One of the best things about staying on St. Thomas is how easy it is to leave it for the day. In about 20 minutes, you can be on a national park beach in St. John. In under an hour, you can be sipping a Painkiller on Jost Van Dyke or exploring Tortola. With a private boat, you can visit three British Virgin Islands before lunch.
But island hopping in the Virgin Islands takes a little planning. Ferries leave from different terminals, some routes only run on certain days, schedules change with the seasons, and crossing into the British Virgin Islands means passports, forms, and fees.
This guide covers every major way to island hop from St. Thomas, including passenger ferries, car barges, and private charters, plus what to expect at customs and tips for a smooth trip.
Quick Answer: From St. Thomas, the passenger ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John, takes about 20 minutes and runs roughly every hour, with no passport needed. For the British Virgin Islands, ferries run from Charlotte Amalie to Road Town, Tortola, and from Red Hook to West End, Tortola, daily, and from Red Hook to Jost Van Dyke on select days of the week. A passport is required for the BVI. For the most flexibility, a private boat charter can visit several islands in one day.
Red Hook, St. Thomas
St. Thomas Ferry Terminals
St. Thomas has three main departure points for island hopping. Knowing which one you need will save you a lot of time.
Red Hook (East End): The main terminal for ferries to St. John, car barges, and ferries to West End, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke. It's surrounded by restaurants and bars, which makes waiting easy.
Charlotte Amalie (Downtown Waterfront): Home to the Edward Wilmoth Blyden Marine Terminal, with ferries to Road Town, Tortola, and seasonal service to St. John.
Crown Bay Marina (West of Downtown): The departure point for the short ferry to Water Island.
Private charters leave from marinas all around the island, including Red Hook, Sapphire, Compass Point, Crown Bay, and Charlotte Amalie.
Note: Schedules change seasonally, and some BVI routes run on a reduced schedule in the late summer and early fall. Always check current schedules before you travel.
Island Hopping Within the U.S. Virgin Islands
No passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling within the USVI.
St. Thomas to St. John by Passenger Ferry
The Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry is the busiest and easiest route in the Virgin Islands. The ride takes 15 to 20 minutes, and ferries run roughly every hour from early morning until late evening. The fare is about $8.15 each way for non-resident adults, with small fees for extra bags.
A seasonal ferry also runs from downtown Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay, usually from November through May. It takes about 45 minutes and is handy if you're staying near town.
Tip: Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early, especially on weekends and during peak season, and check the time of the last ferry back.
St. Thomas to St. John by Car Barge
If you want to bring a car, car barges run from Red Hook to Enighed Pond in Cruz Bay, usually about every hour. Expect to pay around $50 one way or $65 round trip for a Jeep or similar vehicle, including the driver. Cars load first come, first served, so arrive 30 to 60 minutes early.
Tip: Check your rental agreement first. Some St. Thomas rental companies don't allow their cars on the barge. Renting a Jeep in Cruz Bay is often easier.
St. Thomas to Water Island
The Water Island ferry leaves from Crown Bay Marina for a quick ride across the harbor. Once there, rent a golf cart or walk to Honeymoon Beach. Check the schedule for the last return trip.
St. Thomas to St. Croix
St. Croix is about 40 miles south of St. Thomas, much farther than the other islands. Short commuter flights connect the two islands, making it the most practical option for a visit.
Day Charter to the BVI
Island Hopping to the British Virgin Islands
Traveling to the BVI means crossing an international border. You'll need a passport and should plan for customs and immigration on both sides.
St. Thomas to Tortola
Tortola is the main gateway to the BVI, with two ferry routes from St. Thomas:
Charlotte Amalie to Road Town: Several departures daily. Different ferry companies alternate days, but departure times stay the same. The ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Red Hook to West End: Several departures daily, with a crossing of about 30 minutes. Some trips continue on to Road Town.
One-way fares to Tortola generally range from about $25 to $65, depending on the operator and route.
St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke
A direct ferry runs from Red Hook to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, on select days of the week, stopping in Cruz Bay, St. John, on the way. The trip takes about 45 to 50 minutes. Because it only runs a few days a week, book ahead and plan your trip around the schedule.
On other days, you can take a ferry to West End, Tortola, and connect to a Jost Van Dyke ferry from there, or go by private charter.
Jost Van Dyke Day Trip Guide →
St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda
There's no direct public ferry from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda. Instead, take a ferry to Road Town, Tortola, then connect to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. The Tortola to Virgin Gorda crossing takes about 30 minutes, with frequent daily departures.
Tip: With two ferries and customs each way, Virgin Gorda makes for a long day by public ferry. A private charter is the easiest way to see The Baths in a single day from St. Thomas.
