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THE 25 BEST Cruises to Tortola 2024 with Prices Tortola Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic

tortola cruise ship port

Wander the little side streets and you’ll find art galleries, spice stores and of course tropical clothing boutiques. In 2014 started the construction works on the port's new cruise ship dedicated complex "Tortola Pier Park". Its construction included a total of 123 piles that were driven into the seabed to support the above structure (retail buildings). Port Tortola Island BVI cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Tortola Island BVI, Road Town, UK Virgin Islands.

Do a Canopy Tour

The uninhabited island of Norman island is known for its caves, hidden bays, and wrecks. These volcanic rocks create grottos, tunnels and salt water pools that are interesting to explore and swim in. To get to Virgin Gorda, you have to live Tortola by ferry or any other water/ air transport and cross Sir Francis Drake’s channel over to the island. Charter a sailboat to the nearby islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada.

Best Cruise Excursions in Tortola on a Day in Port

Laid-back and picturesque, these soft sand beaches offer swimming, snorkeling and in winter, surfing. Embark on a scenic drive to Smuggler’s Cove Beach, a tranquil beach nestled a 35-minute drive southwest of Tortola cruise port. This idyllic spot boasts pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, inviting visitors to unwind in a serene tropical paradise. A separate concrete slab was built to support the flagship restaurant (part of Pier Park). The park's 2 main buildings are sized each approx 8000 ft2 (750 m2).

Shopping and Food

To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. A new cruise complex has been constructed at the foot of the pier called Tortola Pier Park. It is 80,000 square feet and in addition to an administration building there are 50 shops and restaurants. There is also a place for land-tours to assemble and a separate pier for boat tours. A visit to the Callwood Rum Distillery, a hidden gem about minutes away from the Tortola cruise port, will take you on an adventure through Caribbean history. The New Horizon Ferry runs ferries between the West End and Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke and the ride takes about 30 minutes one way.

Take a Shore Excursion to Tortola Beaches

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Carnival Drops Tortola.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Disney Cruise Line were the projects main investors. The BVI Government leased the land for a period of 48 years (with buy-out option at 15 and 30 years). The Tortola Pier Park design was developed by the US company IDEA (Orlando FL-based).

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tortola cruise ship port

This bustling market showcases the talents of local artisans, offering a vibrant array of handmade souvenirs, jewelry, and traditional Caribbean crafts. Engage with the artisans, discover unique pieces, and take home a souvenir of your time in Road Town. Last but not least, explore the vibrant capital of Tortola, Road Town, which is within an easy 5-10 minute walk from the Tortola cruise dock. Here, a wide range of experiences awaits, blending local culture, history, and shopping delights. Embark on a ferry adventure to Virgin Gorda island and explore the natural marvels of The Baths, nestled within The Baths National Park.

I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise

On an eastern Caribbean cruise, there’s always a nearby island to visit. From Tortola, take a ferry boat across the bay to Virgin Gorda, also in the British Virgin Islands. Fresh seafood and just-caught fish plus colorful tropical fruits round out the culinary experience. Close to the port, the main thoroughfare in Road Town, Main Street, is dotted with lively restaurants, cafés and open-air bars.

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You can book it as an excursion with your ship or try a DIY tour by renting a car and exploring the island on your own. The main attraction of this island is the rock formation of The Baths. This consists of huge volcanic boulders on the beach that forms caves and tunnels you can explore. The water is calm and several water sports can be practiced there. Then, you’ll get onto a platform in the water and have 30 minutes to interact, play and even get your photo taken while getting a kiss from a dolphin.

Home Cruise Ships Port Expenses Hints and Tips

Birdwatchers will surely appreciate the chance to spot local and migratory birds along the way. The new cruise ship facility in Road Town was first used by the NCL ship Norwegian Getaway (berthing here on April 29 / on the pier's opening day). During the Pier's construction works, many cruise ships had to anchor and ferry their passengers via tender boats, which made the port less attractive for travelers. Known for its untouched beauty, Smuggler’s Cove is popular for a variety of water activities. The calm and inviting waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and basking in the warm Caribbean sun.

I.e The Baths on Virgin Gorda, also part of the British Virgin Islands. There are also many well-equipped facilities for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. Almost every venue offers free Wi-Fi, so you'll see passengers and staff hanging out everywhere in order to log on to the internet.

Go and enjoy the lively atmosphere, crystal clear turquoise waters and the white soft sandy beach of Cane Garden. The colorful shopping and eating outlets that line the bay make this beach the beehive of Tortola. It’s the main tourist town in Tortola and you can spend your day here shopping, eating, swimming, kayaking, and even windsurfing. The tour starts from Road Town and starts ascending the mountainous background of the island.

Embark on a nautical adventure to Jost Van Dyke, a serene island paradise and an oasis of laid-back charm located north of Tortola. One of the main attractions of Jost Van Dyke is the renowned White Bay, a stretch of pristine beach known for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. For beach lovers, Cane Garden Bay offers a perfect escape with its soft, golden sands and clear turquoise waters.

