Water taxi rates between the VI and BVI
| Red Hook, St. Thomas | Jost Van Dyke | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hook, St. Thomas | from $80/person | |
| West End, Tortola | from $100/person | from $55/person |
| Nanny Cay, Tortola | from $110/person | |
| Road Town, Tortola | from $115/person | |
| Cane Garden Bay, Tortola | from $110/person | $60/person |
| Maya Cove/Hodges Creek, Tortola | from $120/person | |
| Jost Van Dyke | from $100/person | |
| Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda | from $175/person | |
| Bitter End, Virgin Gorda | from $200/person | |
| Norman Island - Willy T | from $135/person | $90 |
| Peter Island | from $135/person | $115 |
| Scrub Island | from $140/person | |
| Guana Island | from $140/person | |
| St. John | $80/person | |
| Prices based on 5 people. Prices do not include the $40/per person International processing fee, if traveling between USVI and BVI. |
BVI/VI water taxi
The Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands are entirely made of islands, the main mean of transportation between them is water. The majority of passengers travel with ferries. Nevertheless, since the cost per person starts at $30 (Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas,VI to Road Town, Tortola, BVI), the water taxis become affordable for even smaller groups of people.
About VI/BVI water taxi providers
The VI and BVI water taxi providers can be primarily divided by country. The USVI taxi providers are best for transportation around the USVI. Once there is a BVI destination, the BVI water taxi providers can continue after customs and take clients to their final BVI destination. Also, there are no taxes in the BVI, which places the BVI water taxis in a slight advantage.
Ferry vs. water taxi
Apart from the convenience of traveling whenever needed, water taxis are reliable. The ferries between the VI and BVI are not very reliable. Ferry cancellations are regular (be sure to check your departure time the day before!). Breakdowns are regular especially for the older ferries, although some new ferries have been introduced. The difference in travel time between a new ferry and the old ferry can be well over 45 minutes and no, the companies usually don’t know if a new ferry or an old ferry runs a specific time. Another issue is “shifting ferries-” that happens when you get on a 10am ferry but you wait for the 10.30 ferry passengers (of another company) and actually depart at 10.45. If you are on a slow ferry and was told to be on a quick ferry, you just lost close to two hours. Chances are, a faster ferry will pass you right before you enter Charlotte Amalie and you will need to wait even longer, as you will wait for the other ferry to disembark first.
Water taxi from VI to the BVI – BVI water taxi only
If your destination is not the BVI point of entry (customs), you will need to either have a BVI based water taxi or use another BVI water taxi. USVI water taxis are not allowed to continue past the point of entry.
Helicopter vs. water taxi
Helicopters are quick, but a bit pricier and don’t carry much luggage. Nevertheless, if there is an emergency, know that it is possible to take a helicopter.
Water taxi destinations USVI
The most popular VI water taxi destinations:
- Red Hook – St. Thomas
- St. John
- Frenchman’s Reef
- Crown Bay
- the Ritz
Water taxi destinations BVI
- Road Town, Tortola
- Nanny Cay, Tortola
- West End, Tortola
- Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
- West End, Tortola
- Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda
- White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
- Guana Island
- Maya Cove/Hodges Creek
- Peter Island
- Norman Island (Willy T)
- Bitter End, Virgin Gorda
- Beef Island
- Marina Cay
- Cooper Island
