How To Get To The British Virgin Islands – A Comprehensive Guide

My BVI Charter 〉Charter Insights 〉How to Get to the BVI

Ways to get to the BVI:

Flying to St Thomas Airport, USVI (Most Connections) + Water Taxi to BVI

Flying Directly to the British Virgin Islands (EIS–Tortola)

Flying to Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Private Charter Flights to the British Virgin Islands

Ferry Ride from USVI to the British Virgin Islands

Water Taxi from the USVI to the British Virgin Islands

Pro Tip:

Inquire with us right now and ask for a crewed yacht with St Thomas (USVI) pickup and dropoff! Get direct flights to St Thomas Airport and avoid reading this comprehensive and extremely informative article on how to get to your charter in the British Virgin Islands – this is by far the easiest way (the catch – limited availability).

Getting to the BVI by Air

There are 1 Good and 4 Possible Options to Fly to the British Virgin Islands:

The Virgin Islands’ Major Airports:

Via Cyril E. King Airport, St Thomas (STT) – USVI
Terrence B. Lettsome Airport, Beef Island, Tortola (EIS) – BVI
Taddy Bay Airport, Virgin Gordan (VIJ) – BVI
Auguste George Airport, Anegada (NGD) – BVI

NOTE: Regular service from San Juan Puerto Rico (SJU) to Virgin Gorda (VIJ) is available via Cape Air and Tradewind Aviation. Additionally, many charter airlines also offer service to Anegada Island.

Short Summary:

Most travelers fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands before 2 p.m. and then take a ferry or water taxi to the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

You can fly out of either Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) in the BVI or back from STT in St. Thomas.

If your trip ends on a Saturday and you plan to fly out of STT, avoid flying out on Saturday. Ferries are often delayed, which could cause you to miss your flight. Instead, fly out on Sunday.

1. Most Popular – Fly to St Thomas in the USVI and Take a Ferry/Water Taxi to the British Virgin Islands

Why is flying to St Thomas better than flying directly to the British Virgin Islands?

Because St Thomas Airport / Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is a relatively large international airport with many direct flights, and the fare is likely to be half of Beef Island Airport (EIS) in the British Virgin Islands.

The process is also known to be smoother in St Thomas – let’s just say that the British Virgin Islands immigration authorities at the airport “have a reputation.”

Pro Tip: Flights landing in St Thomas after 2 p.m. are cheaper because you won’t get a ferry to Tortola (the last ferry leaves around 4 p.m.). This is great if you plan to check out St Thomas before your charter. – An overnight stay in a nice Villa or hotel is a good start to a yacht charter holiday; it lets you land on your feet before moving onto the water.

Charlotte Amalie, view from Yacht Haven Grande in the direction of the airport. Ferrys leaving from the dock on the far side of the harbor

The runway of the Cyril B. King airport on the island of Saint Thomas is built into the sea.

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2. Flying Directly to the British Virgin Islands (EIS – Beef Island, Tortola)

The number of direct flights to the British Virgin Islands is increasing. Apart from San Juan Puerto Rico, there are a number of direct flights to/from Miami as well as other Caribbean locations. However, not many travelers choose this option.

The British Virgin Islands’ main airport is Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS), located on Beef Island, Tortola. If you want to fly directly to the British Virgin Islands and skip the US Virgin Islands, this is the most common way to go.

When booking air travel, request flights to Tortola or use the Lettsome Airport code EIS.

The size of the planes landing in Tortola varies. If you're on a less popular flight, you're likely to fly on one of these. Adventure! They seem dangerous, but haven't had an accident in decades.

3. Flying into Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands

You can also fly to Virgin Gorda, a smaller island in the British Virgin Islands, from multiple locations; the most frequent flights are from San Juan Puerto Rico. However, this airport is less commonly used for commercial flights than the one on Beef Island (EIS).

The airport code for the Virgin Gorda Airport is VIJ.

Map of British and American Virgin Islands

4. Private Charter Flights to the Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are perfect for private charter flights, both for arriving and traveling between islands. A private jet is a great solution for people looking for a variety of places and who choose comfort, convenience, and privacy.

Private charter flights offer direct flights to the Virgin Islands airports, such as the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island or the Cyril E. King Airport on St Thomas. With a private jet, you can skip the hassle of commercial airports and enjoy a stress-free start to your yacht charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands.

Inquire with us for a yacht charter to unlock special rates for private charter flights.

PRICE: Midsize and super-midsize private jets cost between $4,200 to $8,100 per flight hour, and heavy jets cost $7,200 to $17,800 for occasional travel.

Charter a yacht with us and unlock special rates for your private flight

‟We are here for you from the initial inquiry to the end of your charter!

We can help you with all your bookings: charter yacht, water taxi, private charter flights, hotels or villas before or after charter, restaurants, tours, and any other fun activities.

