Cruise Port Tortola: What To Do in the British Virgin Islands
Now Go See It is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
A visit to Cruise Port Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. There are plenty of things to do on your own at the Cruise Port of Tortola even if you just want to relax on the beaches of Tortola.
How To Get To Tortola From the Cruise Port
Your cruise ship will dock right at the Tortola Cruise Ship Pier. You can easily walk ashore and visit numerous island highlights. Walking to most places on the island is very easy.
About Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Tortola is the largest of the 50 islands that make up the British Virgin Islands. While it is a territory of Britain, leave your pounds at home, they use the US Dollar for all transactions.
Is Tortola Safe?
Tortola is very safe for cruise ship day visitors. As with any travel keep your wits about you and you’ll have a great day ashore.
What To See in Tortola
There are plenty of great things to do in Tortola off a cruise ship. Follow along on our Tortola itinerary.
When you exit the cruise ship you will land at the entrance to the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. The park is an open courtyard surrounded by shops and restaurants. This is a great place to do some island shopping if you don’t plan to go deeper into the island. It’s also a great place to spend some time if you get back from an excursion and have time left before you need to be back on the ship.
A few blocks away is the Crafts Alive Village. Here, in brightly colored huts, you find some more unique shopping. Island residents are selling a wide assortment of handmade goods and souvenirs. You will find clothing, jewelry, and other items at very reasonable prices.
Walking deeper into town the St. George's Episcopal (Anglican) Church is a uniquely painted red and white building. Next door you’ll find the immensely creepy H.M. Prison Museum. The prison, built in 1774, was in use until 1995.
Two off-the-beaten-path shopping stops are nearby. The Bamboishay Pottery Shop has a wonderful selection of hand-crafted blue and green ceramic items. They specialize in lighted sconces but have many other great items to take home as authentic island souvenirs. Just up the road is the Little Denmark Shop. This unique shop sells a random assortment of items. Part second-hand antique store, part fishing tackle store, and part souvenir shop, the Little Denmark Shop might just have the perfect item for you.
As you walk along Waterfront Drive you will also find some interesting shopping. The shops in this area cater more to the island locals. You’ll find more reasonably priced goods here. The shopping includes clothing and home goods with an island flare.
Credit Card Points: Beginners Guide
Swiping our three main credit cards earn us miles and points that become our flights, hotels, and cruises throughout the year. Click to start getting more from your everyday spending. Learn More
How To Get To Beaches of Tortola
From the cruise port you have your choice of the best beaches in Tortola, all just a short taxi ride away.
At the exit of Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, you will find a taxi stand. From here you can book an inexpensive taxi to any of the local beaches. Many drivers will include round-trip transportation and will wait while you enjoy the beach. Always negotiate payment before getting into the taxi and only pay when you’re back at the cruise ship pier at the end of the day.
Smugglers Cove and Long Bay are the two most popular beaches on the island. They are located on the northern coast of the islands. This will be a thirty-minute cab ride.
Map of Tortola
The provided Tortola map should help you plan your port day in Tortola.
Click the image for a larger, full frame, downloadable image.
Click to view large map
What To Do in Tortola:
Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park
Crafts Alive Village
St. George's Episcopal (Anglican) Church
H.M. Prison Museum
Little Denmark Shop
Bamboishay Pottery
Waterfront Drive Shopping
