Caribbean Ferry Routes 2026: Island-Hopping Guide & Key Connections

Plan Caribbean island hopping by ferry in 2026 with key routes across Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, St. Martin, the French Caribbean, Grenadines, Bahamas and more.
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Plan Caribbean island hopping by ferry in 2026 with key routes across Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, St. Martin, the French Caribbean, Grenadines, Bahamas and more.

Verified August 2026: New Horizon Ferry continues to operate daily West End–Jost Van Dyke service. Current published departures include West End at 8:00, 10:00, 1:00, 4:00 and 6:00, with Great Harbour returns at 7:00, 9:00, 12:00, 2:00 and 5:00. Fares and schedules can change, so verify directly with the operator before travel.

Verified August 2026: Inter Island Boat Services currently lists St. Thomas–Jost Van Dyke service on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday, with Red Hook departure at 7:30 a.m., Cruz Bay at 8:00 a.m., and Great Harbour return at 3:30 p.m. Travelers should arrive at least 45 minutes early and verify live schedules before travel. For BVI entry, use only the official free ED-card portal at BVIEDCARD.GOV.VG.

Compare Caribbean cruise routes, ports and cruise styles for 2027, including Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries plus booking timing and port-planning tips.

Verified August 2026: The main public ferry between St. Martin and Anguilla operates between Marigot on the French side of St. Martin and Blowing Point, Anguilla. Travelers arriving at SXM should plan a ground transfer to Marigot rather than assume the public ferry leaves from the airport area. Verify current departure times with the official Anguilla ferry information before travel.

Plan Caribbean flights in 2026 with major international airports, regional connections, island-transfer planning and practical tips for choosing the right arrival airport.

Updated August 2026: The Dominican Republic is currently Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime. Punta Cana’s major resort areas have substantial tourism infrastructure, but travelers should still use trusted transportation, secure valuables, avoid isolated areas late, watch drinks and food, and review current official guidance before travel.

Updated August 2026: The U.S. Department of State lists the Dominican Republic at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime. Punta Cana remains a major resort destination, but travelers should use normal precautions, arrange trusted transportation, secure valuables and review the current advisory before departure.

Updated August 2026: Aruba remains at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Most travelers visit without incident, but normal precautions still apply—secure valuables, use trusted transportation late, and review current official guidance before travel.

Compare Caribbean islands with lower historical hurricane exposure, including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Barbados, plus what hurricane-belt claims really mean for 2026 travel.