Road Town – the Tortola’s most important harbor

Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands and also it has the biggest population of about twenty-four thousand people. Tortola is mountainous and has much drier climate than any other Caribbean island, thanks to which the water clarity is better. No wonder diving and snorkeling enthusiasts love this spot so much. However, calm winds and steady seas are also encouragement for sailors who enjoy cruising in that area. In fact, the island is one of the most popular yachting regions. The weather in that area is perfect for the whole year with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 32°C in summer and 21°C and 29°C in winter. The hurricane season in this area lasts from June till November.

Road Town, situated in the Road Harbour on Tortola’s south coast, is the capital of the British Virgin Isles. It is the center of tourism and yacht chartering, and even though there are some more exciting places among the British Virgin Islands many tourists start their journey in Road Town. The harbor is perfectly prepared to satisfy any sailors’ needs and those who get off the boat will find many interesting activities and organized excursions to choose from. You may swim with dolphins, take a hike up to the highest hill of the British Virgin Islands or try snorkeling. There’s a lot to discover and in Road Town you will find the best spot to start your adventure.

Multitude opportunities

If you decide to charter the boat and set off from Road Town, you may have a problem with deciding which islands to visit. All of them have a unique charm and will definitely astonish you with their beauty, but here are some examples of destinations which may be worth visiting in a first place.

Norman Island can be the best choice for the beginning of your journey as it is close to Tortola. It is uninhabited and privately owned, but in a harbor called The Bight, you will find protected anchorages area and the bar. The island is very popular among tourists interested in snorkeling, as there are the three-level caves at the base of its cliffs. If you snorkel deep enough, it is very dark, almost like at night.

Another spot you just can’t omit during your vacations in that area is the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. It is a real paradise for tourists who love sailing and water sports. There are plenty of anchorages, you can get to some secluded beaches, surf, dive or just relax on the warm sand. The great attraction of that spot is a geological formation called “The Baths”. It is very unusual as the beach is filled with huge granite boulders creating an incredible picture.

Jost van Dyke is an island, which is known among sailors because of its harbor. The Great Harbour is one of the busiest in the British Virgin Islands area and there are a lot of restaurants and bars where tourists can spend some lazy afternoon.

During your journey you should also visit Anegada island which is quite unique for two reasons. First of all, unlike the rest of the islands in this area, Anegada is completely flat with the highest point of only 8,5 meters. Another reason for Aneganda’s popularity is the largest barrier coral reef in the Caribbean. It is really amazing and definitely worth your time!