Travel to the British Virgin Islands
Getting to the British Virgin Islands is part of the adventure—and with a little advance planning, it’s easier than you might think. Whether you fly into the BVI directly or travel through one of the nearby Caribbean islands, there are several convenient ways to reach your yacht. Below, we’ll walk you through your options for flights, ferries and transfers so you can choose the route that works best for your schedule and start your BVI yacht charter as smoothly as possible.
What is the easiest way to get to my charter destination?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions when booking a charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands. There are a few options to consider. When you know where your crewed yacht charter will start, choose the best airport to fly to. Most charters begin in the British Virgin Islands.
Please contact us for guidance so that you can make the best decision for you and your group.
Flying To Tortola, BVI
Fly direct from Miami (MIA) to Tortola (EIS). American Airlines have 3 flights a day doing the 3 hour flight direct to Tortola.
Fly from the USA to San Juan (SJU), Puerto Rico. From here you can take a 45 minute connecting flight to (EIS) Tortola with Cape Air, Caribbean Airlines, Inter Caribbean Airways, Silver Airways or Jet Blue.
Getting To Tortola via St Thomas
Fly from the USA to St Thomas (STT), USVI. American, Delta, JetBlue and United run regular flights from many US airports.
Once you arrive in St Thomas you can either get a ferry from Charlotte Amalie or a private water taxi from Red Hook to take you to Tortola, BVI.
Ferry
Private Water Taxi
Private Water Taxi We strongly recommend using a private water taxi to get you straight to your crewed yacht charter. The water taxi will pick up at whatever time you need and take you straight to your crewed yacht, via customs and immigration. Your water taxi captain will take care of your customs and immigration clearance, which means you won’t have to stand in lengthy lines – instead you can sip on a cold drink while that’s all done!
The companies we would recommend are:
Island Time Water Taxi Tel: BVI (284) 495-9993, (284) 340-0357 [email protected]
Chillout Charters Tel: BVI (284) 340 1122 [email protected]
There are multiple ways to get to the BVI
There are multiple ways to get to the BVIFly direct to Tortola (EIS) and take a taxi to your crewed yacht charter or hotel. The Tortola airport has many flights daily from Miami with American, and from Puerto Rico and St Maarten via Cape Air, Seaborne, and Liat Airlines.
Fly into St Thomas and take a scenic 45-minute ferry ride into the BVI. The ferry will depart from either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook and go to West End or Road Town on Tortola. Your crew can arrange transportation for you from the ferry terminal to the marina. Ferry Guide
Fly into St Thomas and take a private water taxi to your yacht. A taxi will pick you up form the airport and take you to Red Hook. There you will meet your water taxi. The journey across to Tortola is around 30 minutes. You will first stop in West End to clear customs and immigration and then get taken to your hotel or crewed yacht. Water Taxi Guide
There a various ferry services that can transport you from St Thomas to Tortola (BVI). The following companies offer direct routes from Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook across to either Road Town or West End:
- Native Son
- Road Town Fast Ferry
- Smiths Ferry
- Aquatic Rentals Ferry Service
Getting to the Ferry Terminal
After collecting your baggage at the St. Thomas airport, you’ll find a taxi dispatcher outside. Tell them you’re headed to the Charlotte Amalie Ferry Dock. Here’s a money-saving tip: opt for a shared taxi instead of a private one. While a private taxi costs around $80, sharing with other passengers only costs $10 per person.
Journey Time
The ferry crossing itself takes approximately 50 minutes. However, be sure to budget extra time for immigration and customs upon arrival in Tortola. During busy periods (especially high season or when multiple ferries arrive simultaneously), the immigration and customs process can take up to an additional 50 minutes.
Ferry Schedules and Tickets
You can check the latest ferry schedules on the official BVI Ports Authority website at bviports.org/ferry. Ferry times can vary by season and company, so it’s always good to verify the current schedule before your trip. We always recommend buying your tickets in advance.
Remember that each piece of checked luggage requires an additional fee. You’re allowed one carry-on bag at no extra charge. If you’re traveling with charter provisions or specialized equipment, factor in these extra baggage costs.
Pre-Departure Tips
If you have extra time before your ferry departs, head upstairs to the Petite Pump Room. This hidden gem offers great views of seaplanes in the harbor
while you have a drink and a bite to eat (you can take beverages onto the ferry, but no glass bottles). A relaxing spot to wait for your departure.
Security and Waiting Area
After purchasing tickets, you’ll proceed through security into an outdoor waiting area. Remember to stay within the clearly marked red box area.
The ferry loads from the front right-hand side by the benches – a prime spot if you want first choice of seating
On the Ferry
Choose between air-conditioned indoor seating or outdoor areas. For the best views of passing islands and ports, select a seat on the left (port) side. Bathroom facilities are available onboard. Keep your travel documents easily accessible for arrival.
Remain seated during docking in Tortola. Luggage will be unloaded before passengers. When you disembark follow the correct immigration line:
Left line: Visitors and tourists
Right line: Residents and belongers
Customs and Immigration
Collect your luggage before proceeding to customs. Declare any purchases, especially alcohol or food and have receipts ready for duty calculations.
If you owe duty fees pay at the cashier’s window near the exit.
Final Transportation
You will find taxi drivers waiting outside. Let them know which marina you’re headed to, and they’ll get you there. Most marina are just a short ride from the ferry terminal in Road Town. Your crew can also organise one of their preferred taxi’s to come and meet you.
While this ferry route is one way to reach your crewed yacht in the BVI, it’s just one of several options. Getting to The BVI
No visa is required to enter the British Virgin Islands. You are allowed to stay for up to one month provided you meet the entry requirements.
- Please make sure you have a valid passport and at least one blank page
- Complete the online portal 36 hours before your arrival. Customs and Immigration Form
- You will need to have details of accommodations
- You may be asked to provide proof of your return flight/ferry
There are various airlines flying directly into St. Thomas. Airport (code STT). Flights are also daily from Puerto Rico (code SJU). Most international flights depart in the afternoon, which is convenient since your yacht charter ends at noon. Once in the USVI, short flights will take you to St. Croix.
MUST-SEES IN BVI
There are a few things not to be missed. Take a look at our favorite anchorages, restaurants, beach bars and shore excursions.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Having a hard time visualizing your crewed yacht vacation? Take a look at a sample itinerary to get the ideas flowing and plan your trip.
