The St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke ferry is one of the easiest ways to turn a USVI vacation into a British Virgin Islands day trip. The direct service leaves from Red Hook, St. Thomas, stops in Cruz Bay, St. John, and arrives at Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke.
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This is not the same as the regular domestic ferry between St. Thomas and St. John. You are crossing an international border, so every traveler needs the correct documents, enough time for customs and immigration, and a plan for getting between Great Harbour and White Bay.
Schedule and fare information in this guide was checked on August 2, 2026. Ferry times, prices and border fees can change, especially before 2027 travel. Always verify your exact sailing with the operator before paying for hotels, tours or other nonrefundable reservations.
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⚡ Quick Answer
- Departure point: Red Hook, St. Thomas
- St. John pickup: Cruz Bay
- Arrival point: Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
- Current operating days: Sunday, Tuesday and Friday
- Current departure: 7:30 a.m. from Red Hook and 8:00 a.m. from Cruz Bay
- Current return: 3:30 p.m. from Great Harbour
- Check-in: 45 minutes before departure
- Passport: Required
- Best for: White Bay beach day, Great Harbour and a simple BVI day trip
St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke Ferry Schedule
Inter Island Boat Services currently lists direct service on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The boat begins in Red Hook, picks up passengers in Cruz Bay, and continues to Great Harbour.
| Route | Current Time | Operating Days |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hook, St. Thomas → Jost Van Dyke | 7:30 a.m. | Sunday, Tuesday and Friday |
| Cruz Bay, St. John → Jost Van Dyke | 8:00 a.m. | Sunday, Tuesday and Friday |
| Jost Van Dyke → St. John and St. Thomas | 3:30 p.m. | Sunday, Tuesday and Friday |
The operator asks passengers to check in 45 minutes before departure. Travelers leaving from Red Hook should therefore plan to be at the terminal by about 6:45 a.m. Travelers boarding in Cruz Bay should aim to arrive by about 7:15 a.m.
The operator currently describes the route as approximately 35 minutes, but the total experience from Red Hook can take longer because the ferry stops in Cruz Bay and international processing adds time. Treat the published duration as a sailing estimate, not a complete door-to-door travel time.
How Much Does the Ferry Cost?
The operator currently advertises discounted advance-booking fares. These prices can change, so use them as a planning estimate until you reach the final booking screen.
| Passenger | Round Trip | One Way |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, age 12+ | $150 | $120 |
| Child, age 3–11 | $120 | $100 |
| Infant, age 2 and under | $60 | Confirm during booking |
The ferry company states that the ticket does not include all customs and immigration charges and currently lists an additional $30 per person. An adult should therefore budget at least about $180 round trip before local taxis, food, drinks, tips or beach expenses.
Do You Need a Passport for Jost Van Dyke?
Yes. Jost Van Dyke is part of the British Virgin Islands. Travelers arriving by air or sea must present a passport to enter and depart the territory. Some nationalities may also need a visa.
This rule applies even when you are visiting for only one day. A regular driver’s license is not enough for this international ferry crossing.
Documents to Carry
- Valid passport for every traveler, including children
- Ferry reservation or booking confirmation
- Completed BVI online immigration and customs form
- Any visa required for your nationality
- Return or onward travel information
- Digital and printed copies of important confirmations
Complete the BVI Online Entry Form
The British Virgin Islands uses an online immigration and customs form. The official portal says the form becomes available 72 hours before arrival. After completing it, save the receipts to your phone or print them so they can be presented when requested.
Where Does the Ferry Leave From in St. Thomas?
The ferry leaves from Red Hook on the east side of St. Thomas. Red Hook is also the main terminal area used for the frequent domestic passenger ferry to St. John, so confirm that you are checking in for the international Jost Van Dyke service.
Travelers staying near Charlotte Amalie, Havensight, Crown Bay or the airport must cross the island to reach Red Hook. Leave extra time for morning traffic, taxi pickup and terminal check-in.
Taking the Ferry From St. John
Travelers staying on St. John can join the same international ferry in Cruz Bay. The current pickup time is 8:00 a.m., after the boat leaves Red Hook.
Confirm the exact international check-in location with the operator. Cruz Bay has several docks and ferry operations, and the international process is different from simply boarding the domestic St. John–St. Thomas ferry.
Arriving at Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
The ferry arrives at Great Harbour, an official BVI port of entry. Passengers must complete customs and immigration formalities before leaving the arrival area.
The BVI Tourist Board currently lists the Great Harbour customs and immigration office as open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Holiday hours and operating conditions can still change.
How to Get From Great Harbour to White Bay
Most day visitors head to White Bay, the island’s most famous beach area. Great Harbour and White Bay look close on a map, but a steep hill separates them.
A local taxi is the easiest option for most travelers. Arrange your return transportation early or ask the driver where and when taxis normally gather for passengers returning to the 3:30 p.m. ferry.
Walking is possible for fit travelers, but the route can feel demanding in Caribbean heat. The return climb is not a good place to discover that you underestimated the distance or the time.
Suggested Jost Van Dyke Day-Trip Itinerary
6:45 a.m. — Check In at Red Hook
Arrive with your passport, ferry confirmation and BVI entry-form receipt ready. Keep documents in a waterproof pouch that stays with you.
7:30 a.m. — Depart St. Thomas
The ferry leaves Red Hook and continues to Cruz Bay for the St. John pickup.
