Tortola – British Virgin Islands

Credit: Tortolapier.com

Cruise ships dock at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park in Road Town. The pier can handle two ships at a time. Built in a colonial style, the cruise and shopping center is located in Road Town.

This outdoor shopping mall has over 70 retail outlets, restaurants, and service centers, with shops open from 9am-6pm and restaurants open from 7am to midnight.

Wi-Fi, ATMs and washrooms are available here as well as car rentals.

Tortola Pier Park is quite wheelchair accessible with flat sidewalks and curb cut-outs, but sidewalks made up of interlocking brick or stone could make for a bumpier ride.

Check out all that Tortola Pier Park has to offer:

When in Tortola, there are a few things that you might want to look for:

 Spices: Tortola is known for the wonderful spices that it produces. Because of the climate, growing spices has been a major source of trade for the island.

Local Rum: Most islands in the Caribbean make their own rum and Tortola is no exception.

Pottery: Local artists create one-of-a-kind pottery in Tortola. It is nice to know that the pottery here is made on the Island, not imported for tourists.

Jams and Jellies: These condiments are made from the fruits grown on the island and are something you won’t find in the grocery store at home.

Clothing: The island flair is recreated in Batik-designed dresses and shirts. If you are wanting just the regular vacation t-shirt, you can get one customized in some of the shops in Tortola.

Shops

Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, where cruise ships dock, is an outdoor mall which has shopping, dining and entertainment, for locals and vistors alike.

The 80,000 square foot sprawling complex is framed by the picturesque harbor, where luxury yachts and cruise ships frequently dock. This enhanced cruise pier features 11 buildings, 18 kiosks and is home to over 70 retail outlets, restaurants, and service centers.

Just a few among the retail shops you will find at the Tortola Pier Park are:

• Imperial Shellcrafters
• Kenny Tee’s Outlet
• Tortola Pier Park Giftshop
• JBY Fashions
• Urban VI
• Tanio Boutique

Other shopping opportunities are available at:

Aragorn’s Studio

Located in Trellis Bay on Beef Island, beside the airport, this studio showcases some of the most talented artisans on the island. They have copper sculptures, island prints, pottery and jewelry.

Sunny Caribee Spice Co

In Road Town on Main Street, the building that Sunny’s occupies was once the first hotel on Tortola. Here you will find Caribbean spices, teas, condiments, and handicrafts. They also have a selection of cosmetics, bath gels, perfumes, and sunscreens.

Pusser’s Company Store

Located a 10 minute walk from the dock,  Pusser’s Company Store offers gourmet food items like meat, spices and fish along with Pusser’s Rum, one of their best selling items. A must try at their onsite restaurant is the “Painkiller” – a drink made with their own rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut and orange juice. Sounds like the tropics in a glass! In addition to  they offer nautical and tropical clothing, mugs and bags.

British Virgin Islands Post Office

If you, or someone you know, is into collecting stamps, philatelists from all over the world value the stamps from the BVI. The British Virgin Island post office on Main Street in Road Town sees many international visitors come to purchase the stamps with unusual and beautiful designs. While most philatelists don’t use the stamps they collect on pieces of mail, know that although the stamps carry U.S. monetary designations, they can only be used in the BVI.

One of the favorite dishes in Tortola is fungi. Similar to polenta, fungi is made with cornmeal and okra. Another favorite is roti, which is a flatbread that is deep fried. It can also be stuffed with lentils, curry or vegetables.

If you are looking to grab a bite to eat near the dock, you will have about 16 different choices in the Tortola Pier Park.

Just a few of those offerings are:

• Delhi Corner: Indian and grilled cuisine.
• Mac’s Restaurant: Fusion of Caribbean, American and Italian.
• Locally Yours: Organic local fruit juices
• Seven at the Pier Restaurant: They have a curated menu of Caribbean and Asian dishes.
• Swirlzz Frozen Yogurt and Treats: Just what the name implies.
• The Original NY Pizza (really? In the Caribbean?)
• Aromas Cigar and Martini Bar: Enjoy a hand-rolled cigar and a drink here.
• Coconut Lounge: Beverages and bar snacks.

If  you explore further than the Tortola Pier Park, you will find other restaurants, including:

Quito’s Gazebo Restaurant

A beach bar and restaurant that is right on the edge of the beach. Open air dining  will offer up ribs, lobster, burgers, cracked conch, or a pizza with your favorite toppings.

Check out their webcam to see what is happening at the moment in Cane Garden Bay (7 kms from cruise terminal) where Quito’s is located: Webcam – Quito’s BVI.

Dove Restaurant

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Located about a 10 minute walk from the cruise pier, this will be your spot for fine dining on Tortola. They serve contemporary international haute cuisine, craft cocktails and fine wines. Upstairs at The Dove is the Dragonfly Lounge where you can enjoy a cocktail in a stylish old-world environment.

Brandywine Estate Restaurant

Enjoy superb Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying beautiful beach views of Brandywine Bay. Located off the beaten path, 7.5 kms east of the cruise port, you will find tapas and bistro options for a leisurely lunch, or mains such as filet mignon or seafood for dinner. Menus change often, with daily specials, and is open Wednesday through Sunday.

D’CoalPot BVI Restaurant Bar & Grill

Located about a 20 minute drive from the cruise port, on the north-west shore of the island, fresh fish, lobster and conch along with Caribbean spiced dishes will give you plenty to choose from. You will find the popular roti and jerk pork along with key lime pie for dessert. It’s best to call ahead to make sure they’re open as their hours can vary.

JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens | National Parks Trust

In the center of Road Town, this botanical garden has collections from the different habitats on the British Virgin Islands. There are exotic species from the rainforest type environments on the mountains, coastal environments, the dry forest and an extensive collection of palms.  A gazebo of orchids and a nursery for endangered species of flora are within this three acre park.

Sage Mountain National Park

The highest point on Tortola, Sage Mountain stands at 1,716 feet. While a trip here is probably not on anyone’s bucket list, it is a good way to spend a pleasant afternoon. There are about 12 looped, winding trails and excellent views of some of the other islands. Plan on spending about two hours and wear sturdy shoes along with sunscreen.

Beaches

While many people associate B.V.I with beaches, there aren’t any within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Most are located along the north shore and are about a 20 minute drive from the cruise terminal.

Cane Garden Bay Beach is on Tortola’s north shore, and it is about 20 minutes from the pier in Road Town. This is a popular beach for families because of the clear and calm waters. There are areas where you can rent chairs, umbrellas, stand up paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis. The sands are pure white and beautiful. There are also spots for food and beverage at this beach.

Credit: caribjournal.com – Cane Garden Bay Beach

Apple Bay is a favorite for surfers, especially in January and February. This small beach can get crowded if the surf is good.

If this is the destination for you, there are surfboard rentals available at:

Surfboard Rentals & Accessories, Tortola BVI

Smuggler’s Cove, minus the smugglers, is at the western end of the island. This is a favorite spot with the locals because the clear, calm waters are perfect for snorkeling. There is an opportunity to see parrotfish, sea fans, elkhorns and coral.