Exploring Tortola of the BVI

Written by Julie Greiner

The home base for the largest number of yacht charters in the Caribbean is Tortola, the largest and capital of the British Virgin Islands. Road Town on Tortola is the main town of the islands. Tortola is made up of lush green mountains and sheltered harbors, surrounded by white beaches. The Main Street through the town is mostly of pastel painted wood frame shops and you can walk through the town in approximately 15 minutes.

Botanic Garden on Tortola

In January of 1987 the Botanic Garden opened its doors to a living museum. The garden consists of approximately 3 acres and was created by volunteers of the Botanic Society and Garden Club. There are twenty collections of rare tropical plants. The gardens feature blossoming shrubs of oleander, hibiscus, bougainvillea, frangipani and scarlet flowered flamboy and trees. There are samples of the edible fruits native to the Cruise port of the British Virgin Islands

Cruise port of the British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands - guava, sugar-apple, breadfruit, avocado, mango, papaya, banana and guava berries.

Sage Mountain National Park on Tortola

Sage Mountain National Park is comprised of 92 acres down the center of Tortola The vegetation that grows through-out is much of that of a rain-forest and reforestation is being practiced. There are hiking trails throughout which wind through huge elephant ear, philodendrons, hanging vines, prickly ferns and a variety of hard and softwood trees. The paths are graveled and signs posted for directions. The plants are grouped according to environment and the most unusual plant to view is the century plant which grows leaves up to 6 foot in length.

Rhone National Marine Park

The Rhone is the most famous dive site in the British Virgin Islands. The Rhone, a 310 Peter Island's Dead Man Bay Beach

foot steamship was caught in a hurricane and smashed against the rocks at Salt Island and sunk back in 1867. The marine life which one encounters on a dive is incredible. There is a 300 pound jewfish which has been known to cruises by and two coral caves in about 25 foot of water. The park also includes 34 acres of the Dead Chest Island. This is a heaven where one will observe bridled tern, noddy and other seabirds nesting. Just east of Dead Check there is Blonde Rock, only 15 feet below the surface of the sea. Blond Rock is a very popular site for the colorful fire-coral and fish, and is suited for experienced divers because of the strong currents.

Normal Island of the British Virgin Islands

The island life are seabirds and small wild animals, a few old ruins, a salt pond and foot paths that lead up to Spy Glass Hill for a panoramic romantic view. This was once a favorite pirate look-out for sighting Spanish ships bearing treasures. The caves here are only some 20 foot under the surface and are an attraction for snorkelers