Tortola - need help deciding!

[Chrislovesdisney]

We are NOT beach people, and I'm still a little wary of traveling around Tortola with an 18 month and 4 year old due to not having a car seat and not really wanting to expend the effort involved in the alternate ways of transporting the kids safely around. I've toyed with doing our own trip to a beach (but we will be doing beaches 2 other days on the cruise), or the sightseeing/beach Port adventure, but that's still leaves us in the open air safari busses.

My question is this: would I totally regret it if we just wander around the port for a little in the morning, and then take advantage of an empty ship? It would also be the only day we don't have a character meet and greet or princess tea or any other reservation, and I'm sort of liking the idea of no agenda.... thoughts?

 

[Quellman]

Sounds like a great idea. We have not been to that port, but the impression I get is there is not a lot to do in the immediate port area. Save the hassle and just enjoy the ship that day!

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Thanks!

 

[Neptune's Fork]

There's really not that much to see walking from the ship around the town. There will be a few vendors selling stuff but other than that I didn't notice anything remarkable. My impression of Tortola was that it was an island with quite a few natural beauty spots but for all of those you needed transportation from the port.

 

[Stephaneezer]

We are not 'beach' people either. We plan on taking a taxi from the ship to the Sage Mountain Park and doing hiking the park. According to accounts on Trip Advisor it only takes a couple of hours at a leisurely pace. Then making it back to the ship by taxi to enjoy a less crowded space.

 

[iivye]

I wouldn't even get off the ship if you don't want to use the ferry or taxis/open air bus. As others have stated, there really isn't anything to see right at the port.

 

[stacaka4321]

If you aren't wanting to go to the beach then yes, staying on board is a great idea! The port area has some shopping but it's all basically American stores or jewelry. Outside of port a few blocks down there are some locals with huts selling touristy souvenirs, pretty much each shop as the same stuff.

 

[mom4mad]

We are doing the jost van Dyke's beach excursion. I believe is only boat travel, no busses. Something to consider.