Virgin Islands · TORTOLA TOURS
Tortola is the British capital and the charter base, so the good days here start at a dock. These 15 cover the snorkelling, the mangrove lagoon on Beef Island and the crossings to Jost Van Dyke and The Baths, with prices and sailing times.
Explore Beef Island Lagoon by kayak or stand-up paddleboard with local guide Alex or another GroundSea Adventures BVI guide. Expect calm water, mangrove nurseries, turtles, stingrays, barracuda, sea birds, and a stop on a tiny coral atoll. Equipment and a safety briefing are included.
“It was both fun and educational to get off the common path and learn about the diverse mangrove eco system.”
Ride from Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park to Cane Garden Bay in an air-conditioned van or open-air safari. Guides such as Vincent, Simeon, Shampoo, and Ralph may share island views and local facts along the way. You get several hours for swimming, food, music, kayaking, and optional snorkeling before returning to the pier.
“Great driver-Vincent. Beach water lovely. Not too crowded the day we went but I would not have liked it if it had been more crowded. Very local feel.”
Set out from Village Cay aboard the 38-foot M/V Apotheoseas with a private captain, including Keenan, Nate, or Andrew. Choose a half-day or full-day plan, then shape the route around snorkeling, beaches, island stops, turtles, drinks, and family needs. Pickup can be arranged from your preferred British Virgin Islands location.
“Really fun trip with professional and friendly crew. Family trip was very enjoyable and memorable. Loved the Baths in Tortola and snorkeling with turtles.”
Meet ceramic artist Karl Burnett for a private, hands-on pottery class at The Pottery Garden in Tortola. Travel by air-conditioned shuttle, hear local history along coastal and ridge roads, try the wheel or hand building, tour the wood-fired kiln and garden, and shop for handmade work. Finished class pieces cost $5 to $20 extra.
“Karl was delightful from the moment he picked us up until he dropped us safely back off. We had a little emergency and my husband had to go back to the ship. Karl patiently waited with us at the port for him and then took us to his shop whiRead more”
Meet guides such as Sef, David, Kaleem, or Seth at the Tortola cruise pier for a private Mount Healthy nature walk. Expect coastal views, semi-rain forest, medicinal plants, springs, crayfish catching, a bamboo meadow, fruit, lemonade, and cool lemongrass towels. The route can be easy or more demanding, depending on your group.
“This was a lovely, easy hike - about 1.25 miles round trip. The guide was great at plant identification and telling us about Tortola. He was very knowledgeable. The fruit at the end was good and the lemonade particularly noteworthy - a definite fan favorite.”
Join Captain James and first mate Maddie for a shared Norman Island sail from Village Cay in Tortola. You may visit the Caves, the Indians, and another calm snorkeling stop, with lunch, drinks, paddleboards, safety gear, and up to 26 people aboard. The route can change with weather and sea conditions.
“It was wonderful and fun. Captain James and first mate were entertaining and knowledgeable, the sailing was great”
Tour Tortola with guide Dervin from Stoutt’s Taxi and Tour Services, visiting Trellis Bay, Brewers Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Callwood Rum Distillery, and other island sights. Your private group can adjust the pace, add a swim or meal stop, and arrange pickup anywhere on Tortola.
“Dervin was the consummate host and tour guide and made our family feel warmly welcomed. We learned so much about the history of BVI, saw the most beautiful spots, and enjoyed a stellar beach visit with lunch. Dervin knows all the bRead more”
Join Capt. James and a small crew aboard a comfortable catamaran from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. Swim ashore to Soggy Dollar Bar for a Painkiller, explore Sandy Spit or the Bubble Pool when conditions allow, and enjoy a buffet lunch, open bar, paddle boards, and included cruise-pier taxi transfers.
“The catamaran to JVD was fantastic, a top 10 day for sure! From the ease of finding our ride from the cruise port to the excursion itself, it was a perfect day!”
Meet Alicia at Tortola Pier Park for a private four-hour tour built around your interests. Visit Mount Healthy’s sugar mill ruins, walk in Sage Mountain National Park, snorkel at Brewers Bay, and relax at Smuggler’s Cove. Transport, snorkel gear, water, soda, and admission fees are included.
“I absolutely loved my day with Alicia! Private tour allows flexibility and customization to some extend. I got exactly what I wanted - lots of information about the island and the country, amazing views, lots of photos, beach time, snorkeling, lot Read more”
Spend about seven hours on a private BVI boat from Tortola, with pickup, snorkeling gear, drinks, sea scooters, and floaties included. The day centers on The Baths, turtle-friendly snorkeling, and beach time. Captains such as Raj and Tyro have handled routes with stops at The Indians and Cooper Island.
“Captain Tyro took us on a beautiful tour of the BVI's starting at The Baths (short swim in, but he had life jackets & water noodles for ease - even if you weren't a strong swimmer), followed by gelato on Cooper Island, snorkeling at The Indians, Read more”
Spend about three hours hiking Brewers Bay with a private HIKE BVI guide. Learn about local plants, visit an old ruin, meet pineapple farmer Michael, and follow a rocky stream to the spring mouth. David has led groups at an easy pace, with water and snacks provided. Pickup can be arranged, and the tour returns to its starting point.
“It was about a 10 minute bus ride to the start of the trail. There were just 6 people in our group. David kept the pace slow so he could tell us about the various trees and plants along our route.”
Spend two to four hours touring Tortola with ceramic artist Karl Burnett. Visit Reuben Vanterpool’s Jenesis Studios, see a traditional oven and island artwork, explore The Pottery Garden, and learn pottery techniques. Add bread baking for $20 or clay play for $12. Private transport, water, and Josiah’s Bay Pond birding are included.
“Book this tour! Karl is a wonderful guide and so generous in sharing his knowledge. We learned so much and enjoyed every minute of our time!”
Meet your guide at Trellis Bay Market Bar & Grill for a private hike up 736-foot Mount Alma. Expect a steep, sometimes demanding bush trail, stories about Beef Island’s plants and past, and wide views over Trellis Bay, Bluff Bay, and the British Virgin Islands. Guides such as Seph or Sef may provide drinks and a snack at the summit.
“We had a great time on this hike with Seph, our tour guide. He picked us up at Maria's By The Sea, which is a short walk from the cruise port. On our very scenic 25 minute drive to the hike, Seph was very friendly and informative about Tortola Read more”
Spend four hours touring Tortola with a private guide from HIKE BVI. Expect Cane Garden Bay, a Mount Healthy nature walk when available, Callwood Rum Distillery, local lunch, viewpoints, and island-made gelato. Guides such as Kaleem, Callum, Chloe, John, and Seth have led this flexible tour.
“We had a great time with our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and showed us the entire island. Highly recommend this tour!”
Spend about 6.5 hours sailing from Tortola to Norman Island, with time for snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, and lunch. The crew aims for the Caves, the Indians, and another calm stop, though sea and crowd conditions can change the route. Equipment, drinks, safety gear, and a buffet are included.
“Great trip for families. We went to the Indians, Caves and 2 snorkeling spots. Both of them were excellent with us and the kids. Recommend 100%. If we return to the island go with them again.”
Pick a hull, a reef or a ridge road.
