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Cruise Port Guide
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Welcome to Tortola on Paradise Islands; the largest and the main island of the British Virgin Islands. More than 80% of the 28,000 local population of the whole of the BVI live on the island and the capital is Road Town.
The island is around 21 square miles with more than 30 sheltered bays and impressive mountainous peaks in the centre. Popular beaches include Cane Garden Bay and Long Bay; both are favoured destinations for cruise ship shore excursions and day trips. |
This Caribbean isle has a very laid back feel (the first set of traffic lights were only introduced in 2001) and all visitors are made to feel welcome in a unique BVI style. The word Tortola means "land of the turtle doves" in Spanish and "road" (as in Road Town) is a nautical term meaning a sheltered place to drop anchor.
The famous Pirate Blackbeard (real name Edward Teach) made his home here at Soper's Hole for three years between 1715 and 1718. |
| The isle has more than 70 small hotels and guest houses plus the largest bareboat fleet (700 yachts) in the Caribbean. The island is also a popular cruise destination and is famous for local seafood dishes seasoned with a West Indian flavour and authentic spices from a variety of eateries including beach-shacks and upmarket restaurants. |
| Since 1984 Tortola has also been an international financial centre with half a million companies registered on the island (interestingly that's nearly 20 companies for every man, woman and child living in the BVI). Suffice to say, most companies use the island simply as a registered business address. |
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Quick Facts
Capital
Road Town
Main Airport
Terrence B
Lettsome
Main Port
Road Town
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Government
British
Overseas
Territory
Island Size
21
Square Miles
Population
24,000
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Road Town
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Cane Garden Bay
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Long Bay
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Nanny Cay Marina
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Soper's Hole
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Brandywine Bay
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