Tortola: My British Virgin Islands Gateway
Sailing into Road Town with Sage Mountain behind and yachts everywhere feels exclusive. My perfect day: off the ship and straight to The Baths on Virgin Gorda by ferry plus open safari taxi combo (entrance included) – swimming through boulder caves and grottoes is pure Indiana Jones.
Lunch at Top of the Baths – best conch fritters and painkillers. Afternoon at Smuggler's Cove – the most beautiful secluded beach with Nigel's Boom Boom Beach Bar (cash only, best rum punch ever). Sunset sail back watching the islands glow.
Getting Around Tortola
Tortola Pier Park – walk off into town. Ferries to Virgin Gorda from Road Town dock.
- The Baths (Virgin Gorda): Ferry plus taxi combo (totally worth it)
- Smuggler's Cove: West end of Tortola, taxi or rental
- Cane Garden Bay: Popular beach, 20-min taxi
Positively Worded Word of Warning
The open-air safari taxis and bumpy roads are Tortola's way of giving you a free island roller-coaster with ocean views!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The Baths worth the trip?
A: #1 thing to do in the entire BVI.
Q: Best painkiller?
A: Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost if you have time, otherwise Pusser's in Road Town.
Q: Hurricane damage?
A: Almost everything rebuilt and beautiful.