Best Things to do in Tortola BVI in 2025

Visit Jost Van Dyke Island In British Virgin Islands from Tortola

Taking time out on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is another amazing thing to do in Tortola. Spend a day in paradise and return feeling fully rejuvenated with a calm soul, body and mind after completing one of the best Tortola activities.

The top things to do at Jost Van Dyke Island that you can do during your vacation at Tortola are a helicopter tour, Swim And Snorkeling tour, or an ATV ride.

You will travel by ferry from Tortola and disembark at the Jost Van Dyke cruise ship dock. You then have a choice of travelling by sea on a private boat or across land in a taxi to the stunning beach at White Bay. Sunbathe, swim or snorkel. Try your hand at fishing or diving. The setting is a picture-postcard perfect with endless white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and boats sailing by. The backdrop is the lush green covered hilly landscape of a tropical island. Make sure you have your camera! This small island of only three square miles is the smallest of the group that make up the British Virgin Islands. Don't miss out on visiting Jost Van Dyke when looking for exciting things to do in Tortola on vacation!

The Baths - Tour To Virgin Gorda From Tortola

A day trip to the nearby Virgin Gorda, particularly it's top attraction - the Baths, filled with granite boulders, is a unique thing to do in Tortola. These massive boulders were formed by molten granite rock and some of them are as large as 40 feet diameter. Interspersed in between the rocks are white sandy beaches and hidden rock pools with an abundance of marine life.

Explore, swim, snorkel and sunbathe. If you want to see more, take a slow hike along the beach from the Baths Beach to Devil's Bay. Along the way there are hand rails made from rope and special steps to help you cross over the massive granite formations.

This visit is a guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide. The tour will pick you up at your hotel on the Island and head off to the dramatic Virgin Gorda region. The tour will also return you back at the end of the day. Drinking water is provided and first aid facilities are available. Don't forget to bring your own sunscreen and towels on one of the most exciting things to do in Tortola!

Cane Garden Bay in Tortola

If water sports is on your list of things to do in Tortola then you need to get to Cane Garden Bay to see this amazing Tortola point of interest. This naturally protected bay offers the ideal setting for surfing, jet skiing, boating, boogey boarding and swimming. It features tranquil blue waters and a stunning view of the surrounding lush green tropical mountains.

The bay area is also hip and happening with loads of restaurants, pubs, clubs, vibey music and beautiful people. Plan to be here all day and then well into the night! A visit to Quito’s Gazebo is a must, where the owner Quito Rymer, will entertain you with a fabulous dance routine. Romantics are discovering this venue and travel here from around the globe to tie the knot at the waters edge and then celebrate at the famous Myett’s Restaurant and Reception Hall.

Sage Mountain in Tortola

When you have had enough of the water, hiking up a mountain is the next best thing to do in Tortola. Head for the Sage Mountain National Park and take a slow guided tour to see the views from the highest point on the British Virgin Islands. You don't have to be super fit as the trip caters for all levels of fitness.

This National Park is a protected area and is home to many local species of birds that will thrill bird watchers. Your local guide will update you as you find them. You may be lucky enough to spot the Island's national bird, a lovely turtle dove. When you want to relax, sit down and admire the panoramic views over the ocean and land, you can see as far as Puerto Rico on a clear day. Like most tours, you will be collected and dropped off at your hotel and entrance fees are included.

Visit Anegada Island from Tortola

When making a list of things to do in Tortola, don't forget Anegada Island. This tiny piece of land is only 2.5 miles wide and 10 miles long and is locally known as the Drowned Land as it lies a mere 28 feet above sea level.

The area features interesting salt ponds that can be explored. Nature lovers will be thrilled to discover the beautiful Caribbean Flamingo. The island is a scientific destination for botanists and zoologists where they study the marine life. It also offers fabulous picture-postcard sights of donkeys and cattle grazing in the green fields.

Visit the Anchorage which is located between Setting Point and Pomato Point. It is a popular venue for yachting and sailing enthusiasts and the views of boats moored in the water is lovely. Settle down at a local restaurant by the water and watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail or a famous Island Rum.

Snorkeling in Tortola

Snorkeling is one of the most exciting things to do in Tortola and one of the most fun Tortola activities. If you have never tried it, now is the time! Join a tour where you will set off from the ferry dock with a guide. Sail out on the clear blue waters and admire the stunning views. When the boat stops you will be fitted with the equipment and given a lesson. Then jump into the water and explore the magnificent marine life. Beautifully colored corals, sponges and fish live amongst the reefs in these tropical waters. This is a great day outing for the whole family and is fun and safe. When you come out of the the water, relax on the beautiful beach, soak up the sun and enjoy a cool drink.

