Routes

Domestic Ferries (within the BVI or USVI):

For local routes such as Tortola to Virgin Gorda or St. Thomas to St. John, arriving at the ferry dock about 30 minutes before departure is recommended. This gives you time to purchase your ticket (if you haven’t booked online), check luggage, and board comfortably. Many ferries use first-come, first-served seating, so arriving a little earlier may help you secure a better seat.

International Ferries (between the BVI and USVI):

For routes like St. Thomas to Tortola or Virgin Gorda to St. Thomas, plan to arrive at the terminal at least 60–90 minutes before departure. Check-In for international ferries close 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. International ferry check-in often involves:

• Waiting in line to buy or collect tickets
• Checking luggage (and possibly paying extra fees for large bags)
• Paying departure or port taxes (such as the BVI departure tax)
• Clearing customs and immigration before boarding

Allowing extra time ensures you won’t miss your ferry, especially during peak travel seasons when lines are longer.

Yes, you can buy ferry tickets directly at the dock in both the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). For most routes, ferries are rarely sold out, and even if one boat is full, there’s usually another departure within a couple of hours.

While many operators now allow online booking, buying at the dock is often more flexible. That’s because tickets are not interchangeable between ferry companies. If your booked ferry is delayed or canceled, you may need to purchase a new ticket with another operator and then request a refund for your original one — which can take time.

Our advice:

• For domestic ferries (like Tortola ↔ Virgin Gorda or St. Thomas ↔ St. John), buying tickets at the dock is usually fine.
• For international ferries (like St. Thomas ↔ Tortola), online booking is convenient, but arriving early and buying at the dock often gives you more flexibility if plans change.

If you’re flying into St. Thomas (STT) and need to catch a ferry to the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, or Anegada), it’s important to plan ahead. Ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola (Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook to Road Town or West End) typically stop running by late afternoon. Because of this, we recommend booking your flight to arrive as early in the day as possible, giving you a comfortable window to clear customs, collect luggage, take a taxi to the ferry terminal, and catch your boat.

If your flight arrives too late to make the last ferry, you may need to overnight in St. Thomas and continue the next morning.

For domestic ferries within the BVI (like Tortola to Virgin Gorda) or within the USVI (St. Thomas to St. John), you’ll usually have more flexibility. These routes often run later into the evening, so you’re less likely to miss your connection.

Yes, most ferry operators in the Virgin Islands allow passengers to bring their own snacks, food, and non-alcoholic drinks on board. This applies to both domestic ferries within the BVI or USVI and international ferries between the two territories. Some ferries also sell light refreshments, but options can be limited, so it’s a good idea to bring water or snacks, especially on longer routes like St. Thomas to Tortola. Alcohol is generally not permitted, and if you are traveling internationally, keep in mind that certain food or drinks may need to be declared at customs. Always dispose of any trash properly or take it with you when you disembark.

Yes, most ferry operators in the Virgin Islands allow passengers to bring large or oversized items such as surfboards, dive bags, or professional equipment cases. These items are usually checked and stored separately from standard luggage, and there is often an additional fee depending on the size and type of gear. Charges can vary by operator, so it’s best to review the details when booking your ticket or check with the ferry company directly before you travel.

On most domestic ferry routes within the Virgin Islands, infants usually travel for free, while children require a child ticket at a reduced price compared to adult fares. For international ferries between the BVI and USVI, infants often do not travel free because government taxes and port fees still apply, even for very young passengers. It’s always best to confirm the fare policy with your ferry operator in advance, as rules can vary slightly by route and company.

Yes, on most routes you can pay for ferry tickets with a credit card either at the ticket office or, in some cases, onboard the ferry. However, it’s important to know that card machines are not always reliable in the Virgin Islands, and if the system is down you may need to pay in cash instead. For this reason, we recommend always carrying enough cash as a backup. Most ferry operators accept Visa and Mastercard, but American Express is often not accepted, so plan accordingly when arranging payment.

Unfortunately, most ferries in the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands are not fully wheelchair accessible. Dock heights vary from island to island, and the fleets include both older and newer vessels, making consistency difficult. Some operators will do their best to assist passengers with mobility challenges, but boarding may still require being lifted or helped onto the ferry. If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, it’s best to contact the ferry operator in advance to discuss options and make arrangements, or to consider alternative transport if accessibility is a priority.

Yes, ferries in the Virgin Islands can be cancelled due to weather, though it is relatively uncommon. The vessels are designed to handle rougher sea conditions, and operators work closely with the Coast Guard to monitor forecasts days in advance. If a cancellation is likely, most ferry companies will notify passengers at least a day or two ahead of time rather than at the last minute. Sudden cancellations are rare, but always allow for some flexibility in your travel plans during hurricane season or periods of rough seas.