Getting to the BVI by Ferry

There are ferry services from St Thomas to these ports in the BVI:

Road Town and West End, Tortola
Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke
Spanish Town in Virgin Gorda

If you are taking a ferry to Tortola, BVI Patriot is the best boat you can hope for, preferred to Native Son. A passanger shoots photographs off the upper stern deck of the BVI Patriot as the ferry makes its regularly scheduled route between Charlotte Amalie in the United States Virgin Islands and Tortola in the British Virgins.

There are Several Scheduled Ferry Services:

Road Town: Road Town Fast Ferry offers a more efficient option than other ferries by providing a direct ferry service between St Thomas and Tortola, avoiding the potential 45-minute delay of detouring through St Johns. This fast ferry service runs seasonal trips on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and selected Sundays at the Road Town – Charlotte Amalie route- leaving at 8:00 AM and returning at 4:50 PM. For Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the ferry covers Road Town – Anegada route- leaving Road Town at 6:45 AM and 3:30 PM and reaching back at 9:20 AM and 6:15 PM.

Smith’s: Smith’s Ferry provides daily ferry service between Tortola and Virgin Gorda, bi-weekly service to Anegada, and charter service to all of the outer islands – including St Kitts and St Martin. Depending on the day, season, and flight schedule, the departure time from Road Town and Charlotte Amalie changes, which can be checked through the website.

Speedy’s: Speedy’s is the perfect ferry service for visitors who want to buy tickets on the spot and have a flexible schedule. The ferry takes the Virgin Gorda – Road Town route on Monday-Saturday, departing at 7 AM,6 AM, 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 3:30 AM. There are trips from Virgin Gorda to Beef Island – departing from 6 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 3 PM, 5:30 PM, and 8 PM. Additional trips covering St Thomas and Charlotte Amalie can be found on the website.

Prices for a round ferry trip range from $120-$160 per person, excluding luggage fees. It is a relatively short hop from one island cluster to the other, ranging from 30 to 75 minutes of traveling time, and most ferry services offer frequent daily trips.

All vessels-even superyacht charter- and passengers must clear Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival, and a valid passport and boat registration papers will be required. The U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands are, in essence, different countries, so transfer between them is considered international travel.

With the formalities out of the way, you’ll be in great shape to begin charting the incredible seas of the British Virgin Islands.

Speedy's ferry returning from Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda to Road Town, Tortola

Want Help with Finding the Best Ferry Service?

When you book your British Virgin Island Yacht Charter with us, we help you with all your bookings, ensuring that your travels to and from the BVI are a Breeze!

Getting to the BVI by Private Water Taxi

This is perhaps the best option, especially for charter groups who do not wish to wait for scheduled ferry travel. There is a multitude of water taxi operator services from St Thomas (in the U.S. Virgin Islands) to the British Virgin Islands. Although it costs a little more, it can save you a headache.

Pro Tips:

Go to https://vi-bvi-water-taxi.com and inquire; you’ll be contacted by multiple companies

When booking a private water taxi, get a quote to the closest point on land, which you can get – West End instead of Road Town. You will need a land taxi anyway – this saves you hundreds of $$ and time!

Dolphin Water Taxi - wider range of boats, a bit older fleet. They boast Full-service VIP customs entry to the BVI - an immigration officer will NOT meet you outside of business hours. https://www.dolphinshuttle.com/

Island Time Water Taxi - the "new" player - a serious contender to Dolphin. Is a BVI boat = immigration favored... https://www.facebook.com/islandtimewatertaxibvi

Best Private Water Taxi Services

Ocean Dreams: Ocean Dreams’ private water taxi service operates transfers from Charlotte Amalie (near the airport) or Red Hook Area (Sapphire Marina) with vessels as large as 71 feet. The one-way private water taxi transfer (for a group of 6) from Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay costs $1200, including the docking fees. So, this 30-minute sail costs $200/person and is subject to weather conditions. You can also rent Ocean Dreams for Red Hook to Cruz Bay; this 15-minute sail costs $300 for 6 people- meaning $50 per person.

Dolphin Water Taxi: The fare for the STT (St. Thomas) airport transfer to Red Hook is $19 per individual. Dolphin’s chauffeur will greet passengers at baggage claim, and the trip takes 30 minutes. Drop-offs and pickups occur at the National Park Visitors Center for the journey from Red Hook to Cruz Bay (an additional $10 per person for Westin drop-offs). The travel time is approximately 15-20 minutes, costing $59.

Chillout Charters: The route from American Yacht Harbour (Red Hook, St Thomas) to Nanny Cay costs $960 for a group of 6 people and a fixed price of $630 for 5 or fewer passengers. Chillout Charters provides 10% discounts for a round trip; a round trip with 8 passengers costs $1280, including all fees. Another popular water taxi drop-off/pick-up choice is Crown Bay Marina, Charlotte Amalie, which is a 5-minute drive from the airport. It will cost $360 from Nanny Cay each way- meaning if you are taking a round trip, it will cost $720 more than the regular round trip package. This option is weather-dependent, and if the waters are rough, Chillout Charters may switch to Red Hook. One-way Trip Summary (Red Hook to Nanny Cay – processing fees inclusive) 6 pax = $960, 8 pax = $1,270, 10 pax = $1,580.

