British Virgin Islands Cruise: Best Cruises to BVI

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Tortola British Virgin Islands Port Guide

Cruises to the British Virgin Islands bring you to a landscape dotted with hilly, scrub-covered islands, white sand beaches, and shimmering turquoise water. Many islands are uninhabited, but Tortola, the largest, buzzes with activity as one of the main yachting hubs of the Caribbean.

The BVI is an outdoor lover’s dream, with multiple opportunities for sailing, hiking, world-class snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine beaches. From Tortola, it’s easy to reach some of the smaller islands, including the dramatic Virgin Gorda, with its famous rock formations, and tiny Norman Island, rich in pirate legends. Or explore Tortola itself to discover pristine beaches, hilly hiking trails, and toes-in-the-sand beach bars and restaurants.

Cruises to Tortola, British Virgin Islands

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Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises to Tortola

Road Town

Road Town, cradled by steep green hills, is the bustling little capital of Tortola, where British colonial architecture sits side-by-side with the vibrant colors of the Caribbean. Wander along Main Street and check out the Prison Museum, built in 1774 and serving as a jail until the 1990s. Stroll through the lush J.R. O’Neal Botanical Garden to admire orchids and tropical birds, and drop into Sunny Caribbee to pick up island spices, condiments, teas, and fragrances.

Cane Garden Bay

Cane Garden Bay is the dream Caribbean beach, a curve of powdery white sand fringed by palm trees, behind which you’ll find a string of bars and restaurants. This is a great place to try kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as snorkeling over the reefs. While you’re here, head for Callwood Rum Distillery to taste Arundel Rum, which has been produced here for 200 years, and look at the historic buildings and rum still.

Virgin Gorda Baths

The Baths at Virgin Gorda is a tremendous adventure for the whole family. The beach is a mass of enormous granite boulders, scattered like giant marbles, some concealing inviting lagoons and cool caves. Start at one end and pick your way over and under the rocks, using ladders and rope handholds for assistance. Reward yourself after your adventure with an iced rum punch or a cool beer at Poor Man’s Bar on the beach at the end of the trail.

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Top Things to Do in Tortola

Hike in Sage Mountain National Park

It’s worth visiting Sage Mountain for the views alone; at 1,710 feet, this is the tallest spot in the Virgin Islands. From the summit, you can see islands in every direction, scattered like jewels across the sparkling sea, among them Jost Van Dyke, St. John, and St. Thomas. It’s a two-and-a-half-mile trek to the top, through fragrant scrub and lush rainforest, with chances to spot birds and basking lizards.

Hunt for Treasure on Norman Island

On an excursion to uninhabited Norman Island, it’s easy to imagine the lure of this isolated spot, its shores indented with caves. Indeed, this setting was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. You can snorkel over kaleidoscopic coral reefs here, looking out for vibrant blue tang and parrotfish, and wander into caves that may well once have concealed pirate treasure.

Explore on a Jeep Safari

One of the best ways to get to know mountainous Tortola is on a jeep safari. You’ll travel in convoy, the jeeps driven by local guides, and make your way along Ridge Road, which winds over the tops of the mountains, stopping to take in stupendous views. There are off-road sections, too, and quiet backroads where you can immerse yourself in nature, as well as a swim stop for cooling off, enjoying the beach, and perhaps an ice-cold drink.

Top Food & Drink in Tortola

Cuisine in the BVI reflects a blend of European, African, and Caribbean influences. You’ll find plentiful seafood, from wahoo, snapper, and grouper to lobster and conch. Many dishes come with fungi, a creamy cornmeal dish featuring onions, tomatoes, and okra. Roti is a flatbread filled with curried meat and vegetables, while rice ‘n’ peas is made of rice and black beans cooked in sweet coconut milk. If you want to try a local drink, it has to be the Painkiller, the signature cocktail of the BVI. It’s deceptively sweet, with coconut cream, orange juice, and pineapple juice, but the Pusser’s Rum gives the drink a powerful kick.

There are plenty of places to eat around Road Town. Pusser’s Road Town Pub is a yachtie haunt, as is Pusser’s Landing at Soper’s Hole Wharf and Marina. Island Roots is another great stop in Road Town for homemade soups, banana bread, panini, and artisan coffee.

Culture & History of the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands were formed by volcanic activity, which contributed to their mountainous terrain. The islands were first inhabited by the Arawak, an indigenous tribe, who lived here 2,000 years ago. Christopher Columbus documented seeing the islands on his expedition to the region in 1493, after which followed centuries of conflict, claim, and counter-claim. Although the Spanish controlled what’s now the BVI, they didn’t settle here. Later, the Dutch grew tobacco and cotton on Tortola and used the island as a staging post between their other territories in North and South America. But their business failed to thrive, and the British took control of the islands in 1672.

Plantation owners exploited slave labor until the abolition of slavery in 1834, an event that is celebrated for two weeks every August. The economy of the BVI today is sustained by tourism and offshore finance. The islanders have a rich culture with influences from Europe and Africa, the U.S., and Britain. English is the official language, but locals speak to one another in Creole, with their own distinctive patois.

Tortola Cruise Port Facilities & Location

Cruises to the British Virgin Islands dock in the city of Road Town on the island of Tortola. The cruise terminal is conveniently located next to Tortola Pier Park, which is an 80,000-square-foot area that includes 50 different shops and restaurants. For those wanting to explore Road Town on foot, it’s a short walk to get to the city center.

Transportation in Tortola

The best way to get around Tortola independently is by taxi. Rates are fixed, and many of the local drivers double up as guides. If you ask a driver to drop you at a beach, remember to agree on a pick-up time. In Road Town itself, you can walk, and there are ferries to the other islands. Car rental is another option, but bear in mind that driving is on the left here, a legacy of the British, and there are numerous local hazards, among them potholes, goats, and basking lizards. The island is steep and hilly, so if you’re renting a bike, opt for an e-bike.

Shopping Near the Tortola Cruise Port

Top souvenirs to get during your British Virgin Islands cruise include gems and metal bracelets pounded out right in front of you by local jewelers. To bring the flavors of the Caribbean home with you, local rum and spices are also popular. You can also find local art and pottery in the shops of Road Town, and jewelry, cigars, and clothing from the stalls at Tortola Pier Park.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Though the British Virgin Islands are a British Overseas Territory, don’t expect to use the British Pound while there. The official currency of the islands is actually the U.S. Dollar. Tipping here is part of the culture, an influence of the many visitors from the U.S, and is similar to what you’ll encounter back home. From 10% to 20% is normal in restaurants, while bartenders and taxi drivers, especially driver-guides, should also be tipped.