Where You'll Dock
Cruise ships dock at the Road Town Cruise Pier (Pier Park) in the heart of Road Town, Tortola. The modern facility features a welcome center, duty-free shops, a taxi dispatch area, and restrooms.
The port can accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously. On busy days, a third ship may anchor and tender passengers to shore — adding 15-20 minutes each way.
Walking to town: Exit Pier Park through the main gate and turn left along Waterfront Drive. You'll pass the Crafts Alive Village on your left — a collection of local artisan stalls selling handmade jewelry, woven baskets, and BVI souvenirs. Continue east along the waterfront sidewalk, past the small park and government buildings. Pusser's Road Town Pub is a 2-minute walk — you'll see its yellow sign on the harbor side. Keep walking east past Bobby's Supermarket and the Scotia Bank building, and you'll reach the Road Town ferry terminal in a 5-7 minute walk. The route is flat, paved, and well-marked — you won't need a taxi unless it's raining.
Day Trips by Ferry
Since you've already cleared BVI immigration from your cruise ship, you don't need to go through customs again for ferries within the BVI.
Virgin Gorda & The Baths
~30 minThe most popular ferry day trip. Massive granite boulders forming grottos, caves, and tidal pools — one of the top natural attractions in the Caribbean. Multiple operators run daily from Road Town.
From the Spanish Town dock, a taxi to The Baths costs $4-7/person. Allow 3-4 hours total. Estimated cost: $30-50/person.
See ferry schedule
Jost Van Dyke
~25 min from West EndHome to Foxy's Tamarind Bar and the Soggy Dollar Bar on White Bay — birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail. Take a taxi to West End (~20 min, $12-15/person) then the New Horizon Ferry to Great Harbour.
Requires more planning due to the taxi transfer. Estimated cost: $50-70/person.
See ferry schedule
St. Thomas
~45 minCharlotte Amalie is one of the best duty-free shopping ports in the Caribbean. Explore the historic district, Fort Christian, and the 99 Steps. Daily ferries from Road Town.
Passport required — cross-border BVI to USVI. Factor in 15-20 min customs each way. Estimated cost: $50-65/person.
See ferry schedule
Anegada
~75 minThe BVI's most remote island — flat coral island with pristine beaches, flamingo colonies, and famous lobster dinners. Ferry departures are limited to a few days per week.
Risky for cruise passengers. With 75 min each way and limited returns, only attempt if your ship departs at 6:00 PM or later. Est. cost: $55-70/person.
Plan Your Port Day
Whether you ferry to another island or stay in Road Town, here's how to make the most of your time
Timing Your Day Trip
Most cruise ships arrive 7-8 AM and depart 4-6 PM, giving you 8-10 hours in port. Check the BVI Cruise Ship Schedule to see which ships are in port on your day and plan accordingly.
The 90-Minute Rule
Your return ferry should arrive at Road Town terminal at least 90 minutes before all-aboard time.
- Virgin Gorda: Best option — frequent 30-min ferries
- Jost Van Dyke: Doable but tighter — taxi + ferry
- Anegada: Risky — 75 min each way, limited returns
What to Do in Road Town
Stay close to the ship? Road Town has plenty within walking distance.
- Pusser's Road Town Pub — original Painkiller cocktail, 2 min from pier
- Main Street shopping — crafts, duty-free, jewelry, souvenirs
- Crafts Alive Village — local artisan market near cruise pier
- J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens — tropical gardens, 10 min walk
- Bobby's Supermarket — local snacks, rum, BVI hot sauce
Getting to Beaches
Tortola's best beaches are on the north shore, over the central ridge. All require a taxi — but the views are worth it.
- Cane Garden Bay — 20 min taxi, $12-15/pp, beach bars & chairs
- Smuggler's Cove — 25-30 min taxi, $15-18/pp, secluded
- Brewers Bay — 15-20 min taxi, $10-12/pp, great snorkeling
- Long Bay (Beef Island) — 25-30 min taxi, $15-18/pp, less crowded
Taxi tip: BVI taxis are not metered — confirm fare before getting in. Rates are per person.
What to Bring
- Passport: Required for USVI ferries (St. Thomas). Not needed for BVI-to-BVI ferries since you've already cleared immigration from your cruise ship.
