Caribbean (Fodor's, 2011) - Fodor's Travel Publications [6]
Ft. Burt.
The most intact historic ruin on Tortola was built by the Dutch in the early 17th century to safeguard Road Harbour. It sits on a hill at the western edge of Road Town and is now the site of a small hotel and restaurant. The foundations and magazine remain, and the structure offers a commanding view of the harbor. | Waterfront Dr., Road Town VG11110 | No phone | Free | Daily dawn–dusk.
J. R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens.
Take a walk through this 4-acre showcase of lush plant life. There are sections devoted to prickly cacti and succulents, hothouses for ferns and orchids, gardens of medicinal herbs, and plants and trees indigenous to the seashore. From the tourist office in Road Town, cross Waterfront Drive and walk one block over to Main Street and turn right. Keep walking until you see the high school. The gardens are on your left. | Botanic Station, Road Town VG11110 | 284/494–3904 | $3 | Mon.–Sat. 8:30–4:30.
Old Government House Museum.
The official government residence until 1997, this gracious building now displays a nice collection of artifacts from Tortola’s past. The rooms are filled with period furniture, hand-painted china, books signed by Queen Elizabeth II on her 1966 and 1977 visits, and numerous items reflecting Tortola’s seafaring legacy. | Waterfront Dr., Road Town VG11110 | 284/494–4091 | $3 | Weekdays 9–3, Sat. 9–1.
AROUND THE ISLAND
Other than spectacular views and some beautiful beaches, Tortola has few must-see attractions. That said, you came to relax, read in the hammock, and spend hours at dinner, not to dash madly around the island ticking yet another site off your list. Except for the Dolphin Discovery, where advance booking is recommended, the other sights are best seen when you stumble upon them on your round-the-island drive.
Cane Garden Bay. | Photo
Once a sleepy village, Cane Garden Bay is growing into one of Tortola’s most important destinations. Stay here at a small hotel or guesthouse, or stop by for lunch, dinner, or drinks at a seaside restaurant. You can find a few small stores selling clothing and basics such as suntan lotion, and, of course, one of Tortola’s most popular beaches is at your feet. The roads in and out of this area are dauntingly steep, so use caution when driving.
Dolphin Discovery.
Get up close and personal with dolphins as they swim in a spacious seaside pen. There are three different programs that provide a range of experiences. In the Royal Swim, dolphins tow participants around the pen. The less expensive Adventure and Discovery programs allow you to touch the dolphins. | Prospect Reef Resort, Road Town VG11110 | 284/494–7675 | www.dolphindiscovery.com | Royal Swim $139, Adventure $99, Discovery $79 | Royal Swim daily at 10 and noon, Adventure and Discovery daily at 11 and 1.
Ft. Recovery.
The unrestored ruins of a 17th-century Dutch fort sit amid a profusion of tropical greenery on the grounds of Villas of Fort Recovery Estates. There’s not much to see here, and there are no guided tours, but you’re welcome to stop by and poke around. | Waterfront Dr., Road Town VG11110 | 284/485–4467 | Free.
Mount Healthy National Park.
The remains of an 18th-century sugar plantation can be seen here. The windmill structure has been restored, and you can see the ruins of a mill, a factory with boiling houses, storage areas, stables, a hospital, and many dwellings. It’s a nice place to picnic. | Ridge Rd., Todman Peak VG11130 | No phone | www.bvinationalparkstrust.org | Free | Daily dawn–dusk.
Sage Mountain National Park.
At 1,716 feet, Sage Mountain is the highest peak in the BVI. From the parking area, a trail leads you in a loop not only to the peak itself (and extraordinary views) but also to a small rain forest that is sometimes shrouded in mist. Most of the forest was cut down over the centuries to clear land for sugarcane, cotton, and other crops; to create pastureland; or simply to use the stands