Ferry from St Thomas to Jost Van Dyke
The most direct way to reach Jost Van Dyke from the US Virgin Islands. Inter-Island Boat Services has run ferries between the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for over 35 years. This service sails three times a week from St Thomas and St John straight to Jost Van Dyke, so you skip the usual island-hop through Tortola. Perfect whether you are heading over for the day or starting a longer stay. Check dates and book using our simple search interface.
The simplest way to reach Jost Van Dyke
Reaching Jost Van Dyke usually means connecting through Tortola's West End on two separate ferries. This service takes you straight there on a single boat, with one customs stop, so you spend the day on the island instead of in transit.
| This direct ferry | Connecting via Tortola West End | |
|---|---|---|
| Boats to catch | one service to JVD | St Thomas to West End, then a second ferry |
| Bookings | one | two separate operators |
| Customs | clear in once, at Jost Van Dyke | clear in at West End, plus a transfer across Tortola |
| Cost | see live prices through our search box | typically similar, once both fares are added |
Check the schedule and book
|
From: |
To: | Departure time: | Departure days: |
Approx. Travel Time: |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. John (Cruz Bay) | St. Thomas (Crown Bay) |
11.00 AM 4.15 PM |
Daily |
30mins |
|
| 1.15 PM | Extra Weekend Service | 30mins | |||
| St. Thomas (Crown Bay) | St. John (Cruz Bay) |
3.30 PM 5.30 PM |
Daily | 30mins | |
| 2.15 PM | Extra Weekend Service | 30mins | |||
| St. Thomas (Red Hook) | Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbor) | 7.30 AM |
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays |
50mins | |
| Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbor) | St. Thomas (Red Hook) | 3:30 PM |
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays |
50mins | |
| St. John (Cruz Bay) | Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbor) | 8:00 AM |
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays |
35mins | |
| Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbor) | St. John (Cruz Bay) | 3:30 PM |
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays |
35mins | |
| St. Thomas (Red Hook) | Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) | 7:30 AM | Thursdays | 90mins | |
| Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) | St. Thomas (Red Hook) | 3:45 PM | Thursdays | 90mins | |
| St. John (Cruz Bay) | Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) | 8:00 AM | Thursdays | 60mins | |
| Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) | St. John (Cruz Bay) | 3:45 PM | Thursdays | 60mins | |
| NOTE: A minimum of 15 passengers is needed for the BVI services to go ahead, Inter Island Boat Services reserves the right to cancel last minute and offer a free date change or refund if adequate numbers aren't reached | |||||
Before you travel: passport and border fees
A valid passport is required for every passenger, including children. This route crosses the international border between the USVI and the BVI.
Border fees are paid locally and are not included in your ticket, so bring cash:
- BVI entry and departure fees: about $30 per person (environmental levy plus departure tax), paid in the BVI.
- USVI port fee: about $10 per person on departure.
Budget roughly $40 per person in border fees on top of your fare. You clear into the BVI on arrival at Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, and clear back into the USVI on the return leg.
Good to know
- Sailings run every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
- Check-in is 45 minutes before departure.
- Ideal for a day trip or a transfer to a longer stay on Jost Van Dyke.
- Reliable, long-established scheduled service.
Please note: a minimum of 15 passengers is needed for a sailing to go ahead. If that number is not reached on a scheduled departure, Inter-Island Boat Services may cancel at short notice and will offer a free date change or a full refund. Booking ahead is recommended, especially in high season.
Departing St Thomas (Red Hook)
The St Thomas ferry departs from Red Hook, on the east side of the island, overlooking Pillsbury Sound and St John. Red Hook is about a 20 to 25 minute taxi from Charlotte Amalie, costing roughly $25 to $30.
Ferry from St John to Jost Van Dyke
The St John pickup is at The Creek, in the northern section of Cruz Bay harbour, easy to reach by taxi from anywhere on the island. See the schedule above for days and times. St John is largely protected national park, with crystal-clear water that is excellent for diving, and Cruz Bay has the island's main shops, restaurants and the National Park Visitor Center.
Arriving at Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbour)
You arrive at Great Harbour, the main settlement on Jost Van Dyke and an authentic Caribbean harbour. From there it is a short hop to White Bay and its beach bars, home of the famous Soggy Dollar painkiller cocktail. One of the smallest and most beautiful islands in the BVI, Jost Van Dyke also has over 40 dive sites.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport to go to Jost Van Dyke?
Yes. Every passenger, including children, needs a valid passport, because the route crosses into the British Virgin Islands.
How does this compare to going via Tortola?
You reach Jost Van Dyke faster and with far less hassle: one boat, one booking, and a single customs stop instead of connecting through Tortola's West End. The fare is typically comparable to buying the two separate ferry tickets that route requires.
What are the border fees?
Expect about $30 per person in BVI entry and departure fees, plus around $10 per person in USVI port fees, paid locally on the day. These are separate from your ferry ticket.
Where do I clear customs?
You clear into the BVI on arrival at Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. On the way back you clear into the USVI on the return leg.
Can I do Jost Van Dyke as a day trip?
Yes. The ferry reaches Jost Van Dyke in the morning and returns from Great Harbour in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time for White Bay and the Soggy Dollar.
What days does the ferry to Jost Van Dyke run?
Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. With three sailings a week, booking ahead is recommended.
Terms and conditions
100% refund, minus any charges applied to make the refund (see the general Terms and Conditions for cancellation charges), if cancelled more than 2 weeks before departure. 50% refund, minus refund charges, if cancelled less than 2 weeks but more than 48 hours before departure. No refund if cancelled less than 48 hours before departure, or for no-shows. Date changes are possible at any time, subject to availability.
Luggage
There is a $5 fee per item of checked luggage, payable on the day (subject to change at the ferry company's discretion). Backpacks and carry-on bags are free.