If you are over 18, join a snorkeling trip that combines a visit to the Callwood Rum Distillery. Here you will learn how the iconic drink is made and have the opportunity to sample some on site!

Bomba's Surfside Shack - Bar And Nightclub

Settling down for a snack and a drink is a relaxing thing to do in Tortola and Bomba's Surfside Shack is the place to do it! For adults only though! The famous Bomba built the shack from bits and pieces of wood, metal, trash and other odds and ends that he found washed up on the beach. The result – a fabulous and fun, colorful unusual venue with a great local ambiance. Inside you will find an array of ladies panties and bras dangling from the roof, so be prepared.

This is the place to party with friends every night and especially when the moon is full! The iconic Full Moon Party tops them all. Have fun reading the interesting boards and wild graffiti scattered both inside and outside the joint. Anything goes! Then settle down with a classic Island Rum and enjoy the soothing tones of reggae rhythms filling the tropical night. A perfect way to end the day.

Dolphin Swim in Tortola

Swimming with dolphins is a dream that many people have on their list of things to do in Tortola. Now you can make this a reality with a choice of tours that will leave you with lifetime memories. The programs are designed to suit all ages and all levels of fitness. Knowing how to swim is not necessary as some adventures allow you to stand in water that is only waist deep. If you are a good swimmer, you can swim out into the depths.

The dolphins are lovable, kissable and cuddly! They perform tricks and also interact with humans. They are homed in their natural environment with the highest levels of care and concern for their well being. For some extra fun, go on a belly-ride or swim with a whole school of dolphins. These intelligent and adorable creatures are sure to capture your heart. Ask about the Tortola Dolphin Discovery Swim and the Tortola Dolphin Royal Swim and be in the midst of these great Tortola activities.

J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens

Address: Botanic Rd, Road Town, British Virgin Islands

Nature lovers will find a small piece of heaven in our next amazing thing to do in Tortola. The J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens are located in Road Town near to the High School. Four acres of magnificent gardens are on display and you will need to spend a few hours exploring. See the section devoted solely to prickly cacti and succulents.

There are hothouses for evergreen ferns and rare orchids. Be amazed at the gardens of medicinal herbs and learn about the plants and trees that are indigenous to this region. Walk through the small rain forest and then relax on a bench next to the tranquil and picturesque lily pond. Make sure you get a picture of your group underneath the massive Banyan Tree. The staff in the office will guide you and tell you how to best explore this beautiful venue. The gardens are a perfect way to escape the noise and find some peaceful things to do in Tortola.

Long Bay Beach in Tortola

If idyllic beaches enchant you, you will never run out of things to do in Tortola. These fascinating Tortola acitivities will leave you speechless. Head off to Long Bay Beach at the Long Bay Beach Club Resort, which is quiet and secluded. It offers stunning white sand and tranquil blue water. Sunbathe, swim and relax. There are a few quaint restaurants and bars where you can get some local refreshments. Watch the pelicans and look for shells in the rocky areas by the water. The Long Bay Beach Club located here is a laid back venue, perfect for a day outing, away from the crowds and noise.

The Long Bay Beach Club is a great venue for families looking for all-encompassing things to do in Tortola. Exuding a Colonial ambiance, the old building resembles a plantation house with a restaurant set in an 18th century sugar mill. Stop there for lunch or stay over for a couple of days.

Smuggler's Cove in Tortola

Smuggler's Cove in Lower Belmont Bay, is a fabulous secluded beach and a trip there is one of the things to do in Tortola. You can visit it on a tour that combines both snorkeling and rum tasting, who can resist?

The tour leaves from the ferry dock and winds its way on land along the northern side of the Island. Enjoy the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the Islands as you travel along the famous Ridge Road. Soon you will see the ancient brick and stone structure which is the Callwood Rum Distillery, one of only a few distilleries in the British Virgin Islands. Learn about the making of rum and do some rum tasting.Then head off to the beautiful Smuggler's Cove. The setting of the beach fringed with huge swaying palm trees is perfect! Relax on the sandy shore, swim or take a walk. Snorkel or dive to discover the fabulous underwater tropical marine life. The rocky areas are great for exploring and fishing too.