20 Best Things to Do in Tortola (2026 Guide)
Most visitors treat Tortola as a jumping off point for the rest of the British Virgin Islands, not a destination on its own. That was our first impression too, until we came for an extended stay and rented a car to really explore.
Fast forward ten years, we’ve lived on this island and enjoyed every one of these things to do on our own, so everything here is coming from our own personal experience.
Tortola’s turquoise waters and green hillsides make it a place where most of the best things to do are about getting out into nature. That’s what makes it special to us, and it’s what we want to share with you.
Things to do out on the Water
1. Sailing
Go on a sailing excursion on the big blue pirate ship, the Anne Bonny, or take a sailing lesson.
One of the sailing meccas of the world, the British Virgin Islands is the perfect place to move with the power of the wind.
Insider tip: Wander the docks. Yacht charter companies are happy to educate and possibly give you a tour if you’re considering a future trip.
2. Island Hopping
Jost Van Dyke: Visit by public ferry or private boat tour. Get your photo on the iconic Sandy Spit and indulge in a Painkiller cocktail at the famous Soggy Dollar Bar
Jost Van Dyke’s turquoise water is exactly what people picture when they imagine this part of the Caribbean.
The Baths on Virgin Gorda is another must-see in the BVI. Our full guide on The Baths details how you can visit by ferry or private boat tour.
Snorkeling tours are offered to top sites around Tortola’s surrounding islands and cays.
Snorkeling Excursion
Click Here to check out this excursion to the Indians and Caves on Norman Island. While you’re in that area, you might as well take the leap off the Willy T floating bar!
3. Scuba Dive
Check out the historic shipwreck of the RMS Rhone or visit one of the many reefs surrounding Tortola.
4. Surf
Josiah Bay has its own surf school and actually hosts surf competitions throughout the year. Whether you want to catch a wave on your own or take a lesson, this is the spot.
5. SUP in the Mangroves
Take a guided stand up paddleboard tour through the mangroves at Beef Island to spot sharks and stingrays in the shallows.
Hit the Beach
6. Cane Garden Bay
This huge stretch of white sand and clear turquoise water has it all.
You’ll find plenty of beach chairs, umbrellas, and water toys available for rent, including jet skis and kayaks, along with beach bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops lining the sand.
7. Secluded Beach Visit
If it’s simply about being on the beach and enjoying the tropical water:
Brewers Bay is another beautiful stretch of sand without the crowds. One small snack shack offers simple fare but not many other amenities.
Little Bay is a small secluded beach with zero amenities that is a bit trickier to get to.
We break down all of Tortola’s beaches in our full guide.
8. Snorkel
Smuggler’s Cove and Brewer’s Bay both offer great snorkeling right from the beach.
Things to Explore on Land
9. Hike Sage Mountain
Spend the morning with your heart pumping as you climb Tortola’s highest peak.
10. Old Government House Museum
Previously the residence of the BVI Governors, the Old Government House Museum is located in Road Town. Interestingly, it holds one of the most comprehensive collections of BVI stamps in the world, dating back to 1866.
11. Pottery Class
Head to the Pottery Garden over on Josiah Bay, where you can take a pottery class or simply tour their facility and gardens.
Eat and Drink Like a Local
12. Taste the BVI
Taste the BVI is a restaurant located right downtown that specializes in traditional British Virgin Islands food. (Check out our full post on BVI food here for more on what to order.)
13. Callwood’s Distillery
Distilling rum the same way for over 200 years, Callwood’s Distillery is the Caribbean’s oldest continuously operating pot distillery.
14. Date Night at Brandywine
With a stunning view overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel, Brandywine Estate is a beautifully appointed restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine.
Shop and Wander
15. Road Town and Pier Park
Road Town is home to local shops, artisans, and clothing stores, along with Pier Park, which brings its own mix of food stalls, souvenir shops, and restaurants with great views.
16. Soper’s Hole
Soper’s Hole is on the west end of the island, with waterfront restaurants and shops surrounding the harbor and a beautiful view to match.
Things to do at Night
17. Cane Garden Bay at Night
After a fabulous dinner at the intimate Indigo Beach House, head over to Paradise Club to dance the night away.
18. Sebastian’s Karaoke and Bingo
It’s always a good time at Sebastian’s on the Beach, a resort and restaurant with a happy hour, bingo, and karaoke.
Bonus: Uniquely Tortola
19. Resort Day Passes
The Wyndham at Lambert Beach, Scrub Island, Peter Island Resort, and Cooper Island Beach Club all offer day passes so visitors can enjoy their amenities without booking a stay.
20. Give Back
When we travel, we love to volunteer, and animals are where our hearts are at. Whether it’s playing with fur-babies at the Humane Society, serving at a food pantry, or working at Red Cross, there are plenty of ways to give back while you’re here.
If you have a little extra space in your suitcase, consider bringing a few extra items for those in need with Pack for a Purpose.
Getting Around Tortola
Renting a car gives you the most control over your time on the island. Tortola is fairly easy to drive around as long as you remember to drive on the left.
Taxis are readily available with set rates, though they run high so be prepared.
There’s also a small (roughly 10 passenger) electric trolley that runs throughout Road Town, which is a great option if you’re visiting on a cruise ship and plan to stay around town.
Where to Stay on Tortola
If you want to base yourself somewhere with the most going on, Cane Garden Bay is our top pick. It’s a small community, so it’s easy to settle into for more than just a day. Beyond the restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and a gorgeous beach, you’ll find grocery stores, laundromats, and a church.
Cane Garden Bay Hotel
Cane Garden Bay Hotel sits right in the middle of it all. Click here to check rates at Tortola’s award-winning accommodation.
The Wyndham Tortola on Lambert Beach is another option, especially if you’re sticking around for a while and want a resort right on the beach.
On the west end, Long Bay Beach Resort has a more boutique, laid back feel, with easy access to a small beach.
If you’re weighing a hotel stay against a yacht charter, our guide on how much it costs to charter a sailboat breaks down the numbers.
Tortola surprised us. What we expected to be a quick stop on the way to somewhere else turned into our home, and we’re still finding new reasons to love it.
Whether you’re here for a day off a cruise ship or settling in for a week, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your time between the beaches, the boats, and everything in between.
You can learn more about Tortola by checking out our Tortola Beach Guide, BVI Dishes to Know, and Best Snorkeling Spots.
