Tortola Overview

Less developed and quieter than the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands attract vacationers that truly want to get away from it all. Many of Island Hideaways' Tortola villa renters enjoy the unspoiled quiet of this beautiful island.

As were the other British Virgin Islands, Tortola was first inhabited by the Amerindians who came from South America. The Arawaks and the Caribs came, and then in 1493, on his second voyage, Columbus sighted the islands. The first Europeans to settle in the British Virgin Islands were the Dutch. In 1666, the British took over and have since ruled.  

Capital

Road Town

Language

English

Politics

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a territory of the British Commonwealth. The Head of State is the British Sovereign and there is an appointed Governor. The local Head of Government is the Chief Minister.

Population

The population of the British Virgin Islands is 17,400. The population of Tortola is about 13,500.

The People

Most British Virgin Islanders are of African descent. There is a small population from Europe, the U.S., Asia and other Caribbean countries.

Industry

Tourism has surpassed agriculture and fishing as the main economic driver.

Entry Requirements

For U.S. and Canadian citizens, proof of citizenship is required (authenticated birth certificate, citizenship certificate or voter's registration card). For others, a passport is the principal requirement. You may visit for up to six months as long as you have adequate funds to support yourself, accommodations that have been prearranged, and a return ticket. The departure tax is U.S. $8.00.

Pets

Write well in advance to the Chief Agricultural Officer, Road Town, Tortola, BVI, or telephone (809) 495-2451 regarding information relative to bringing pets into the British Virgin Islands. You cannot bring in pets that have not been previously cleared.

Money Matters

The U.S. dollar is the currency of the BVI. American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most establishments, but not all. On all checks and traveler's checks there is a 10 cent stamp duty. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Banks also open from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays.

Fishing Permmits

You may not remove any marine organism from BVI waters without a recreational fishing permit. For information regarding fishing permits, call the Fisheries Division at 4-3429. The Fisheries Division is located over the "Supa Valu Market" near Wickhams Cay in Road Town.

Marriage License and Regulations

You must be in the territory for at least three days before applying at the Attorney General's Chambers on Main Street, Road Town.

Churches

Methodist, Anglican (Episcopal), Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist, Church of God, Jehovah's Witness, Pentecostal and Church of Christ.

Dress

In order to keep from offending residents, wear proper attire when not at the beach or in the water (no bare chests or midriffs).

Communications

The area code for the British Virgin Islands is 284.

Electricity

110 volts AC, 60 cycles - the same as the U.S.  

The Climate

Temperatures are typically Caribbean. They range from 77°F to 85°F throughout the year, cooled at night by the trade winds. Rainfall measures about 45 inches per year with June through November the wettest period.

The Land

Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands with an area of 21 square miles. The highest peak is Mount Sage at 1,780 feet. Tortola's southern coast has frangipani and ginger-covered jagged mountains, while the northern coast has white sandy beaches, banana and mango groves, and palm trees. The roads traverse the mountain with twisting and sometimes hairpin turns. Since the British Virgin Islands are so close together, they are a great place for sailing. Many of the best beaches can only be reached by boat.

Tortola Guide

About Tortola

Less developed and quieter than the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands, Tortola attract vacationers that truly want to get away from it all. more

Summer Heights