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-   -   Ferry Service to Virgin Gorda (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/ferry-service-to-virgin-gorda-323242/)

tiffandjer Jun 2nd, 2003 12:28 PM

Ferry Service to Virgin Gorda
 
We are contemplating a trip to VG in November, and are curious about ferry service between St. Thomas and VG -- It appears that Speedy's and Smith's leave at 3:30 p.m. on a Saturday. We can get a flight into St. Thomas at 2:45 -- are we running too close? How far is it from the airport to the ferry dock? Also, are there any other ferry services than just these two? We are first time BVI'ers, so any other tips are greatly appreciated (we are probably staying at Nail Bay).

LLindaC Jun 2nd, 2003 02:16 PM

We took that flight from Atlanta and barely made it to the ferry. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the dock and that is IF the cab driver wants to get you there on time and IF the traffic isn't terrible and IF they don't have a screw-up in the terminal, etc. Luckily for us, someone from the airline called the ferry and they held it for 10 minutes. But our cab driver was a real b**** and she could care less about hurrying. Those are the only ferries. You could consider flying into Tortola. Or you could stay at a hotel in STT overnight if you miss the ferry. If you have travel insurance (well worth it) it should cover the costs of delays/hotel room.

mrplum Jun 2nd, 2003 04:09 PM

You aint gonna make that ferry if its in Red Hook (35-40 min),and you got a about a 50 50 chance in Charlotte Amonte.So you better book a night in St Thomas just in case.FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE THEY ARENT GONNA BOOK THAT BET.

LLindaC Jun 2nd, 2003 04:42 PM

I just checked the ferry schedule- it is 3:30 out of Charlotte Amalie, not Red Hook. You have to get your luggage, get a cab and get there in 20 min. I don't know.....good luck. If you are dead-set into going to VG that day, take a puddle jumper into Tortola.

cdt Jun 3rd, 2003 05:31 AM

Although there are only a few ferries you can book straight through from STT to VG, you can separately take ferries from STT to Tortola and from Tortola to VG.

Not only will this cost more, but there's also a good chance your ferry will arrive on Tortola at West End and you'll need to take a taxi to either Road Town or Trellis Bay to get the VG ferry.

This is rather convoluted, but it may allow you to leave STT as late as 4:30 and take a late ferry from Trellis Bay to VG.

You should never count on anything. Flights are late, taxis are slow, ferries break down, whatever. Your proposed 2:45/3:30 pm connection MIGHT happen, but it's way too close to put money on.


tiffandjer Jun 3rd, 2003 09:06 AM

Ok. Looks like we won't make it. There is an earlier flight out of Philadelphia that arrives in STT at 1:30. That should get us there in time to catch the 3:30 ferry.

Our preferred reservation at Nail Bay fell through -- any suggestions for a quiet, secluded villa rental (either alone or part of a resort?). There are a couple on Leverick bay that fit in our range, wondering if anyone can recommend those or suggest another? Many thanks.

KATITCHEPOINT Jun 5th, 2003 12:58 AM

Check out for a direct flight from STT to Virgin Gorda directly on www.airsunshine.com. There's a late afternoon flight leaving San Juan at 17:30, arriving STT around 18:00 and going directly to VG, which takes about 15 minutes.
Enjoy your stay on Virgin Gorda!
Regine


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