Tortola is just 13.5 miles long and 3 miles wide, but it’s the largest of the British Virgin Islands, blessed with beautiful beaches, including the untouched Trunk Bay and popular Cane Garden Bay. The water is crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, replete with unforgettable views of colorful coral, sea fans, sponges, parrot fish, and squid. Deep-sea fishing for the likes of Bluefish, Swordfish, Wahoo, and Shark is superb, making Tortola famous among professional anglers around the world. Steady winds and a plethora of nearby islands to explore, including Treasure Island, make hiring a boat a great way to spend a day.

Don’t miss J.R. O’Neal Botanical Gardens, a four-acre mini rainforest right in the center of Road Town, the island’s capital, enchantingly endowed with waterfalls, ponds, exotic indigenous plants, and an amazing collection of tropical birds and unique creatures such as the red-legged tortoise. Farther inland, Sage Mountain offers hiking, horseback riding, and panoramic views of the island and sea.

Shopping isn’t duty-free, but you can find good buys on imported items like English china, as well as an array of arts and crafts made by locals.

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