- Cash (USD): US dollar is official BVI currency. Many taxis, beach bars, and vendors are cash-only. Bring $50-100/person.
- Sunscreen & towel: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a quick-dry towel if visiting any beach or The Baths.
- Water shoes: Essential for The Baths — the trail involves wading through tidal pools and climbing over rocks.
- Phone on airplane mode: BVI is not part of the US — roaming charges can be steep. Use Wi-Fi where available.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially if hiking The Baths trail or spending time on a beach.
Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Time management: Plan your return ferry to arrive at the Road Town terminal at least 90 minutes before your ship's all-aboard time.
- Currency: The US dollar is the official currency of the BVI — no currency exchange needed.
- Taxis: BVI taxis are not metered — confirm the fare before you go.
- Cell phones: The BVI is NOT part of the US — your phone will roam on BVI carriers. Use airplane mode to avoid charges.
- Tendering: Some ships anchor and tender to shore — confirm your ship's arrangement and factor in extra time.
- Ferry tickets: Buy at the terminal before boarding. Most operators accept cash only at the window, though some now take cards.
- Weather: Ferry schedules can be affected by rough seas, especially during winter swells. Have a backup plan.
What to Know Before You Go
A few things that catch cruise passengers off guard in the BVI:
- The BVI uses US dollars. Despite being a British territory, the official currency is the United States dollar. No currency exchange is needed — your cash and cards work exactly as they do stateside.
- Taxis are not metered. BVI taxis operate on a fixed-rate, per-person system. Always confirm the fare before getting in. Rates are set by the BVI Taxi Commission and posted at the cruise pier, but drivers occasionally quote higher prices to tourists unfamiliar with the system.
- Shops may close when no ships are in port. Many Road Town businesses — especially those near the cruise pier — operate on a cruise ship schedule. If your ship is the only one in port that day, some shops may close early once passenger traffic slows. The larger establishments like Pusser's and Bobby's Supermarket keep regular hours regardless.
- Bring cash for small purchases. While larger restaurants and shops accept credit cards, many beach bars, taxi drivers, and small vendors are cash-only. An ATM is available at Scotia Bank on Main Street, a short walk from the pier.
BVI Ferry Routes from Tortola
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a ferry during my cruise stop in Tortola?
Yes. Several ferry routes depart from Road Town, which is walking distance from the cruise ship pier. Popular day trips include Virgin Gorda (30 minutes), Jost Van Dyke (25 minutes from West End), and Anegada (75 minutes, limited schedule). Make sure you allow enough time to return before your ship departs.
How far is the Tortola cruise port from the ferry terminal?
The Road Town cruise pier (Pier Park) is about a 5-7 minute walk from the Road Town ferry terminal. Both are in the downtown Road Town area.
Do I need a passport to take a ferry from the Tortola cruise port?
For ferries within the BVI (to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada), no additional passport check is needed — you've already cleared BVI immigration from your cruise ship. For ferries to the USVI (St. Thomas, St. John), you will need your passport and will clear US customs on arrival.
How do I get back to my cruise ship from a ferry day trip?
Plan your return ferry to arrive at least 90 minutes before your ship's all-aboard time. The ferry terminal is a short walk from the cruise pier. If returning from a BVI island, there's no additional customs. If returning from the USVI, you'll need to clear BVI immigration again.
What is there to do within walking distance of the Tortola cruise port?
Road Town is immediately walkable from the cruise pier. Pusser's Road Town Pub (famous for the Painkiller cocktail) is a 2-minute walk. You'll also find Bobby's Supermarket, local shops, restaurants, and the Road Town waterfront. Crafts Alive Village and the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens are nearby.
Can I take a ferry from Tortola to St. Thomas during a cruise stop?
Yes. Ferries run from Road Town to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas — about 45 minutes each way. You will need your passport because you are crossing from the BVI into the US Virgin Islands. Make sure the schedule allows enough time for the round trip plus customs on both ends.
What should I bring on a ferry day trip from the Tortola cruise port?
Bring your passport (required for USVI ferries), cash in US dollars, sunscreen, a towel, and water shoes if visiting The Baths. Keep your phone on airplane mode to avoid international roaming charges.