Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Caribbean Islands
Reload this Page >

traveling between USVI and BVI

Search

traveling between USVI and BVI

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 23rd, 2006, 10:54 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
traveling between USVI and BVI

I can see that ferry schedules are extensive between the islands, but - having never been there - I'm unsure how to orchestrate this.

I'm considering flying into St. Thomas and immediately taking the ferry to St. John... staying at Caneel for four nights. Then I will need to make my way to Biras Creek. What is the best way to accomplish that from St. John? Biras provides transportation from Beef Island or Virgin Gorda, FWIW.

Would it make sense to take the ferry to West End... then a taxi to Beef Island? Or is there a better way.

Also, what is immigration like when going between the USVI and BVI? I realize I need a passport, but are there delays involved? I don't want to lose too much time.

I thought about adding a few days on Guana at the end, too, and someone had suggested a water taxi for that.

Thanks for your help
obxxtreme is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2006, 11:40 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It's been a long time since I did the ferry between ST. John and Virgin Gorda so I doubt I can be of too much help. If others on this forum are unable to help try posting your question on the BVI forum on www.traveltalkonline.com. It's a very active forum with lots of experts on getting around the BVI's.
A_Traveller is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2006, 11:50 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you! I'll do that!
obxxtreme is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2006, 11:51 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here's a thought. Instead of Biras Creek, how about Little Dix Bay, a sister resort to Caneel Bay that is also on Virgin Gorda? Rosewood Resorts has some combination packages that include both resorts, and there is a nonstop, non-public ferry directly from Caneel Bay to Little Dix Bay. It takes about 90 minutes.
doug_stallings is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2006, 12:13 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you for the suggestion, but I am completely sold on Biras. I know it will take a bit more effort, but I'm hoping the ferry or water taxi will actually be a bit of fun.
obxxtreme is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2006, 03:35 PM
  #6  
owa
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
obxxtreme, The suggestion to go to Traveltalk was a good one. Active board and everyone is very helpful.

When are you going to Biras Creek? We are going in the spring. I would really appreciate a trip report when you get back. Happy planning. Owa
 
Old Oct 23rd, 2006, 05:21 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From what I recall, you only need to go through customs once in the BVI's, so you could very well take the ferry over to the West End and then a taxi. Customs is a sinch, going through just as you get off the ferry, and then you can grab a taxi. Also, I think there's a direct ferry to VG, but I don't think it runs more than twice a week.
Tuxedocat is offline  
Old Oct 24th, 2006, 04:03 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
www.bviwelcome.com

It has a complete ferry schedule. I have done that ferry many times. You can take a ferry from St John to Virgin Gorda, the St Thomas, VG ferry stops there. Look at the schedule and see what makes sense, I am not sure which days of the week you are going , etc.
MIM04 is offline  
Old Oct 24th, 2006, 09:34 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,870
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
obx, I was the one who mentioned in a different post that you could probably get a water taxi from Guana directly to Virgin Gorda. I don't know for certain, and I did just get a notice from Guana saying they have a new manager, so things could have changed...but when I was there in 2003, Guana was offering daytrips to The Baths for guests, and I know for a fact that one couple while we were there went to Peter Island for dinner one night; then again, that couple were the former managers' daughter & her boyfriend. It may be much more expensive than what you'd like to pay, but it's worth contacting Guana directly to see if they would be able to arrange a private transfer. Hope you're able to get the answer you want at the right price!
ejcrowe is offline  
Old Oct 24th, 2006, 11:04 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you are definitely going to Caneel first, then Biras, then you can probably take a ferry from St. John to the main dock in Tortola (don't get off in West End). You can take a taxi to Beef Island where the Biras fast boat can pick you up.

Have a plan, but then do what we often do when changing resorts - the first day you are at Caneel, tell them you need transportation to Biras and see what they can suggest and arrange. The two resorts will usually coordinate the best way. Has worked for us for over 15 years!
ScubaMom is offline  
Old Oct 24th, 2006, 12:31 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts


In 2004 while staying at Caneel they arranged for Dohms water taxi to take me from Caneel to Peter Island.

The will also be more then happy to walk you through the option of taking the ferry through West End if that’s your preference.
WaywardSeal is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rede440
Caribbean Islands
9
Jan 19th, 2009 06:08 PM
LoveMexico
Caribbean Islands
4
Jan 20th, 2007 01:58 PM
mmarci
Caribbean Islands
4
Feb 6th, 2004 04:02 PM
sxl
Caribbean Islands
4
Aug 27th, 2003 07:54 AM
Mari
Caribbean Islands
32
May 9th, 2002 05:53 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -