What are the unmissable spots on Tortola island?
An immensity of shades that blend in the Antillean Sea creates a mix of extraordinary charm: These are the British Virgin Islands. Among them, Tortola is one of the 15 inhabited islands. Once a refuge for buccaneers and pirates, today it is a privileged destination for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, thanks to the beaches and bays that are among the most beautiful of this stretch of Caribbean sea.
The Virgin Islands in general are places that are rarely heard of and that are not always included among the main destinations for charter boat holidays. Yet these are dream islands, wonderful and peaceful that are gradually gaining more and more success and are increasingly known and appreciated by boaters from all over the world.
Among them, Tortola is certainly the beating heart of the Virgin Islands controlled by the United Kingdom, home to the capital, Road Town, and a crossroads of arrivals and departures thanks to a convenient airport that allows stopovers in North America and other nearby tropical islands.
The spots not to be missed in Tortola
Beaches, crystal clear waters, and dreamy Caribbean landscapes. Discover with us some of the highlights of Tortola, the largest island of the British Virgin Islands archipelago:
Cane Garden Bay
A long and enchanting crescent-shaped bay sheltered from strong winds, Cane Garden Bay is located on the northern coast of Tortola, in the northwest corner of the island.
It is one of the absolute favorite anchorages for yachtsmen who can practice swimming, windsurfing, and other water sports in complete safety and in a remarkable landscape context. Do not miss the fun guaranteed by the lively bars and restaurants that line the beach.
The bay is equipped with mooring buoys, which make it easier for the numerous boats to find a safe harbor and minimize wind problems.
To anchor in Cane Garden Bay, however, it is essential to arrive by the early afternoon, as this popular anchorage tends to fill up rather quickly.
In addition to enjoying the sea, we recommend that you take a walk along the soft sand beach to one of the many beach bars or one of the excellent restaurants offering local cuisine. If you are a rum lover, we recommend the distillery tour at Callwood’s, something not to be missed for a true connoisseur.
Garden Bay has an almost perfect view for most of the year to enjoy a fantastic sunset over the sea, with the sun slowly settling on the horizon, framed by the islands of Jost Van Dyke to the north and St Thomas to the south. A truly fascinating sight.
Road Town
Impossible not to dedicate a day to visiting Road Town. The capital of the British Virgin Islands is a quaint town built on the coast and grown around its harbor.
In the background, all around, dominate the rocks on the sea and the peaks wrapped in lush tropical vegetation, while the coast is characterized by bays and inlets dotted with an unknown number of sailboats on the sea.
Road Town looks like a modern town, in the special context of the Virgin Islands. The main street is close to the seafront and is home to the typical colorful houses in wood and brick. The port, on the other hand, is the hub of city life, with the classic comings and goings of boats, men, and goods, but always in the typical relaxed atmosphere that characterizes island life.
In the streets of the center, however, there are shops and a couple of museums as well as many restaurants where you can taste a thousand flavors of Caribbean cuisine.
For lovers of classicism and history, a visit to the rooms of the Old Government House Museum, the former residence of the governors, is not to be missed.
Recommended: 14 Days Boat Charter Itinerary from Road Town to Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Nanny Cay village
Are you looking for a luxury stay in the BVIs? Nanny Cay is the place for you.
Located in southwestern Tortola, Nanny Cay is an appendage island connected to Tortola by a short bridge. It originally consisted of three islets known as Big Cay, Little Cay, and Miss Peggy Cay which were later consolidated into a single landmass for the development of a marina and luxury resort: Nanny Cay Village boasts a marina, a hotel, restaurants, condominiums, and townhouses.
Today Nanny Cay has a marina and shipyard that has moorings for around 180 motorboats and yachts and two boat lifts of 50 and 70 tons with storage for 200 boats. The hotel has 40 rooms while the terraced houses along the seafront are available for both purchase and rental. In addition to two restaurants, there is also a small supermarket, shops and boutiques, a dive shop, a water sports center, a gym, and a spa.
Related: Why Should you Start Your Boat Itinerary from Nanny Cay?
Soper’s Hole
Soper’s Hole Marina is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque anchorages in the British Virgin Islands. It is located on the western side of Tortola, off Frenchman’s Cay. The marina facilities house a variety of businesses offering activities, restaurants, shops, services, and more.
Tucked between high hills, a protective sandbar, and outer islands is a welcoming harbor known today as Soper’s Hole. The name is associated with Mc Cuthbert Soper, a former plantation owner from the 1700s.
Originally this port was a base for piracy. Corsairs and raiders preyed on the merchant ships that passed through the British Virgin Islands area and Soper’s Hole offered a perfect location to hide their ships and loot. The sandy beach at the head of the bay was also perfect for careening and repairing their ships and for setting up a camp.
Although the pirates have long since disappeared, shipping is still the focus of this settlement and continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Today, the natural features that made Soper’s Hole such a popular place for ships in past centuries continue to exist. The sandy and well-protected anchorage always benefit from a cool breeze and the deep waters for anchoring or docking are also perfect for mega yachts that come up here.
Boat repairs are still carried out in the busy West End shipyard.
Important: How much does a British Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation cost?
Sage Mountain National Park
There are 21 national parks recognized in the Virgin Islands area, between marine areas and inland green areas, and in 1969 a special body was founded that has precisely the task of protecting and defending these ecosystems, the main among them is the Sage Mountain National Park.
It was created to safeguard the rainforest on the slopes of Mount Sage and is spread over 96 hectares. The highest point of the Islands is right here, at Sage Mountain ridge, at an altitude of 1716 meters.
The reserve features a wide variety of plants and trees: the popular elephant ears, mahogany plants, hanging vines, ferns, white cedars, and kapoks. Its centuries-old forests have remained unchanged over time and among the fauna, there are also hermit crabs, the Caribbean martin, and red-tailed hawks.
There are numerous hiking trails around Mount Sage and excursions in the park are much appreciated as they often offer breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the ocean in general.
Contact now YBH Charter Brokers:
You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.
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