Tortola
Go for north coast beaches, sailing charters and short ferry trips to neighboring islands.
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Tortola is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the eastern Caribbean. Road Town, the capital on the south coast, is the island's ferry port and the base for many yacht charters. Most flights land at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on neighboring Beef Island, which connects to Tortola by bridge.
Travelers go for beaches on the north coast, day sails and ferry trips to Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Road Town has the marinas, shops and restaurants, while most beaches are a drive away, so plan transport before you arrive. The dry season runs roughly December to April, and hurricane season runs from June to November. Plan three or four days for a couple of beaches and one boat trip, or a week if you want to sail between islands.
Tortola in five
- Get a temporary driving permit before you driveTortola drives on the left, and a home licence alone may not be enough to rent a car. Ask the rental company which permit it needs and where to get it before you land.Getting around
- Carry US dollars for taxis and small shopsThe US dollar is the currency here, and taxi drivers, roadside stalls and small bars may not take cards. Withdraw cash at a bank ATM in Road Town before you head to the beaches.Money and costs
- Set up an eSIM before you flyInstall and activate the eSIM before you leave home, so maps, ferry tickets and taxi apps work from the moment you land at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.Phones and eSIM
- Book the ferry to the other islands from Road TownFerries to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and other islands leave from Road Town, so plan your day around the terminal. Confirm the sailing the day before, because weather can cancel crossings.Road Town
- Check the policy covers boats and watersportsMany standard policies exclude boat trips, jet skis and diving unless you add cover. Read the activity list in your policy before you book a sailing day.
Things to do in Tortola
See all attractions in Tortola
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; check the BVI Government immigration rules Read more
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Check whether a service charge is already on the bill; extra tipping is optional
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry, sunny
- AprilDry, quieter
- MayWarm, pre-season
- JuneHurricane season
- JulyHot, storm season
- AugustPeak storm risk
- SeptemberStorm risk
- OctoberStorm risk
- NovemberStorms easing
- DecemberDry, holiday season
Right now in Tortola
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 73%
- Wind
- 29 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 69%
Road Town
04:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today30°27°69%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Tue29°28°45%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Wed29°26°39%Wednesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Thu29°26°39%Thursday: Rain. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Fri28°26°82%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 82%.
- Sat28°26°69%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Sun29°28°46%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 46%.
Updated 01:38 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Virgin Gordaabout 45 minutes to 1 hour by fast ferryThe Baths, with granite boulders and quiet coves. Arrive early, before the tour groups.
- Jost Van Dykeabout 45 minutes by ferrySandy beach bars and Foxy's, a short ferry hop from Tortola.
- Anegadaabout 1.5 hours by boat, or a short flightA flat coral island with a long white beach and lobster shacks.
Before you go to Tortola
Rules for Tortola, checked
- Entry is visa-free for many passports, but check the BVI Government immigration rules for your nationality before you book.Source
- Drive on the left. Rental cars need the temporary driving permit, so carry it with your home licence at all times.
- Some moorings and beaches inside the marine park charge a fee. Ask your boat operator before you anchor or land.
- Food, plants and medicines are restricted when entering. Check the BVI customs and agriculture rules before you pack.
Plan around Tortola
The capital, the ferry terminal and the main shops of Tortola
Read the guideWhere to stay in TortolaRoad Town or a beach base, and which suits your trip
Read the guideGetting around TortolaDriving on the left, taxis and ferry links
Read the guideMoney and costsUS dollars, cards and prices on the island
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for your passport before you book
Read the guideBritish Virgin Islands guideTortola's place in the wider BVI island group
Read the guideTortola FAQ
Is Tortola worth visiting?
Yes, for beaches, snorkeling and easy ferry links to other BVI islands. Road Town has the shops and ferry terminal, but most of the beaches are a drive away, so plan transport before you go.
How many days do you need in Tortola?
Three or four days covers a couple of beaches, one boat trip to Virgin Gorda or Jost Van Dyke, and a quiet day in Road Town. Add a day if you plan a sailing trip.
Do you need a car in Tortola?
A car gives you the most freedom to reach beaches on your own. Road Town is walkable for shops and the ferry, so you can skip a car on your first day and rent one later.
Is Road Town a good base?
Yes for a first visit, because the ferry terminal, shops and restaurants are there. Choose a beach base instead if you want to swim each morning and do not need to be near the ferries.
What is the best time to visit Tortola?
December to April is the driest stretch. June to November is hurricane season, so choose flexible rooms and check that your travel insurance covers storm cancellations.
Do I need a visa for Tortola?
Many passports enter visa-free, but the answer depends on your nationality. Check the BVI Government immigration page before you book flights.