Guide to Road Town, Tortola
Located on the southern coast of Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Road Town is the heart of the territory. Known for its colorful waterfront, lively culture, and easy access to nearby islands, it’s often the first stop for visitors arriving in the Caribbean. Whether you’re flying into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island or docking at the cruise port, Road Town is often the main gateway and starting point to your BVI vacation.
Exploring Road Town
The town stretches along Waterfront Drive, an area filled with shops, cafes, and local businesses. Just a short walk away, Main Street offers a mix of boutiques, craft shops, and colonial-era architecture. One stop on the tour route is the Old Government House which stands as a preserved landmark and cultural site.
Note: some guides suggest visiting the Virgin Islands Folk Museum, that detailed the islands history from the Arawak people through the colonial period under the United Kingdom but it should be noted that this museum is permanently closed.
For many people, no visit to Road Town is complete without a stop at Pusser’s Road Town Pub, which is famous for its naval history theme. You can also get its own version of the Painkiller cocktail. Local restaurants serve everything from Caribbean seafood dishes to international cuisine, reflecting influences from neighboring islands like Antigua, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Road Town isn’t just about shops and history; it’s also the starting point for both island and oceanic adventures. Within a short drive of Road Town you’ll find Sage Mountain National Park, home to lush rainforest trails and sweeping views of Tortola’s north shore.
A day trip with Chillout Charters from Road Town can also take you to iconic BVI sites such as The Baths on Virgin Gorda, the white sand beaches of Jost Van Dyke, or even the remote island beauty of Anegada.
Many tourists decide to stay in Road Town as a base, especially those who are looking to island hop and explore the surrounding islands on day trips. With that in mind, as the capital, Road Town is central to the BVI’s sailing scene. Wickham’s Cay Marina and nearby docks serve as launching points for yacht charters and private powerboat tours.
Many visitors book with Chillout Charters to enjoy day trips from Road Town to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, or snorkeling excursions around Tortola’s bays. Thanks to the steady trade winds, the BVI is considered one of the world’s premier sailing grounds. However, for touring around the islands, a powerboat trip such as what Chillout Charters offers is hard to beat. Not only is it fast, but it also offers a fun, exhilarating experience.
Getting to Road Town is simple. Most visitors fly into Beef Island, connected to Tortola by bridge, or arrive from the U.S. Virgin Islands by ferry. Regional connections from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and nearby islands like Antigua also make Road Town an easy hub for Caribbean travel.
What are popular tourist attractions and activities in Road Town?
Highlights include the Old Government House, Main Street shopping, Tortola Pier Park, and enjoying cocktails at Pusser’s Road Town Pub. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Sage Mountain National Park offers excellent hiking.
Information on Sage Mountain National Park
Rising 1,716 feet above sea level, Sage Mountain National Park is the highest point in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Located on Tortola, this lush park covers 92 acres and offers a distinct contrast to the sandy beaches and turquoise waters that the Caribbean is best known for.
The park features a network of well-marked hiking trails that wind through tropical forest and vegetation. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with views over the Caribbean Sea. Trails vary in length and difficulty, making it easy for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers to enjoy the park.
Sage Mountain is home to one of the few remaining examples of rainforest in the region. Visitors may spot orchids, ferns, and tall trees along the trails, as well as a variety of bird species. The cooler air and dense greenery offer a refreshing escape from the coastal heat.
While most visitors come to Tortola for its beaches and sailing, Sage Mountain National Park shows another side of the islands.
Where is the best place to shop for local crafts in Road Town BVI?
Main Street is the best area for browsing local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. You’ll find small boutiques and artisan shops offering handmade gifts that reflect the culture of the Caribbean.
What are the options for transportation from the airport to Road Town?
From Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, visitors can take a taxi or private transfer to Road Town. The drive takes about 20–30 minutes, crossing the bridge that connects Beef Island to Tortola. You can also visit by flying into our neighbouring country; St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and have Chillout Charters collect you via their private water taxi service.
Find me some day trips I can take from Road Town.
From Road Town, popular day trips include The Baths at Virgin Gorda, beach bars on Jost Van Dyke, snorkeling off Cooper Island, or a remote getaway to Anegada. Chillout Charters offers custom powerboat itineraries to make the most of your time.
Plan Your BVI Adventure with Chillout Charters
From the lively streets of Road Town to the beaches of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, the BVI is full of things to keep you entertained on your vacation. A private powerboat tour with Chillout Charters is the best way to experience the region, whether you’re looking to snorkel, explore hidden coves, or simply enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean from the water.
Docking in Tortola on a cruise? Make the most of your short time in the BVI with a private powerboat day trip. Chillout Charters will transfer you straight to the islands’ best beaches, snorkeling spots, and beach bars, ensuring you’re back at the pier in time for your departure.
A full-day tour is the best way to see the BVI. Visit multiple islands, swim in turquoise bays, snorkel vibrant reefs, and relax at laidback beach bars like those on Jost Van Dyke or Virgin Gorda.
Short on time? A half-day tour gives you a taste of island-hopping without committing the whole day. Perfect for families and couples, you can snorkel, swim, and stop at a local beach bar before heading back.
Skip the ferry schedules and travel on your own time with Chillout Charters’ private water taxi service. We’ll take you directly between Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and other BVI destinations quickly by powerboat.
Traveling between the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the BVI is seamless with our private transfer service. Whether you’re arriving in St. Thomas or St. John, Chillout Charters will handle the journey across to Tortola or Virgin Gorda, including help with customs clearance.