Tortola, BVI, British Virgin Islands Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Visiting quiet and unhurried Tortola in the British Virgin Islands will ensure a memorable Caribbean vacation. With lots to see and do on the island, there is never a shortage of options to entertain you, like snorkeling, shopping in Road Town, or just exploring the island. Before booking your villa rental on Tortola, use the information here to help you plan your trip, and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Why Tortola, BVI, British Virgin Islands?
- Tortola is the capital of the British Virgin Islands.
- The island's highest point, Mount Sage, is 1,710 feet above sea level.
- Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands.
- Tortola boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
- Tortola is home to the oldest church in the Caribbean, St. George's Anglican Church, built in 1665.
Tortola, BVI, British Virgin Islands Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
| January |
82° F
|
° F
|
| February |
83° F
|
° F
|
| March |
85° F
|
° F
|
| April |
87° F
|
° F
|
| May |
87° F
|
° F
|
| June |
89° F
|
° F
|
| July |
90° F
|
° F
|
| August |
90° F
|
° F
|
| September |
89° F
|
° F
|
| October |
88° F
|
° F
|
| November |
85° F
|
° F
|
| December |
83° F
|
° F
|
Average Rainfall
| January |
2.3 inches
|
| February |
1.7 inches
|
| March |
2.1 inches
|
| April |
2.5 inches
|
| May |
4 inches
|
| June |
2.9 inches
|
| July |
3 inches
|
| August |
4.2 inches
|
| September |
5.2 inches
|
| October |
5.7 inches
|
| November |
4.9 inches
|
| December |
3.1 inches
|
Wet dollars and cool drinks at the Soggy Dollar
Since there is no dock, the only way in is to to swim ashore. Guests then pay with wet dollars, hence the name “Soggy Dollar Bar”. Bills are hung on a clothes line above the bar, drying in the breeze. Located on a stretch of beach on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, the Soggy Dollar Bar’s house specialty is the “Painkiller” – one of the most popular mixed rum drinks in the West Indies. This drink has made owner Daphne Henderson famous. Pair that with fly fish sandwiches or a jumbo burger. At dinner, Daphne prepares 4-course gourmet meals served seaside by candlelight. Soggy Dollar was voted the “Best Watering Hole in the World” by Island Magazine readers in 2002.
Snorkling in Smuggler's Cove
Located on the north shore of Tortola and best access by foot, remote Smuggler's cove is a great snorkeling spot especially on the eastern tip of the cove. This beautiful crescent bay is quiet, never crowed and has a coral bank about 100 feet off the shore. You can rent snorkeling equipment and loungers from a friendly vendor who sets up shop daily. There's also a small beach bar and a snack stand if you get hungry. The dirt road to Smuggler's Cove makes getting here difficult, but once on the beach you'll agree the trek was worth the trouble.
Getting rowdy on Willie T's
Get on board the Willie T's and expect to get rowdy. This “bistro on a briny” draws big crowds to The Blight at Norman Island. The original Willie T, a wooden Baltic Trader, sank in 1995, but the owners bought a new boat and quickly re-opened their floating bar/restaurant the following year. The food is good but people come for Zeus’killer shots -- the ski shots and body shots. This legendary bartender keeps the party kickin’ and the crowd entertained. Visitors can hitch a free ride on the Willie T's supply boat, Wet Willie, that leaves Tortola. It's docked at Nanny Cay Marina and leaves daily at 5 p.m., returning around 11.
Transportation on Tortola, BVI, British Virgin Islands
Getting to Tortola, BVI, British Virgin Islands and getting around. Our transportation tips will
help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Entry Documents
- Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
- Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays of up to 6 months.
- Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from the British Virgin Islands is required.
- Travel Authorization: Most visitors do not need pre-arrival authorization, but travelers may need to comply with health and entry regulations, including completing a health declaration or entry form depending on current travel guidelines.
Airlines Flying Here
Cape Air from San Juan, PR and St. Thomas, USVI
Departure Tax
A departure tax of US$20 is typically charged at the airport for international flights.
Driving
- License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 3 months.
- Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the airport or local police stations.
- Driving Side: Left-hand side of the road.
- Road Conditions: Generally good, with paved roads in urban areas and some unpaved roads in more remote locations.
- Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas, with higher speeds on highways.
- Traffic Rules: Be mindful of all traffic signals, pedestrians, and local driving customs. Watch out for animals and cyclists, particularly in more rural areas.
Know Before You Go...® - Tortola, BVI, British Virgin Islands Travel Tips
Before making their way to Tortola, BVI, British Virgin Islands , vacationers like
to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a
look at our travel tips to make your time in villas
in Tortola, BVI, British Virgin Islands even more relaxing.
| Capital: |
Roadtown |
| Population: |
23,908 |
| Size: |
1 wordSmall. |
| Electric Current: |
110 |
| Official Language: |
The official language spoken in Tortola, BVI is English, while the secondary language is Virgin Islands Creole English. English is widely used in government, education, and business, while Virgin Islands Creole English is more commonly spoken among the lo |
| Currency: |
Tortola, BVI, is a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean known for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant culture. As a British Overseas Territory, the official currency used in Tortola is the US dollar, which is widely accepted throughout the island. However, some establishments may also accept British pounds, Canadian dollars, and euros.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Tortola, with major international brands such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express being the most commonly used. It is recommended to inform your bank of your travel plans before using your credit card to avoid any potential issues with transactions.
ATMs are available in most major towns and tourist areas, providing convenient access to cash. However, it is advisable to carry enough cash for smaller purchases or in case of any ATM malfunctions.
In terms of payment options, cash is still the preferred method of payment in local markets, street vendors, and smaller establishments. |
| Tipping and Taxes: |
Tipping and taxes in Tortola, BVI are an important part of the local economy and culture. While not mandatory, tipping is expected in most service industries, and taxes are applied to various goods and services.
In terms of tipping, it is customary to leave a gratuity of 15-20% in restaurants, bars, and for taxi drivers. Some establishments may automatically add a service charge to the bill, in which case an additional tip is not necessary. It is also common to tip hotel staff, such as housekeeping and bellhops, with a small amount per day or per service.
In terms of taxes, the BVI has a value-added tax (VAT) of 7% which is applied to most goods and services, including food, clothing, and accommodations. This tax is usually included in the price, so there is no need to calculate it separately. However, some restaurants and businesses may add a service charge, which is also subject to VAT.
In addition to VAT, there is also a departure tax of $20 per person for those leaving the |
| Dress Code: |
The dress code in Tortola, BVI is casual and relaxed, with lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable footwear suitable for warm weather and outdoor activities. |
| Topography: |
Tortola, BVI is a hilly island with lush green mountains and valleys, surrounded by turquoise waters and dotted with white sandy beaches. |
| Telephone: |
Country code: +1
Area code: 284 |
Tortola, BVI, British Virgin Islands Weddings and Honeymoons
Getting Married In The British Virgin Islands
• You may apply for your marriage license at the Attorney General’s office located in the Government Administration Complex at Wickham’s Cay I, Road Town, Tortola.
- You must be in the British Virgin Islands for a minimum of 3 days prior to the wedding service and after having made application for your marriage license.
- You will be required to purchase $110.00 in postage stamps if you have been in the territory for less than 15 days prior to the ceremony or $50.00 in stamps if you have been in the BVI for 15 days or more.
- You will require passports as proof of identity and to establish your date of arrival in the BVI.
- If you were previously married, you will be required to bring a certified copy or original documentation of your divorce (absolute decree) or death certificate of a deceased spouse.
- Two witnesses will be required to oversee the signing of your marriage license application and two (different) witnesses are required to be present during the ceremony. (You may select persons from the BVI to serve as witnesses for either or both occasions.)
- Once your application for marriage license has been completed, you may then proceed to the
Registrar’s office (located above the Post Office) on Main Street, Road Town, Tortola. The office is open from 9:00 am to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays.
The Registar Requirements
Marriage ceremony fees are payable to the Registrar and are $35.00 if the ceremony is performed in the office and $100.00 if the ceremony is to be performed elsewhere.
- Full (legal) names of both parties
- Your ages and date of birth
- Your occupations
- The names of the witnesses for your wedding ceremony
- If you are planning a church wedding, please contact the church of your choice and speak with the Minister or Priest regarding their requirements
