Tortola

Welcome to Tortola, a Tropical island in the Caribbean Sea, part of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Tortola unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Tortola
Size: 57.8 km²
Coastline: 66.1 km
Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
Sea: Caribbean Sea
Continent: North America
Tortola is a Medium Island spanning 58 km² with a coastline of 66 km.
Archipel: Virgin Islands – A group of Caribbean islands and islets, known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant culture.
Tectonic Plate: North America – Covers North America and parts of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, characterized by diverse geological features and varying levels of seismic activity.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 18.42303619 / Longitude: -64.62640434
Climate and weather of Tortola
Climate Zone: Tropical
Climate Details: Tropical Monsoon Climate
Temperature: Hot
Climate Characteristics: Characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and uniformly high temperatures, but with a distinct short dry season. It features a seasonal reversal of prevailing wind directions.
Topography and nature of Tortola
Timezone: UTC-04:00
Timezone places: America/La_Paz
Max. Elevation: 402 m
Mean Elevation: 140 m
Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Tree Coverage: 64%
The mean elevation is 140 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 402 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Hills: Gently sloping landforms with rounded tops, having a maximum elevation between 200 and 500 meters. Hills contribute to a varied landscape on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Characterized by dense, lush canopies of broadleaf trees that retain their leaves year-round. These forests are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions and are known for their high biodiversity. Tortola has a tree cover of 64 %.
Vegetation: 13 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Tortola
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Tortola. The nearest airport is Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, located 1 km away.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
Tortola is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: ROAD HARBOR.
The mean population of Tortola is 444 per km². Tortola is Moderately Inhabited. The island belongs to United Kingdom.
The name of the island resonates across different cultures and languages. Here is how it is known around the world: Arabic: تورتولا; Spanish: Tórtola; French: Tortola; Portuguese: Tortola; Russian: Тортола; Chinese: 托尔托拉岛
Continuing your journey, St. John is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
United Kingdom is classified as Developed region: G7: Group of Seven – Major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Tortola
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Tortola. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- Americans Can Now Fly Nonstop To 5 Of The Safest Undiscovered Beach Destinations - Travel Off Pathon 20 July 2026
Americans Can Now Fly Nonstop To 5 Of The Safest Undiscovered Beach Destinations Travel Off Path
- Norwegian Prima Trip Log Day 5: 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise – Tortola, BVI – May 21, 2026 - The Disney Cruise Line Blogon 14 July 2026
Norwegian Prima Trip Log Day 5: 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise – Tortola, BVI – May 21, 2026 The Disney Cruise Line Blog
- ‘There is no such thing as too much preparation’: Cruising the British Virgin Islands - Yachting Monthlyon 9 July 2026
‘There is no such thing as too much preparation’: Cruising the British Virgin Islands Yachting Monthly
- The 7 Best Tortola Vacation Rentals for Every Budget and Beach in 2026 - Breaking AC Newson 16 June 2026
The 7 Best Tortola Vacation Rentals for Every Budget and Beach in 2026 Breaking AC News
- Why the British Virgin Islands is the sailing capital of the world - squaremile.comon 16 June 2026
Why the British Virgin Islands is the sailing capital of the world squaremile.com
- Gov’t tenders downsized runway extension - The BVI Beaconon 15 June 2026
Gov’t tenders downsized runway extension The BVI Beacon
- Certain ministries should be housed on sister islands — Vanterpool - BVI Newson 3 June 2026
Certain ministries should be housed on sister islands — Vanterpool BVI News
- A Modern Clifftop Mansion in the British Virgin Islands Once Asking $32.5 Million Heads to Auction - Mansion Globalon 19 May 2026
A Modern Clifftop Mansion in the British Virgin Islands Once Asking $32.5 Million Heads to Auction Mansion Global
- Tortola - World Population Reviewon 9 May 2026
Tortola World Population Review
- A New Caribbean Flight Just Linked Anguilla and Tortola, Bringing Short Hop Travel, Better Access, and Simpler Itineraries - Caribbean Journalon 24 April 2026
A New Caribbean Flight Just Linked Anguilla and Tortola, Bringing Short Hop Travel, Better Access, and Simpler Itineraries Caribbean Journal
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.
