What to do in Tortola while day-tripping is easily answered by naming a couple of sights worth seeing. This largest of the British Virgin Islands at 21.5-square miles boasts a number of things to do. All of these feature this British Territory’s best attribute: nature.
Here are some Don’t Miss Spots to See while on Tortola, BVI
- Cane Garden Bay. It’s hard to beat this north side bay for its sheer beauty. The arc of white sand beach bordering this turquoise blue bay offers swimming, snorkeling and surfing on the seaside and shopping and supping onshore. Beach cats, kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent. There’s also a couple of souvenir and clothing shops as well as beach bars and restaurants serving everything from local West Indian to Continental fare.
- Callwood Rum Distillery. Right next to Cane Garden Bay is this historic 200-year-old long-time family owned and run rum distillery. For $5, you can a tour and taste samples. It’s amazing to watch how rum is made the old-fashioned way, from sugar cane cut by hand to coal-fired boilers and hand bottling. Gold, spiced and white rums for sale. Open Monday to Saturday, 7:30-5.
- Mount Sage National Park. Hike to the highest point on the island, 1,716-feet, atop Sage Mountain. There are a number of marked trails leading to this point, some that are longer and lead more gradually to the top and others shorter and steeper. The journey is as exciting as the conquest as the lush foliage and fruit trees are enchanting. No fee. No hours. There is a small trail head café and shop.
- Trellis Bay. Located on Beef Island, joined to Tortola’s eastern shore by the tiny two-lane Queen Elizabeth Bridge, this is a great spot to eat, shop or catch a ferry to another BVI. Trellis Bay, walking distance from the Lettsome Airport, has a couple of restaurants serving food and drink. Aragorn Studio is filled with T-shirts and works of art for sale. The nearby dock is where the ferry to Scrub Island, home of the Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, ties up.
- J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens. Spend an hour or so walking around this blooming oasis of calm off Main Street in Road Town. The nearly 3-acre of gardens feature extremely rare plants, like Fishlock’s croton. Legend tells this simple green shrub with its stunning white flowers was named for botanist, W.C. Fishlock, who traveled from the famed Kew Gardens in London to work in the BVI at the turn of the 20th century. Other key features include a lily pond, historically-significant plants like calabash and mango, as well as tropical birds and red-footed tortoises. Entry fee is $3 and the gardens are open 8-4 daily.
