Are there ferries/water taxies that can take you to all of the Virgin Islands? I am planning to spend a week on a bareboat charter in Tortola. But, I would also like to stay a few nights at the Westin on STJ. It looks like it is far cheaper to fly into STT than any other island. Can I get a ferry from STT to Tortola, from Tortola to STJ and from STJ to STT? Where can I find a copy of a ferry schedule? Finally, is it difficult to lug your bags onto the ferries (will probably have scuba gear plus the kitchen sink for my toddler)?

We spent three weeks in the USVI's/BVI's last October/November.

There are ferries, but they don't run to all islands every day and the schedules can be confusing.

It is much cheaper to fly into STT than anywhere else, and the ferry over to St John is a quick easy trip and leaves almost every hour.

You can take the ferry from STJ to Tortola, but it is a longer trip and the departures are not as frequent.

If you haven't already booked the Westin, I'd suggest somewhere else. The Westin gets VERY uneven reviews, and we were not impressed when we saw the property. (Our cat tour left from there.) Suggest Caneel or Gallows Point.

The guys that help on the ferry are just super about helping out with your packages/luggage. We stayed on four different islands during our trip and had to lug all of our stuff, and the guys were great. (And happy with the tips!)

I would suggest going to STT, then STJ, then Tortola, then STT.

I'll top my trip report for you...

You can ferry to all the Virgin Islands. STX would be the most difficult to get to via ferry. You can travel from STT and STJ to the BVI.. relatively easily. This will have to be well planned in advance, as some ferrys don't travel on all days.
You can check the ferry schedules at
http://bviwelcome.com/ferries.html
and
http://www.st-thomas.com/week/ferries.html

I have been traveling to STJ for 13 years... I believe that the Westin is a very nice property. I have never stayed there, but have been on the grounds many times. Caneel bay is a "premier' hotel. Gallow's Point is a very nice condo complex convenient to Cruz bay. There are many other great options for accomodations on STJ including wonderful rental villas.
If you want more info contact me personally or check some of my other posts.
Have fun!

Excellent! Where is the ferry stop on STT located in relation to the airport? Has anyone ever flown by charter flight from STT to Tortola, or is that just as difficult? I thought it might be cheaper since the roundtrip ferry is $45pp.

There are two ferry docks on St. Thomas: one in Charlotte Amalie, which is only a couple of miles from the airport, and one at Red Hook, on the eastern end of the island (but closer to St. John and Tortola).

Which dock you choose may be governed by ferry schedules.

I haven't used a charter flight myself, but one thing to watch out for is strict limitation on the amount of luggage you can put on the plane.