Road Town is a great place to get in some outdoor exercise, as the temperate weather and abundance of calm Caribbean waters makes it an ideal place for fishing, swimming or snorkeling. There are many popular beaches around the town, most with beach bars and live entertainment during the evenings. For more secluded and picturesque beaches, you may need to branch out onto other parts of Tortola Island. Smuggler’s Cove near Soper’s Hole in West End is an excellent place for scuba diving, especially if you want to catch a glimpse of some sea turtles, which are often spotted around here. At the other extreme of the island, the expansive Elizabeth Beach in East End can accommodate many sunbathers and offers an excellent view of the British Virgin Islands. The North Shore of Tortola also has its fair share of scenic beaches; Lambert Bay has plenty of palm trees for shade, and Brewer’s Bay is surrounded by historic ruins of sugar plantations and rum distilleries.

Sailing regattas occur regularly on the island around the year; check local event calendars to see if one will be held when you are in town. For those not participating in the competition, there is still plenty of entertainment onshore while the yachts and sailboats are going head to head.

Companies based in Road Town will also be happy to offer you boat tours of the waters around Tortola. There are special expeditions for fishing and whale- or dolphin-watching. Boats can also be rented for recreational sailing, though this requires a permit.