Wondering what to do in Tortola on vacation? You’ve come to the right place.
I’ve visited Tortola, and put together this list of the best beaches, restaurants, and tourist activities to do while on the island. From kayaking mangrove lagoons to hiking national parks, there’s something on this list for you.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Tortola.
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Things to do in Tortola
1. Relax at Cane Garden Bay Beach
Located on the north shore, Cane Garden Bay Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island. This horseshoe shaped-bay is Tortola’s most popular beach, and it’s lined with restaurants and bar.
You can rent out chairs to lounge on the beach, enjoy live music, and try tropical drinks from Tony’s or the Paradise Bar.
The beach is within walking distance to the Callwood Rum Distillery and Brewer’s Bay Beach so it’s the perfect first stop in Tortola.
Things to do in Tortola
2. Kayak to Beef Island Lagoon
Go on a kayaking tour of a mangrove lagoon at Beef Island. You’ll get to spot baby sharks, stingrays, and more fascinating wildlife as you kayak through untouched mangrove forests!
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, and you’ll get to learn about the ecosystem from a local guide.
Things to do in Tortola
3. Lounge at Smuggler’s Cove
Head to Smuggler’s Cove to relax on Tortola’s most pristine beaches. You’ll get to swim, snorkel, and relax on a serene beach that’s much less crowded than Cane Garden Bay.
There’s two beach bars on site – Nigel’s Beach Bar and Patricia’s Beach Bar. Make sure to stop by Patricia’s Beach Bar for delicious fish tacos and jerk chicken.
Patricia’s Beach Bar also offers snorkeling equipment, lounge chair, and bougie board rentals. Just remember to bring cash since the bars don’t accept credit cards.
Things to do in Tortola
4. Tour the Callwood Rum Distillery
Visit the Callwood Rum Distillery to tour a rum distillery over 400 years old.
You’ll get to learn how their signature rum is made, see old machinery, and sample unlimited rum. Tours of the rum distillery are $5 USD, and $1 USD for unlimited rum tasting.
Plus, you’ll get to purchase some of their signature sugarcane rum bottles to bring home. They’re open weekdays 8 am to 5 pm, Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm, and closed Sundays.
Things to do in Tortola
5. Take A Guided Tour Of The Island
Take a guided tour of the island to stop by Brewer’s Bay, Cane Garden Bay, and the Callwood Distillery, and more.
You’ll get to see all of Tortola’s most popular sites, while learning interesting facts from a tour guide. The tour includes all transportation, including pickups from your accommodation.
If you’re visiting from a cruise, this is a great way to see all the island has to offer.
Things to do in Tortola
6. Hike Mount Healthy National Park
Hike Mount Healthy National Park for stunning panoramic views of the island. Mount Healthy National Park is on the north shore, on the opposite side of the island from Road Town.
This beautiful national park has bamboo meadows, natural springs, and old sugarcane plantations. Guided tours are available that will pick you up from the cruise port, and provide drinks along the way.
Things to do in Tortola
7. Learn how to make pottery
Learn how to make pottery from a local ceramic artist by taking private lessons. You’ll get hands-on-lessons for creating pottery in the middle of a tropical garden.
Once you’re done, you can bring home your own pottery pieces as a souvenir, or purchase pottery from the local artist! The tour includes roundtrip shuttles to and from your accommodation.
Things to do in Tortola
8. Have A Sunset Dinner At BananaKeet Cafe
Enjoy a sunset dinner at BananaKeet Cafe. This restaurant has breathtaking views of the mountains and bay, especially during golden hour.
From jerk chicken quesadillas to garlic butter shrimp, you won’t want to miss dining out at this place. This restaurant overlooks Great Carrot Bay, and is a short 5 minute drive from Cane Garden Bay Beach.
Things to do in Tortola
9. Visit The Old Government House Museum
Visit the Old Government House Museum in Road Town to learn about the island’s history. This museum has beautiful gardens, royal family memorabilia, and friendly guides that’ll give you a tour.
It costs $5 USD to enter, and is within walking distance from the cruise port.
Things to do in Tortola
10. Have A Hearty Breakfast At Omar’s Cafe
Stop by Omar’s Cafe for breakfast and coffee from a tiny shack in the marina. From bagel sandwiches to egg’s benedict, this is the place to go if you’re looking for a hearty breakfast.
This cafe’s located on the western side of Tortola in Soper’s Hole Marina, just a 10 minute drive from Smuggler’s Cove.
Things to do in Tortola
11. Snorkel In Brewer’s Bay
Head to Brewer’s Bay to swim and snorkel in Tortola’s most serene beach. This uncrowded beach has lounge chairs, snorkeling equipment rentals, and a beach bar.
Don’t miss stopping by Nicole’s Beach Bar for a fresh pina colada and cheap eats.
Things to do in Tortola
12. Visit J.R. O’Neal Botanical Gardens
Visit J.R. O’Neal Botanical Gardens to explore small beautiful botanical gardens. You’ll get to see exotic plants and spot wild chickens roaming in the gardens!
It costs $3 USD to enter, and they’re just a 20 minute walk from the cruise port.
Things to do in Tortola
13. Explore Sage Mountain National Park
Visit Sage Mountain National Park to explore Tortola’s largest natural park. This national park has the highest point in the British Virgin Islands, so you’ll get unbeatable views of the island from the top.
There’s also a gift shop on site where you can pick up a map of the park for better directions.
Things to do in Tortola
14. Enjoy gelato from La Dolce Vita
After dinner, stop by La Dolce Vita for authentic Italian gelato! This shop makes some of the best homemade Italian gelato, and is just a short 10 minute walk from the cruise port.
Things to do in Tortola
15. Shop Souvenirs and Spices at Sunny Caribbee
Before leaving Tortola, make sure to visit the Sunny Caribbee’s to purchase souvenirs, sauces, and Caribbean spices to bring home.
This spice shop and art gallery is located in Road Town, around a 15 minute walk from the cruise port.
Summary
From mangrove kayaking to rum-tasting tours, Tortola has something fun for everyone. If you’re looking to relax on the beach, Cane Garden Bay Beach and Smuggler’s Cove are beaches you won’t want to miss.
And if you’re visiting on a cruise, taking a guided tour through the island’s a convenient way to stop by all of the island’s attractions.
