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Along the northern side are glorious white sandy beaches, many protected by cays, and an abundance of mango and banana groves. The main town on the 12-by-3-mile island is the colony's capital, Road Town, with a population of approximately 3,200. Tourism is relatively new to Road Town, so it is still more of a subdued village than a sophisticated resort town. The West Indian charm of its colorful wood-and-stone buildings enhances the town's appearance. Several colonial buildings have been preserved, and quaint shops line Main Street.

The main town on the 12-by-3-mile island is the colony's capital, Road Town, with a population of approximately 3,200. Tourism is relatively new to Road Town, so it is still more of a subdued village than a sophisticated resort town. The West Indian charm of its colorful wood-and-stone buildings enhances the town's appearance. Several colonial buildings have been preserved, and quaint shops line Main Street.

Located on the outskirts of Road Town, in the center of the island, is the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens. Landscaped paths, along which visitors can view different habitats, radiate from a lovely fountain; an orchid house, a small rain forest, a cactus garden and a palm grove are among the features of the four-acre park. Hibiscus, bougainvillea and flamboyant trees add bursts of color.

The Sage Mountain National Park is one of Tortola's natural treasures. Mount Sage, at 1,780 feet, is the highest point in the British Virgin Islands. The park's hiking paths afford panoramic views of neighboring Peter, Salt, Cooper and Ginger islands to the south and Jost Van Dyke and Sandy Cay to the north. The ruins of Fort Recovery, an old Dutch stronghold around which a small villa hotel has been built, are another interesting Tortola sight. The fort's stone tower is believed to have been built by the island's first Dutch settlers, who landed at Soper's Hole in 1648. In Carrot Bay, the North Shore Shell Museum is an interesting diversion for those fascinated by seashells and the local crafts and culture.

Beaches:
Tortola's most lovely beaches are located along the north side of the island, where quiet coves and bays are fringed with soft, white sands.

At Josiah's Bay, sunworshipers will find a wide, lovely stretch of beach that provides the perfect picnic spot. Brewers Bay beach is a good spot for snorkeling as well as lazing in the sun. Near Road Town is Cane Garden Bay, a beautiful and popular beach that features watersports rentals and beach bars. On the eastern end of the island is Long Bay, fringed by a scenic mile-long beach. Wonderful views of the bay can be seen along the road that leads there.

To the west, Beef Island also has a beach called Long Bay. It affords a great deal of privacy as well as views of the neighboring islands of Little Camanoe, Great Camanoe, Marina Cay and Scrub Island. Smuggler's Cove offers good snorkeling and a nice view of Jost Van Dyke Island. Those who make the bouncy journey to the beach will be rewarded with an optimal, quiet spot in the sun.

North of Road Town is Trunk Bay beach, perhaps one of the most deserted on the island. Surrounding islands such as Peter's Island, Jost Van Dyke Island and Anegada also feature spectacular beaches for visitors willing to take a quick boat ride.

Activities:
Since the British Virgin Islands are situated closely together, sailing from island to island is a most enjoyable way to spend time there. Various island-hopping trips can be arranged from Tortola. The compactness of the group of islands also represents an advantage for underwater explorers looking for diversity. The entire chain extends for about 35 miles along Sir Francis Drake Channel; even dive sites considered remote can be reached within 30 minutes.

At the Rhone National Maritime Park, divers can roam about a spectacular underwater panorama and numerous sunken ships. The RMS Rhone is by far the most famous sunken vessel in the area and centerpiece of the marine park. Once the pride of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, it hit Salt Island during a hurricane in 1867, broke in two and sunk to the depths. The ship's broken steel hull is filled with fantastic colorful coral formations and equally beautiful tropical fish, including the queen angelfish, not often seen in other Caribbean waters. Nearby are two coral caves, 25 feet below the surface. The park also includes Dead Chest Island. Its cliffs, covered with cactus, sage and frangipani, are a favorite nesting site for terns, noddies and other sea birds.

In the waters off Dead Chest Island is a coral reef where underwater enthusiasts will find alternating bands of coral and sand and ledges covered with sponges. The marine life there also includes everything from lobsters and crabs to starfish and shrimp. The Japanese refrigeration ship, Chikusen, is another fascinating wreck. In 1981, the vessel went down about 10 miles off Virgin Gorda; it now lies on its side in a ghostlike scene, 75 feet under water. Octopus, giant rays and jewfish are only a few of the creatures who call the Chikusen home.

Visitors with a penchant for snorkeling should definitely make a trip to the four caves at Norman Island, the place Robert Louis Stevenson had in mind when he wrote Treasure Island. Divers will also enjoy the locale, as one of the caves extends 80 feet under the island--providing the adventure of a night dive even while the sun is shining. Steady winds and warm waters around the British Virgin Islands make for great windsurfing, which is quickly becoming a favored sport. Round-trips between Tortola and Peter Island or Virgin Gorda and Anegada can be easily arranged. On land, visitors can enjoy tennis at several resorts, hiking and horseback riding.

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