting historic sites, galleries and museums. Popular places to visit are 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, Fort Burt, Mount Healthy Windmill, Callwood's Rum Distillery, J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens, Old Government House Museum and VI Folk Museum.
Shopping in markets for jewelry, clothing, books and local crafts. View a port shopping guide courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. The currency is USD.
Facts about Tortola
Tortola is part of the British Virgin Islands a small archipelago of 4 main islands and around 60 total islands but only 16 are inhabited.
The monarch of Tortola is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Tortola has one of the most prosperous economies in the Caribbean with the highest earnings coming from tourism and financial services.
The currency is US Dollars.
Tortola was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
The British Virgin Islands became a British territory in 1672.
The main exports are fresh fish, rum, fruits, animals, gravel and sand.