Tortola, B.V.I. Cruises

Tortola, B.V.I. Cruise Port

The lovely and relaxing Tortola Island is the largest and most populated island within the entire British Virgin Islands archipelago. It has a population close to 25,000 and is home to a massive cruise complex that sits at the foot of Tortola Pier Park. The structure is over 80,000 square feet, is nestled within the town’s administrative building, and contains over 50 shops and restaurants. They also have separate docks for land and boat tours so there is less confusion when passengers get on and off. Its name, meaning “the land of the turtle dove,” was coined by Christopher Columbus after the turtle doves that supposedly nested there in the late 15^th and early 16^th centuries. The many beaches along Tortola’s Road Town are popular among tourists, but aren’t as busy as the ones found on other Caribbean islands because the municipality doesn’t advertise, and is therefore far less commercialized.

• Smuggler’s Cove, despite sounding like the setting for a mystery novel, is actually a beautiful beach with exquisite snorkeling opportunities in its crystal blue waters.
   
• Anegada Island is a so-called “drowned island” in Road Town that is surrounded by shallow reefs. Because of the many historic shipwrecks beneath it, Anegada has become a focal point for underwater exploration.
   
• For a most exceptional bay and beach area, seek out Brewer’s Bay. Located on Tortola’s northern shore, this oasis is bordered by beautiful reefs and is another fine spot for swimming and snorkeling.
   
• One of the last true rum distilleries in the British Virgin Islands, Callwood Distillery is both historic and fun. It offers tours and tastings for a nominal fee.