By Boat & Ferry in British Virgin Islands

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By Boat & Ferry

Ferries connect the airport gateway of St. Thomas, USVI, with Tortola and Virgin Gorda. They leave from both Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. Ferries also link St. John, USVI, with Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda, as well as Tortola with Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island, and Virgin Gorda. Tortola has two ferry terminals -- one at West End and one in Road Town -- so make sure you hop a ferry that disembarks closest to where you want to go.

There's huge competition among the Tortola-based ferry companies on the St. Thomas-Tortola runs, with boats leaving close together. As you enter the ferry terminal to buy your ticket, crews may try to convince you to take their ferry. Ferries to Virgin Gorda land in the Valley. All ferries from the BVI to Red Hook, St. Thomas, stop in St. John to clear U.S. customs. Ferry schedules vary by day, and not all companies make daily trips. The BVI Tourist Board Web site has links to all the ferry companies, which are the best up-to-date sources of information for specific routes and schedules.

Contacts

Inter-Island Boat Services (284/495-4166). Native Son (284/495-4617. www.nativesonbvi.com). New Horizon Ferry Service (284/495-9477. www.jostvandykeferry.com). North Sound Express (284/495-2138). Nubian Princess (284/495-4999). Peter Island Ferry (284/495-2000. www.peterisland.com). Smith's Ferry (284/495-4495. www.smithsferry.com). Speedy's Ferries (284/495-5240. www.speedysbvi.com). Tortola Fast Ferry (284/494-2323. www.tortolafastferry.com).