Morning — Clear Immigration at Great Harbour
Follow the crew’s instructions and remain with the group until the international arrival process is complete.
Late Morning — Take a Taxi to White Bay
Choose a comfortable section of the beach, settle in, and confirm how you will return to Great Harbour.
Midday — Beach, Lunch and Swimming
Enjoy White Bay, but keep track of time. Charter boats can make the beach busier around midday, while the morning often feels calmer.
About 1:45 p.m. — Begin Returning to Great Harbour
Do not wait until the last moment to search for a taxi. Give yourself enough time for the drive, departure formalities and boarding.
3:30 p.m. — Ferry Back to the USVI
The scheduled ferry returns toward Cruz Bay and Red Hook. Keep your passport accessible because you will be re-entering the United States Virgin Islands.
Direct Ferry or Travel Through Tortola?
For a same-day visit, the direct ferry is normally the simpler choice because it takes you straight to Great Harbour without requiring a separate Tortola connection.
Traveling through Tortola can involve one ferry to Tortola, border processing, local transportation or a terminal transfer, and another ferry to Jost Van Dyke. That route may be useful when the direct sailing does not operate or when you are staying overnight in the BVI, but it is more complicated for a short day trip.
For the main USVI–Tortola options, read the St. Thomas to Tortola Ferry Guide.
What to Pack for the Ferry
- Passport and travel documents
- Waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Swimsuit and light cover-up
- Small towel
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash and a payment card
- Motion-sickness medication if you are sensitive to boat travel
- Dry shirt or light layer for the return ride
Can Cruise Passengers Take This Day Trip?
The schedule is difficult for many cruise passengers because the ferry leaves Red Hook at 7:30 a.m. A traveler must first disembark the cruise ship, travel across St. Thomas, and check in 45 minutes before departure.
Only consider this independently when the ship’s port hours create a very large safety margin. Ferry delays, border processing and St. Thomas traffic can all affect the return. Missing a cruise departure is far more expensive than missing a beach day.
Is Jost Van Dyke Worth a Day Trip?
Yes—especially for travelers who want an easy introduction to the BVI, a full beach day and the famous White Bay atmosphere without changing hotels.
This Trip Is Best For
- Beach lovers
- Couples and small groups
- Travelers staying near Red Hook
- Visitors staying on St. John
- Repeat USVI travelers who want to add another territory
Think Twice When
- Your schedule is tight
- You have a flight or cruise departure later the same day
- Your passport is expired or unavailable
- You are uncomfortable with boat travel or international processing
- The operator has not confirmed the sailing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the ferry runs every day
- Going to Crown Bay or Charlotte Amalie instead of Red Hook
- Forgetting that a passport is required
- Waiting until arrival to begin the online entry form
- Budgeting only for the advertised ticket price
- Leaving White Bay too late
- Booking a flight, cruise departure or timed connection too close to the return
Frequently Asked Questions
What days does the St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke ferry run?
The current direct schedule lists Sunday, Tuesday and Friday service. Verify the sailing for your exact travel date.
What time does the ferry leave St. Thomas?
The current departure from Red Hook is 7:30 a.m. Check-in is 45 minutes early.
Can I board the ferry in St. John?
Yes. The current Cruz Bay pickup is 8:00 a.m. on the operating days.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. This is an international trip from the USVI to the BVI, and travelers must present a passport.
Where does the ferry arrive?
The ferry arrives at Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, where passengers complete the BVI entry process.
Can I visit White Bay in one day?
Yes. The morning departure and 3:30 p.m. return allow time for a White Bay day trip when the ferry operates normally.
How much should one adult budget?
The current discounted round-trip adult ticket is $150, and the operator lists an additional $30 in customs and immigration fees. Budget at least $180 before taxis, meals and beach spending.
Final Verdict
The direct St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke ferry is the simplest public-ferry option for a same-day BVI beach trip from St. Thomas or St. John. It is convenient, but it is not daily, and the trip requires more preparation than a domestic USVI ferry.
Confirm the schedule, complete the BVI entry form, carry a valid passport, arrive 45 minutes early and leave White Bay with plenty of time to return to Great Harbour.
Go prepared. Keep the schedule flexible. Then stop planning and enjoy the island—Don’t Talk, Just Travel.
Internal Links
- Caribbean Ferry Routes Master Guide
- St. Thomas to Tortola Ferry Guide
- USVI vs BVI: Which Is Better?
- St. Thomas Travel Guides
- All Caribbean Ferry Guides
🇪🇸 Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
El ferry directo de St. Thomas a Jost Van Dyke sale actualmente de Red Hook los domingos, martes y viernes a las 7:30 a.m. También recoge pasajeros en Cruz Bay, St. John, a las 8:00 a.m., y regresa desde Great Harbour a las 3:30 p.m.
Necesitas pasaporte válido porque viajas de las Islas Vírgenes de Estados Unidos a las Islas Vírgenes Británicas. También debes completar el formulario digital de inmigración y aduanas de BVI, disponible 72 horas antes de la llegada.
El boleto de adulto cuesta actualmente $150 ida y vuelta con compra anticipada, más aproximadamente $30 en cargos de inmigración y aduanas. Llega 45 minutos temprano y regresa de White Bay con suficiente tiempo para tomar el ferry de las 3:30 p.m.