The Baths, Virgin Gorda Guide →
Norman Island and Anegada
Norman Island has no regular public ferry service from St. Thomas. It's best reached by private charter or boat tour, which often combine The Caves, The Indians, and the Willy T with other BVI stops.
Anegada is the most remote of the BVI. Ferries from Tortola run only on certain days of the week, so it's best visited by charter or as an overnight trip.
Anegada, BVI
BVI Customs, Passports, and Fees
Here's what to expect when island hopping to the BVI:
Before you go:
Bring a valid passport for every traveler, including children.
Complete the BVI online embarkation card (e-card) before arrival. It can be submitted up to 72 hours before travel.
At the ferry terminal:
Arrive 60 to 90 minutes early for BVI ferries to allow time for check-in, customs, and immigration.
Expect a USVI port fee of about $10 per person when departing St. Thomas.
Arriving in the BVI:
You'll clear BVI customs and immigration at the ferry terminal.
Expect a BVI environmental and tourism levy of about $10 per person.
Leaving the BVI:
Expect a BVI departure tax of about $20 per person for non-residents.
Returning to St. Thomas:
You'll clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection on arrival.
These fees are usually not included in your ferry ticket, so bring cash. On a private charter, your captain typically handles the customs paperwork, and the company will tell you the total BVI fees per person when you book.
Sample Island-Hopping Days from St. Thomas
Easy Day (No Passport): Ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay. Snorkel Trunk Bay, swim with turtles at Maho Bay, and catch a sunset in Cruz Bay before the ferry home.
Jost Van Dyke Beach Bar Day: On a direct ferry day, ride from Red Hook to Great Harbour. Visit Foxy's, then head to White Bay for the Soggy Dollar Bar before the afternoon ferry back.
Tortola Explorer: Ferry from Charlotte Amalie to Road Town, then take a taxi to Cane Garden Bay for a beach afternoon before returning to St. Thomas.
The Ultimate BVI Charter: Leave St. Thomas in the morning on a private boat. Explore The Baths on Virgin Gorda, snorkel The Indians and The Caves at Norman Island, and end with a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke.
Island Hopping Tips
Check schedules the week of your trip. Ferry schedules change seasonally, and some BVI routes run reduced service in the late summer and early fall. Operators can also change schedules with little notice.
Plan BVI days early in your stay. Weather and sea conditions can cancel or delay ferries and boat trips. Leaving extra days gives you time to reschedule.
Keep your passport handy. Store it in a waterproof bag, and keep it with you, not in your checked beach bag.
Bring cash. It's useful for fees, taxis, and beach bars on every island.
Watch the clock. Know the time of the last ferry back to St. Thomas, and give yourself a buffer.
Check your phone plan. U.S. phone plans may charge roaming fees in the BVI.
Plan for seasickness. Crossings can be bumpy on windy days. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication before you board.
Pack light. Most ferries charge small fees for extra bags or large items.
Frequently Asked Questions About Island Hopping in the Virgin Islands
How do you island hop in the Virgin Islands?
You can island hop in the Virgin Islands by passenger ferry, car barge, or private boat charter. From St. Thomas, ferries run to St. John, Water Island, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke, and private charters can visit several islands in one day.
How long is the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John?
The ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas, to Cruz Bay, St. John, takes about 15 to 20 minutes and runs roughly every hour. A seasonal ferry from Charlotte Amalie takes about 45 minutes.
Is there a ferry from St. Thomas to the BVI?
Yes. Ferries run daily from Charlotte Amalie to Road Town, Tortola, and from Red Hook to West End, Tortola, and a direct ferry runs from Red Hook to Jost Van Dyke on select days. A valid passport is required.
Is there a ferry from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda?
There's no direct public ferry from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda. Travelers take a ferry to Road Town, Tortola, then connect to Virgin Gorda, or visit by private boat charter.
How much are the BVI ferry fees?
In addition to your ticket, expect a USVI port fee of about $10, a BVI environmental and tourism levy of about $10 on arrival, and a BVI departure tax of about $20 for non-residents. Fees can change, so confirm before you travel.
How early should I arrive for a BVI ferry?
Arrive 60 to 90 minutes before departure for BVI ferries to allow time for check-in, customs, and immigration.
Can you visit multiple Virgin Islands in one day?
Yes. A private boat charter from St. Thomas can visit several islands in one day, such as The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, and Jost Van Dyke.
Your Home Base for Island Hopping
St. Thomas puts the entire Virgin Islands within reach. Book direct and get our hosts' insider tips on ferry times, charter captains, and the best island-hopping days.
