Tortola is the largest and most populated island of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a group of islands that forms part of the archipelago of the Virgin Islands.

The population of Tortola is approaching 24000, the principal settlement being Road Town, which is also the capital of the BVI with almost 9500 inhabitants.

We docked in Road Town at 7.30am. Administration Drive in Road Town is packed with crafty boutiques and upscale lounges.

It has been over twenty years since we last visited Tortola. A clear memory of Road Town was the harbour, which housed numerous catamaran sailing schools. Tortola has for a long time been the place to visit to learn to sail and nothing has changed. The harbour was still overflowing with catamarans.

The island rises to 1709 feet at its highest point and famed for its rugged volcanic landscape, Tortola has proved difficult to develop and so has preserved much of its charm.

Elsewhere, the landscape is characterised by lush mountains and hidden harbours. Some of the most stunning white-sand beaches in the world line the shores of Tortola, inviting quiet strolls and cool dips in the shade of gently swaying palms.

The northern coast has the best beaches on the island, including Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Josiah’s Bay, and Lambert Beach. However, the shot above is from Cane Garden Bay, Mum and Dad’s favourite.

Although the BVI are under the British flag, it uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency due to its proximity to and frequent trade with the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The languages are English and Creole and the currency is the US dollar.

We dined in the Sindhu, Indian restaurant this evening and enjoyed a tasty Cobra beer along with chicken and lamb dishes, beautifully presented. It’s a sea day tomorrow as we head to Saint Maarten on Friday. Love to all, R&L xxx