Tortola (Road Harbour)
Port of Call – Tortola (Road Harbour)
Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands and one of the least glitzy and most traditional islands in the Caribbean. A mountain range down its centre lends drama to the landscape and ensures any road journey is both scenic and time consuming.Tortola was historically a pirate’s nest, and the surrounding coves and waters were ruled by the flag of the skull and crossbones. Today, the island is a popular cruise stop, with the result that its relatively few attractions can get overrun with visitors during busy periods.
First sighted by Columbus in 1443, Tortola became a British colony, evidenced in part by the charming Red Royal Mail post boxes still in use today. Calm seas and clean waters make for excellent diving and snorkeling conditions, and have helped to make Tortola one of the main yachting centres in the world. Ships dock at Road Harbour, from where passengers can easily walk into town.
Shopping in Tortola (Road Harbour)
The Crafts Alive Marketplace on the Waterfront sells local arts and crafts, while Sunny Caribbee is a shop with a wonderful range of interesting merchandise. Soper’s Hole at the West End has a range of shops catering to visitors.
Best Buy:
A bottle of Pusser’s Rum and/or Arawak Love Potion and Hangover Cure
Dining in Tortola (Road Harbour)
Mrs. Scatliffe’s – superb West Indian food.
The Dove – no view, but great food and it’s where the locals eat.
Brandywine – amazing views meets creative cuisine in this local favourite.
Best Dish:
Linefish and a classic Painkiller cocktail (national drink of the BVI)
Travel to British Virgin Islands
Overview
Tropical beauty graces the British Virgin Islands, where cares grow quiet, and time stands still. Hidden coves, turquoise bays and white-sand beaches await all who escape to their unblemished shores. Visitors will soon discover a delicious, mellow energy as they enjoy the destination’s features.
Yachtsmen can ride calm currents and steady trade winds from one secluded beach to another. Full-moon parties follow glorious days on the sparkling, Caribbean water. Swimmers, sunbathers and water-sports lovers will also know the deepest satisfaction. Gorgeous reefs and captivating shipwrecks will hold endless appeal for divers, while walks through botanic gardens will the reveal the archipelago’s waterfalls and exotic plants. Visitors can’t leave without seeing how the finest rum is made at a distillery that hasn’t changed much since the mid-1800s.
Climate in British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands have a sub-tropical climate with high humidity, although temperatures are moderated by trade winds. Temperatures vary little all year but there is a slight difference in average temperatures between the seasons. Summer temperatures average from 79°F to 88°F (26°C to 31°C), while winter temperatures average between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C). Rainfall is variable but there is a ‘dry’ season between January and July (the cooler, winter months) and a wet season between August and November.
The British Virgin Islands are a great year-round holiday destination but the best time to visit is between January and June, when it is slightly cooler and drier and there is no risk of hurricanes.
Health Notes when travelling to British Virgin Islands
There is a small risk of dengue fever in the British Virgin Islands, so visitors should protect themselves with insect repellent. Recommended vaccinations are minimal but include hepatitis A, if not previously taken. Limited medical facilities can be found on all the main British Virgin Islands and there is a hospital located in Road Town, Tortola. Comprehensive medical and travel insurance is recommended.
Safety Notes when travelling to British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are generally considered very safe for travellers and they have a low crime rate. That said, sensible precautions should always be taken regarding valuables, especially on beaches. The islands are susceptible to hurricanes, particularly between June and November, but tropical storms can occur throughout the year. It is a good idea for visitors to check the forecast for storms during their stay, and to plan around the hurricane season.
Customs in British Virgin Islands
In the British Virgin Islands, it is considered impolite to take photographs of the local people without asking their permission beforehand.
Duty Free in British Virgin Islands
Travellers to the Virgin Islands over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, and wine or spirits up to 1 litre.
Doing Business in British Virgin Islands
Business attire in the British Virgin Islands is fairly formal and conservative. A lightweight suit is appropriate for most meetings, unless in an informal outdoor setting where smart slacks and a shirt is more appropriate. Handshaking is customary for introductions between both men and women; women are considered equals in the business world and should be treated as such. Business cards are exchanged on introduction. Being late for meetings is considered offensive despite the laid-back impression of the island. Meetings are usually fairly unstructured, though. The language of business is English, and business hours generally run from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in British Virgin Islands
The international dialling code for the British Virgin Islands is +1 284. Travellers with unlocked phones can purchase local SIM cards in Road Town and at large marinas; most lodgings offer free WiFi, as do many bars and restaurants in main towns.
Tipping in British Virgin Islands
For good service, a 10 to 15 percent tip is usual in the British Virgin Islands. Hotels often add a service charge to the bill, usually between 10 and 12 percent, so it is best to check before tipping. Bellhops and porters usually expect $1 per item of luggage.
Passport/Visa Note
Travellers need a return or onward ticket and all the documents required for their next destination, as well as sufficient funds. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. It’s recommended that passports be valid for six months after the intended period of travel.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
United States passports must be valid at the time of entry. No visa is required for stays of up to one month.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK passport holders need a passport, but no visa is necessary.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian passport holders need a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals need a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans need a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to six months.
Tourist Offices
BVI Tourist Board, Tortola: +1 284 494 3134 or http://www.bvitourism.com/
- Tourist Authority Offices in the United States:
BVI Tourist Board, New York: +1 212 563 3117
- Tourist Authority Offices in the United Kingdom:
BVI Tourist Board, London: +44 207 355 9585 or [email protected]
British Virgin Islands Embassies
- In the United States:
British Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 588 6500.
- In Canada:
British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 237 1530.
- In Australia:
British High Commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6270 6666.
- In Ireland:
British Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 205 3700.
- In New Zealand:
British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 924 2888.
- In South Africa:
British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 421 7500.
Foreign Embassies in British Virgin Islands
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for the BVI): +1 246-227-4000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for the BVI): +1 246-629-3550.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for BVI): +1 868 822 5450.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
