ferry to jost van dyke
 

I am planning on taking the ferry from STJ to JVD during my vacation. It leaves STJ at 8:30am and returns at 3:00pm. My question is, where do we clear customs? I was thinking it would be JVD because the next ferry leaves there at 9:15am. I have just read a post from someone who has not been there yet that the ferry would stop in Tortola to clear customs and not arrive on JVD until 11:00. I'm hoping that it will be less than 3 hours to get there and clear customs. Unrealistic?

There is a customs station at the end of the dock as you disembark the ferry on JVD. It is a short walk up a hill and over to the left (as you are looking at the island) from the ferry dock to White Bay beach. You’ll pass by Foxy’s on your way. I have not heard of having to go through customs on Tortola before going to JVD. We go through customs at West End, Tortola when we charter a boat for the day to navigate around the BVI’s because it is closer to Norman Island and VG. We always finish up our day at White Bay. One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen!

Ok, so I think the secret is getting out. JVD ROCKS. White Bay / Soggy Dollar is my favorite beach and favorite bar in the WORLD.

Remember, it is the islands, man. The customs office - is a person (woman last time we did the STJ/JVD ferry) who stands at the end of the dock and reviews your documentation. Don't forget your passport etc.

Then Foxy's is right -- you can see Foxy's dock way off on right as you pull into ferry dock. But at 9am it isn't the place to be.

You'll want to get to Soggy or some other white bay bar and hang out and start drinking and beaching. (It is noon somewhere in the world by then....)

The short walk up the hill (left) is steep and we've never done it in 4 visits... We always take a taxi $5pp each way to Soggy's. There will be a taxi waiting to meet the ferry.

Enjoy yourself!

Ok - in my excitement to hear another is going to enjoy white bay I think I missed the basis of your original question.

The ferry from STJ goes direct to JVD. (we took this trip last April) It might take 45 minutes or so.

As stated above - customs will meet you at end of dock JVD.

Thanks for the replies. I feel much better now that we will have more time on JVD. We are also going there on the New Horizons II day trip, but I thought that would just be a tease. So you suggest we go to White Bay in the morning? Then maybe head back over to Great Harbor to look around a bit before catching the ferry back? Any suggestions for lunch?

I have to assume that if you are visiting Jost it is to hang out at the beach and have fun. At white bay there are a number of other bars, other than soggy dollar, that is. Ivan's seems to have a nice following. But for us -- going to soggy for the day is like a pilgrimage of sorts...

Lunch will be a burger or fish sandwich or something similar. You can get it at white bay, or you can get it in Great Harbor.

For us - it is all about the beach, the water, the sunshine, the hammocks and the infamous pain killers.

Looking around 'town' will take about 10 minutes. If you want to visit great harbor for lunch you could -- but then you'd short yourself beach time at white bay.

Unfortunately, I think Foxy's and the fun that you'll read about is mostly an evening event that a ferry connection won't support. Hiring water taxi isn't an option unless staying in BVI -- due to customs.

Finally - you will love New Horizons! We went with them on our first trip to the islands and had an absolute blast! They were the ones to introduce us to white bay, the painkiller, and the saying: You can't drink and lie on the beach all day, unless you start now! (it was 8:30am at that point!)

Aghhhh .... what fun you will have!

Now I am completely confused. The other poster supplied a link to a post called Inter Island Ferry, Red Hook to Jost Van Dyke from 2/21/06 on vinow.com. Several posters are saying that Tortola is the stop for customs and that it is very slow. If that is the case, I guess I will just have to deal with it. What a PIA especially when there is a customs office on Jost. Seems like it will waste 1- 1 1/2 hours. The best places are the hardest to get to.

Gidget, Your enthusiastic post really got me going today. Only 22 more days. We will be doing some much needed limin.

caribbeansoul, Congrats again on the coming twins. How are things going? When are they due?

Red Hook, St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John, to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, BVI: This is about a 45 minute ride and costs $40 round trip. Friday, Saturday and Sundays only, reservations are recommended.

Departing Red Hook, St. Thomas:
8:00 A.M.
2:00 P.M.


Departing Cruz Bay, St. John:
8:30 A.M.
2:20 P.M.


Departing Jost Van Dyke, BVI:
9:15 A.M.
3:00 P.M.


Ferry service operated by:
Inter-Island (340) 776-6597

Hope this helps. Twins are growing! Julie is measuring 20 weeks at 16! Thanks for asking!

Thanks caribbeansoul, I do have that schedule. Did you happen to check out that post? It is about 5-6 pages in.

Try to get to Jost early especially White Bay/Soggy Dollar Bar. We got there late afternoon around 3pm and trying to get a drink at the tiny bar with one bartender and the many tourists, was a true test of patience.

We didn't have the time to check out the other bars since we were on the New Horizons II boat tour. You'll have more time since you are also going on your own. It's a really great place and I wished we would had more time to enjoy.