British Virgin Islands, Tortola

The British Virgin Islands was the next stop after the Dominican Republic. The British Virgin Islands were discovered by Columbus in 1493.

The BVI are under the British flag but use the US$ due to proximity and trade with the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

There are 60 islands in the BVI, most are volcanic. We went to Tortola, which is the largest and most populated. It is home to offshore companies and financial services are a major part of the economy. Road Town is the capital of Tortola , located on the south coast of the island. Much of Road Town was destroyed by hurricane Irma, including the banks and schools. There are many banks in Road Town. Road Town -

We drove around the town, which is really small, and the went up Ridge Road and looked over Guana Island and Beef island. Further out is Virgin Gorda Island which is the 3rd largest of the BVI. Nearby are Mosquito Island and Necker Island which are both owned by Richard Branson.

Virgin Gorda Island -

2 more cruise ships on another side of the island -

Further on we had a view over Road Town -

Our ship looks like it is parked in someone's garden!

Then up to a  higher view point at a restaurant, paid $1 to go to the open upper floor -

Then down to Cane Garden Bay 

We stopped at the Callwood distillery, for rum tasting, though I didn’t taste. 

After that, it was time to return to Road Town and the ship