Overview Road Town is the main cruise port of the mountainous island of Tortola. It's located in the southern part of the island, along Road Harbour. Tortola is the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a British overseas territory. Road Town is actually the capital of the BVI.
With a bustling financial industry in Tortola, its residents are some of the most affluent in the Eastern Caribbean. Yacht chartering is another major business in Tortola, specifically in Road Town. Since Tortola lies near an earthquake fault, minor earthquakes have been common over its history.
The white-sand beaches of Tortola, including surfer-friendly Cane Garden Bay, are among the most popular of the islands attractions.
Destinations Road Town is included on several Caribbean cruise itineraries.
Cruise Lines Departing Here
Road Town is not a cruise departure port.
Currency The official currency of Tortola (and the rest of the British Virgin Islands) is the U.S. dollar (USD).
Language The official language of Tortola (and the rest of the British Virgin Islands) is English.
Tourist Attractions Like most of the Caribbean islands, there are many beautiful beaches in Tortola. Cane Garden Bay is the most popular, and tourist-filled, beach in Tortola. Aside from the beautiful white-sand beach, live music is often being played and there are quite a few restaurants nearby. Apple Bay is another popular beach, among both locals and tourists. It's more of a surfing and partying beach than a swimming beach; in fact, it's the site of many late night parties. There are a few nice restaurants nearby Apple Bay, such as Sugar Mill (a fine dining venue).
There are quite a few dining options in Road Town. If you're on a budget you might want to try Roti Palace on Main Street. They serve roti (Indian flat bread) wrapped around various vegetables and/or meats and is quite tasty. Another nice option is Capriccio's, located right at the harbour. It's a popular Italian cafe and pizza place, probably one of the best choices on the island. If you're looking for a high-end meal, you might want to try the very expensive Dove.
Looking for a drink? Try Le Cebanon, a great bar that's typically quite busy. It's located right in the heart of town.
As far as non-beach places to go, there are a few nice options in Tortola. Dolphin Discovery is a very popular place to go, especially among families. They offer a "swim with the dolphins" service that is sure to excite and entertain most visitors. This fun venue is located at the Prospect Reef Hotel (next to the Reef House Convention Center). The Callwood Rum Distillery is a historic rum factory that is lots of fun to visit and "sample" the goods.
Port Location Cruise ships dock in Road Harbour, which is within walking distance of Road Town's downtown area. Ferries should be readily available to take you to one of the other British Virgin Islands, if you'd like to explore and see more.
If the port is very busy your cruise ship may have to use tender boats to take you to and from the island.
