Tortola Island

Tortola Island is the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands. Tortola is an integral part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. The area of the mountainous island, whose coastline is washed by the Caribbean Sea, is 55 km². If we take into account the islets belonging to Tortola, the whole territory is just under 60 km². The length of this tourist eden is 19 km, width – only 5 km.

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Highlights

Of all the English overseas colonies, Tortola attracts the most interest from tourists. First, the highest standard of living and low crime rate on the island is a kind of pledge of safe traveling. Secondly, a lot of attractions, magnificent scenery and a vivid mixture of British traditions with West Indies flavor guarantee an unforgettably fantastic experience. And thirdly, the Caribbean, or rather, vacationing in it is always quality, romance, and drive.

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The highest point of Tortola is considered to be Mount Sage (530 meters). The main administrative center not only of the particular territory, but of all the English Virgin Islands is Road Town, with a population of almost 24,000.

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Best time to travel

The island has a passatio-tropical climate, with hurricanes not uncommon in August-September. The preferred time to travel to Tortola is from late December to May, while the rainiest period is June-November. The average annual temperature characteristic of Tortola is plus 24-28˚.

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Flora and fauna

Relatively low rainfall has affected the fauna of Tortola, but the vegetation cannot be called scarce. The hills of the island are covered with hard-leaved and thorny shrubs, on the slopes rise masses of upland forest, the plains are mottled with intricately curved cacti, lush-green waves of ribbons of plantations. Walking under the canopy of giant palm trees and along the paths of fragrant fruit exotic gardens will definitely be remembered forever.

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Tortola is home to one of the world’s tiniest geckos, the Virginia round toed gecko. The island is also home to the extremely loud-voiced amphibian bo-pip, which can cover the roar of an aircraft carrier with its vocals. In the forests inhabited by parrots and other birds, peacefully nibbling grass feral donkeys, in the thickets quickly scurry various lizards and rats.

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Under the protection of the authorities is an impressive-sized reserve Sage Mountain, characterized not only by a variety of animals and plants, but also unique eco-indicators. Of course, the ecological underwater balance of Tortola’s coastline, which is stunning in its beauty and richness, is also being closely monitored.

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Economy

The island’s main source of income is from the provision of financial services. In the early 1980s, the International Business Companies Act was passed, causing a rapid increase in government revenue. Today, citizens of the British Virgin Islands are among the wealthiest residents of the Eastern Caribbean. For this reason, many residents of other Caribbean islands work here.

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Despite the fact that the British Virgin Islands are owned by the United Kingdom, the official currency is the US dollar. Many offshore companies are registered on the island, doing business in many countries around the world.

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Tortola Sights

There is no shortage of impressions for guests of the Caribbean island: there are plenty of cultural, historical and natural attractions. Getting to know Tortola traditionally begins with Road Town, as it is the capital is the hub of most tourist sites and cultural centers: architectural monuments on the oldest street Old Main Street, Folk Museum, colonial era building – snow-white palace Old Government’s House, etc.

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There are also many other favorite places for tourists: the ancient defenses of Fort Recaverie and Fort George, Mount Healthy’s Wind Mill (XVIII century), Callwood’s Rum Distillery, which produces high-quality rum, botanical flowering garden J.R. O’Neal, a private collection of private collections. O’Neal, a private art collection in an old building at Josias Bay Plantation.

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During excursions it is possible to taste drinks or viands of past centuries, take masterpiece photos, buy souvenirs. Most often these are unique products of Caribbean craftsmen, rum, crafts made of stone, shells and wood, batik, local fragrant spices, original jewelry, outfits.

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Tourists

Tortola is an ideal option for those wishing to find themselves in a Caribbean fairy tale and have a wonderful time. There are plenty of offers for every category of tourists: wedding and romantic trips, sea cruises, health, ecological, tasting, incentive tours, beach vacations.

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The latter, of course, is implied in any case, favoring the excellent beaches on Tortola is enough. Beginners will appreciate Josiah’s Bay, experienced surfers – famous for strong waves Apple Bay. The wild Brandy Wine Bay beach is perfect for getting in touch with nature. Extraordinarily beautiful seabed Brewer’s Bay will please fans of snorkeling, and shallow civilized Cane Garden Bay will appeal to travelers with children.

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To visit the lovely Caribbean island and not try the exotic local cuisine is an unfortunate omission. Shark chowder, mussel pies, stew of various shellfish, thin tortillas roti stuffed with meat and vegetables, funghi – a mind-blowing seafood delicacy: any of these dishes will captivate with their piquancy and unusual flavor.

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At the planning stage of a voyage to Tortola, the prices can be a little shocking. The cost of the tour is really not from the budget, only inexpressible emotions and fantastic impressions from the trip will more than compensate for the material costs. And you can be absolutely sure that staying on the miracle island will turn into an exotic fashionable fairy tale.

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