St. Thomas

Great Harbour to Red Hook Ferry Schedule

Great Harbour → Red Hook · Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke → Red Hook, St. Thomas · ~50 minutes

Route Overview

This page shows the current ferry schedule, operators, and fares for travel from Great Harbour to Red Hook. Use it to compare departure times across operators, check the weekly pattern for this route, and review available fares before you book. The crossing typically takes about 50 minutes, though trip time can vary slightly by operator, sea conditions, and the exact departure and arrival terminals. Yes. This route crosses the USVI-BVI border, so travelers should bring a valid passport and be prepared for USVI customs and immigration on arrival.

Operators
1
Adult fares from
$100
Border crossing
Passport required
Typical crossing
50 min

Cross-border route. Passport required. BVI travelers must complete an online embarkation card up to 72 hours before arrival.

See our full BVI passport & entry requirements guide

No scheduled departures on Wednesday, May 13 for this route.

Common Questions

How long is the ferry from Jost Van Dyke to St. Thomas?

The crossing typically takes about 50 minutes, though trip time can vary slightly by operator, sea conditions, and the exact departure and arrival terminals.

How much does the ferry from Jost Van Dyke to St. Thomas cost?

Adult one-way fares currently range from $100, with round-trip fares from $120. Always confirm taxes, customs fees, and operator-specific pricing before travel.

Do you need a passport for the Great Harbour to Red Hook ferry?

Yes. This route crosses the USVI-BVI border, so travelers should bring a valid passport and be prepared for USVI customs and immigration on arrival.

Which ferry operators run the Great Harbour to Red Hook route?

The current operators on this route are Inter Island Boat Services. Operators can vary by date, so check the schedule table and upcoming departure notes on this page before booking.

Can I buy Great Harbour to Red Hook ferry tickets online?

Some operators on this route offer online booking through their websites. Check each operator's website or call ahead to confirm availability. You can also purchase tickets at the terminal before departure.

How much luggage can I bring on the ferry?

Luggage policies vary by operator. Most ferries allow at least one carry-on bag, with fees for additional or oversized luggage. Check your operator's baggage policy before traveling — fees typically range from $4 to $25 per bag depending on the operator and bag size.

What documents do I need for the Great Harbour to Red Hook ferry?

You need a valid passport for this cross-border route between the USVI and BVI. The BVI recommends your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date. You must also complete the BVI Online ED Card at bviedcard.gov.vg before traveling.

Is the Great Harbour to Red Hook ferry crossing rough?

The crossing can be choppy, especially during winter trade wind season (December through April) when northerly swells build. If you're prone to seasickness, sit toward the center of the boat on the lower deck. Summer months tend to have calmer seas.

What fees are there besides the ferry ticket?

Cross-border ferry travel involves additional fees beyond the ticket price. Departing the USVI for BVI, expect a $10 port/development fee. When departing the BVI, a $20 per person departure tax applies. These are typically paid at the terminal.

Will my cell phone work on the ferry to St. Thomas?

Your US cell phone will work in the USVI but may pick up BVI towers during the crossing, triggering international roaming charges. Put your phone in airplane mode once underway to avoid unexpected fees. The BVI uses separate telecom providers (Flow and Digicel) from US networks.

Weekly Schedule

Inter Island Boat Services
Wednesday Today May 13 0 departures

No service

Thursday May 14 0 departures

No service

Friday May 15 1 departure
3:30 PM Inter Island Boat
Saturday May 16 0 departures

No service

Sunday May 17 1 departure
3:30 PM Inter Island Boat
Monday May 18 0 departures

No service

Tuesday May 19 1 departure
3:30 PM Inter Island Boat

Fares

Inter Island Boat Services

Passenger One Way Round Trip
adult $100 $120
child (3-11) $80 $100

Baggage Fees

Inter Island Boat Services: $5/checked item; backpacks/carry-on free. Customs/immigration fees ~$30 pp additional.

Additional Fees

  • BVI Departure Tax: $20 per person (Non-resident rate. Residents $15, domestic $5.)
  • USVI Port Fee: $10 per person (Charged at USVI ports.)

Traveler's Guide

What to know before you sail

Customs & Immigration

This route crosses from the British Virgin Islands to the US Virgin Islands. A valid passport is required. US Customs and Border Protection will process passengers upon arrival at Red Hook.

Before departing Jost Van Dyke, a $20 BVI departure tax per person applies at the Government Dock.

Terminals, Crossing & Arrival

The ferry departs from the Government Dock in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. Inter Island Boat Services operates this route. Arrive at the dock at least 30 minutes before departure to pay the $20 BVI departure tax and clear departure security. Bring cash for the departure tax — card acceptance on Jost Van Dyke is limited.

Great Harbour is the main settlement on Jost Van Dyke, and the Government Dock is right on the beach near Foxy's Tamarind Bar. If you've been at White Bay or the Soggy Dollar Bar, the walk back to Great Harbour takes about 15 minutes.

The crossing to Red Hook, St. Thomas, takes approximately 50 minutes across open water. The passage can be rough, particularly during winter trade wind season (December through April). Sit toward the center of the vessel if you're prone to seasickness.

Switch your phone to airplane mode during the crossing to avoid roaming charges — BVI cell towers will be in range for much of the trip.

You'll arrive at the Urman Victor Frederick (UVF) Marine Terminal in Red Hook on the east end of St. Thomas. After docking, all passengers clear US Customs and Border Protection — have your passport ready. Taxis are available outside the terminal. Red Hook is about 25 minutes from Cyril E. King Airport by taxi. If you're heading to the airport, plan your departure time with that taxi ride in mind. The Red Hook area also has restaurants and shops if you need to grab a meal before your flight.

Quick facts

Crossing time
~50 minutes
Departure terminal
Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
Arrival terminal
Red Hook, St. Thomas
Passport
Required — cross-border route
Extra fees
$20 bvi departure
$10 usvi port

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