A fun visualisation of an ideal BVI water taxi

Nanny Cay - most crewed charters in the BVI will start here.

Red Hook – The Most Popular Pick Up Location

American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook is the most common St Thomas pick-up location. Why? Because it is closest in a straight line, saving distance and time.

Red Hook is roughly a 30-minute taxi ride from St Thomas Airport. From there, the private water taxi option can get you to Tortola or any surrounding islands, such as Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Scrub Island, Peter Island, or Guana Island.

Most of the water taxi operators can pick you up and take you directly to the dockside to your charter yacht company, a yacht at anchor, a hotel, or a villa. They will take care of all the British Virgin Islands’ Customs and Immigration paperwork while you relax on board with a cold drink in your hand. This makes for a very smooth, fast, and relaxing transfer. Yachts for charter ensure zero waiting periods in queues while boarding the busy, crowded public ferries or long customs and immigration lines.

Private water taxis are pricier than scheduled ferry services, but the convenience can really be worth the extra cost! Depending on the pickup and drop points, group size, times, etc., the price can reach as high as $200 per group.

Charter Broker Louis Lamprell from DMA Yachting

‟The moment you step onboard, it is Your Yacht!"

Have one of our Brokers send you a list of BVI Motor Yachts selected specifically for you!

Hotels in the British Virgin Islands

There is a multitude of stylish, luxury accommodation options in the British Virgin Islands. Below is just an indicative selection based on our experience and that of our guests.

Nanny Cay Hotel in Tortola is nestled in a tropical oasis garden setting in the heart of Tortola’s favorite marina. Room rates for double rooms range from $140-$225 per night in low seasons and $170-$250 in high season.

Sebastian’s On The Beach in Tortola is situated right on the beach. With a wonderful restaurant that features a fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine, the deluxe suites of this hotel go around the $145-$235 mark.

Rosewood at Little Dix Bay is a dreamy resort on a huge beach, with four diverse restaurants, spas, fitness centers, and other luxury amenities to wallow in. This luxury resort’s rooms, suites, and villas have a starting price of $895, which reaches up to $3600 during peak season (December).

Lindbergh Bay - next to Cyril E. King Airport on St Thomas. A beach hotel right next to the Airport, recommended.

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Hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Olga’s Fancy in St Thomas is in historic Frenchtown, close to downtown and convenient for Charlotte Amalie. A favorite of crewed yacht charter people, each lovingly decorated and bright guest room–priced from $119 to $ 230- has a fabulous panoramic view of the bustling Harbor, Hassel, and Water Islands, and all the way to St. Croix on the horizon.

The Buccaneer in St. Croix features a golf course, tennis courts, a spa, many shopping opportunities, and several fine dining options. However, these amenities come with a hefty price- room charges are $476-$2168, depending on the season.

Secret Harbour Beach Resort is possibly the best beachfront resort in St Thomas, situated on the quiet east end. It features spacious beachfront and hillside apartment-style accommodations with personal outdoor space and a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, watersports rentals, boating excursions, scuba diving, tennis, fitness center, and more. The prices start from $327 and reach a maximum of $588 during peak season (December).

Inside Villa Ohana, Magens Bay, St. Thomas, USVI — Villa Ohana, Magens Bay, St. Thomas, USVI

Yacht Charters in the British Virgin Islands

With beautiful isles, a lively party atmosphere, and a genuine Caribbean welcome from the locals, The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are the ideal location for a luxury yacht charter vacation. The islands, locally known as “Nature’s little secrets,” are easily the best yachting vacation in the Caribbean and arguably one of the best in the world. Warm weather year-round, consistent trade winds, and line-of-sight navigation make the BVI a sailor’s paradise.

Post Voldemort, we're seeing larger vessels outside YCCS and North Sound, Virgin Gorda, BVI. More and more often we see them in the Sir Francis Drake Channel and Soper's Hole.

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DMA Yachting | Yacht Charter Company

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So, Who Are We?

At DMA Yachting, we are proud to have a team of individuals with real on-water experience. Many of our brokers have worked or lived on yachts and crossed oceans.

This firsthand experience allows us to truly understand life at sea, both from the perspectives of crew and guests and the details that make a luxury yacht charter an exceptional experience.

We closely inspect yachts and meet in person with captains and crew to ensure every element of the charter meets our high standards.

Our yearly participation in yacht shows like the BVI Yacht Show and the USVI Yacht Show helps us stay on top of industry trends and client needs.

We are here to guide you through every step of your charter, from the moment you reach out to the moment your yacht charter ends.

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Our clients speak of unparalleled service, exquisite yachts, and a seamless booking process, highlighting the excellence of their charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands.