Tortola, the main island of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Tortola means "Turtle Dove," so-named for its shape and beauty. Of volcanic origin, a central mountainous "spine" forms its core with a series of lesser ridges undulating and spilling to the sea. Spectacular views abound with vistas opening up to outlying islands across the azure blue sea and emerald colors above reefs. The scenery is enhanced by ascents like "airplane rides," sheer descents and hairpin turns that require mirrors to be posted in places.
There are over fifty islands and cays in the BVI. Tortola is so mountainous that the international airport had to be built on Beef Island. The main mode of transporation is boats, boats, boats! Public ferries link the main island of Tortola to Virgin Gorda. Private ferries link it with other islands such as Anegada, the North Sound, Cooper Island, and Peter Island.
Road Town is the capital of Tortola and where most of the 20,000 residents of the BVI live. With the exception of Anegada, the islands are mountainous; Sage Mountain reaches a height of 1,780 feet. This is the highest point on Tortola. At the upper elevations, traces of a primeval rain forest can still be seen. The second highest point is found at Sky World. Visitors are afforded breathtaking views of Tortola and surrounding islands.
This was the last excursion, an island tour.
The ship's photographer took a picture just as we stepped off the gangway.
We got an early 7:30 AM start again. This ferry provides transport between the islands.
We took these early pictures from the dock, while waiting for the tour guide. The island's mountainous terrain is evident.
The Tortola harbor is much more urbanized than the other islands we visited.
There was lots of foot traffic on the pier.
Jan (right side of picture) is wearing dangly purple earrings, her favorite color.
Our guide waits for us at the foot of the pier.
Tours on the other islands used 4x4s or minivans. On Tortola, these jitneys, built on truck chassis, were popular.
We got underway just after 8:00 AM.
We view the sailboat harbor as we pull out of the tour bus parking lot.
Tourism is big business on Tortola, You can see the fleet of jitneys that haven't yet left the parking lot.
This dramatic hillside house caught my eye.
Motorbike rental is also popular.
The guide was anxious to point out the government building--and how much was spent on it.
The yacht harbor in early morning.
A seagull flies in the early morning, over glass-smooth seas, with off-islands in the backdrop.
Glass-smooth seas made our entire journey a pleasure.
A pelican, a pelican. His beak holds more than his belly can.
There must have been good feeding at this popular spot.
It was a lovely day in Tortola, about 76°F.
These condos or inns are dramatically cantilevered on the hillside.
Jan's rollator rides in the back of the bus before ours. Left-hand traffic again, of course.
The water was remarkably clear.
A donkey rests in the shade.
Off-islands in the early morning.
The driver identified the islands as we passed them.
The water clarity is stunning.
Tortola's mountainous nature is evident. There's no way to tour the island without travelling on Ridge Road, which runs along the island's mountainous spine. The highest mountain is Mt. Sage, which reaches 1750 feet.
I kept thinking about living in an isolated house on the hillside. Then I remembered reading Herman Wouk's novel, Don't Stop the Carnival, which is about the frustrations encountered in trying to get anything done in the islands. Or as they say on Tortola, "You're on island time now."
Sea wall and rocks before another offshore island. Major islands include Jost Van Dyke, Little Jost Van Dyke, Sandy Cay, Oran Cay, Lanie Thatah Island, Frankoman Cay, Little Camanoe, Great Camanoe, Beef Island, Bush Island, Anegada, Norman, Peter Island, Cooper, and Virgin Gorda.
A mountainous island.
With another island beyond it.
As peaceful as it was, these folks found enough waves to surf.
This surfer rides the tube.
These narrow roads were cut into the mountainside. Many have no guardrails. Hairpin turns are commonplace, some having mirrors to provide a view of oncoming traffic.
Exotic tropical plants grow in abundance.
Tortola is heavily commercialized. We saw lots of inns and restaurants and bars, including one known for wild late-night parties.
This plant (can't remember its name) is grown for food.
More tour pictures from March 11
Shipboard pictures from March 11
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