Roadtown Tortola British Virgin Islands Cruise Port

tortola cruise ship port

You are likely to see lots of fish, lobsters, turtles, eels, stingrays, and even barracudas. It’s said that no matter how many times you dive the RMS Rhone there is always something new to discover, so start discovering. Where a fun and thrilling adventure is set up with a zip lining ride across the Canopy.

Do a Canopy Tour

The restaurant’s outside seating affords visitors a chance to seat in tranquility enjoying great vistas of the bay and seaside. More so it’s known for its pirate and treasure tales which is believed to be what inspired Robert Louis Stevenson into writing ‘Treasure Island’. To this day this is a favorite spot for cruisers and other guests to try their luck at finding treasure in or around the island. If treasure hunting is on your bucket list well, you can start at Norman Island. The caves offer great snorkeling and you can venture deeper into the caves where the darkness creates a nighttime dive experience.

Time difference

Take a stroll along the shoreline, bask in the warmth of the Caribbean sun, or engage in watersports like paddle boarding and snorkeling. The bay’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced water enthusiasts. Cruise ships dock at the Tortola cruise port in Road Town, nestled on the southern shores of the island. In this article, I’ll provide you with practical information on the Tortola cruise terminal and reveal the 7 best things to do in Tortola. Brewers Bay beckons you to its hidden shores on the north side of the island. Accessible by taxi or car, it’s a haven for locals and those looking for something off the beaten path.

Escape to Smugglers Cove

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Not filled with tourist-y restaurants, you may want to bring water and a snack. The construction plan was to transform Road Town's waterfront into a marketplace with festive events and tourist attractions. The waterfront development included building a new shopping village (with trolly cars for cruise passengers to explore it) plus a Ferris Wheel. With the new pier, Tortola cruise port has berthing capacity of two large-sized vessels at a time. If there are more than 2 vessels, one of them anchors in the bay and its passengers are tendered ashore to the Road Town Jetty.

Best Things to Do in Tortola Cruise Port

The cruise port development project resulted in building a new cruise terminal building. Tourists willing to visit other British Virgin Islands from Tortola, there is a regularly scheduled ferry service. The island has two ferry terminals – at the west end (Soper's Hole) and at the east end (Beef Island). Regular ferry services are offered between Tortola and Cruz Bay (St John Island USVI).

The path provides a well-marked and moderately challenging route, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels. Make sure to wear suitable hiking shoes and bring water with you to remain hydrated on your hike. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Tortola, the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands, invites you with its sun-kissed shores and vibrant culture. Tortola is located east of Puerto Rico (USA) and St Thomas (USVI) and is a popular cruise stop in the Caribbean cruise itineraries.

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Taxis are readily available to whisk you away to wherever you might want to go. For those looking for a little adventure, consider hiking to the Bubbly Pool, a natural rock formation where waves crash into a shallow pool, creating bubbly bubbles. It’s a unique and delightful spot that adds a touch of adventure to your Jost Van Dyke experience. As you arrive on Virgin Gorda, you’ll spot the massive granite boulders that shape the landscape of The Baths. These colossal stones create a unique maze of grottoes, tunnels, and pools, providing an enchanting environment for exploration. The British Virgin Islands experiences a pretty consistent weather all throughout the year.

Ways to Experience Tortola for Cruise Passengers

As you immerse yourself in the tranquility of this secluded beach, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. A boat/ferry boat is another popular option to get to the nearby islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. There are two docks on Tortola – in Road Town and West End (a 30-minute drive from the cruise port). There will be detailed information on how to get to Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke further in the article.

DCL-Disney Cruise Line's summer 2025 fleet deployment (Europe & Caribbean itineraries)

tortola cruise ship port

And lastly but not least have a ‘Ting’, a refreshing Jamaican citrus soda. With all these flavors you are bound to experience an authentic Tortola island cuisine. From Tortola, take a ferry or a short air trip to the island of Anegada. Amongst the volcanic archipelago of the BVI’s, this is the only island that is formed by a coral reef. However, to truly experience Tortola you have to move away from the town and venture to the east and west coasts. Don’t be surprised to see the long queues found at the ferries dock, they all want to venture further along the coast of Tortola.

The peak season for cruisers is late November to February, which is the winter season in the island with temperatures ranging between 70-80° Fahrenheit. Go explore this beautiful, peaceful house with two floors of History and culture within the walls. One of the top excursions in Tortola is the Dolphin Discovery experience. The Dolphin Centre is fun packed and great for the entire family.

Though similar the Canopy tour is different, much safer and quieter. Enjoy spectacular views of Road Town, the bay and neighboring islands. Carryback home memories of the island with authentic island made crafts. Go shopping on Road town’s main street or try many more shopping sites on the other towns you visit.

Swim, sunbathe or snorkel in the sparkling clear waters of the baths and enjoy a ton of photo ops. Tortola features a dramatic landscape made up of lush mountains. Go on a challenging adventure driving through narrow winding roads, negotiating hairpin turns through lush vegetation. The British Virgin Islands are multicultural islands and Tortola is no exception. A good way to experience the cultural influence is through Tortola’s restaurants.

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