The Tortola to Jost Van Dyke ferry is one of the easiest and most useful inter-island routes in the British Virgin Islands. New Horizon Ferry currently operates daily passenger service from West End, Tortola, to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, with five scheduled departures in each direction.
The crossing is short enough for a simple day trip, but the two ferry terminals are not located beside the main Road Town cruise pier. Travelers must first reach West End, then take a local taxi from Great Harbour if they want to spend the day at White Bay.
Schedule and fare information in this guide was checked on August 2, 2026. The operator and BVI Tourist Board both warn that ferry schedules can change. Confirm your exact travel date directly with New Horizon before building a flight, cruise or hotel connection around the ferry.
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⚡ Quick Answer
- Departure: West End Ferry Terminal, Tortola
- Arrival: Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
- Operator: New Horizon Ferry Service
- Operating days: Daily
- Current West End departures: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Current Great Harbour departures: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Current fare: $40 round trip or $30 one way
- Approximate crossing: About 25 minutes
- Border process: None for travelers already legally inside the BVI; this is domestic BVI travel
- Best day-trip combination: 8:00 a.m. from West End and 5:00 p.m. from Great Harbour
Current Tortola to Jost Van Dyke Ferry Schedule
New Horizon currently lists five daily sailings from West End to Great Harbour and five return sailings from Jost Van Dyke.
| West End, Tortola → Great Harbour | Great Harbour → West End, Tortola |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | 7:00 a.m. |
| 10:00 a.m. | 9:00 a.m. |
| 1:00 p.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 4:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
| 6:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
The BVI Tourist Board publishes the same daily schedule but clearly states that ferry schedules are subject to change. Weather, vessel maintenance, holidays and operational changes may affect individual sailings.
How Much Does the Ferry Cost?
New Horizon currently advertises the following passenger fares for the West End–Great Harbour route:
| Ticket | Current Fare |
|---|---|
| Round trip | $40 |
| One way | $30 |
The one-way fare is relatively high compared with the round-trip ticket, so day visitors normally receive better value from the $40 return fare. Confirm child fares, baggage charges, accepted payment methods and cancellation rules directly with the operator before travel.
How Long Is the Ferry Ride?
The direct crossing between West End and Great Harbour normally takes about 25 minutes. Sea conditions, passenger loading and harbor traffic can make the trip shorter or longer.
The total journey takes longer when you include transportation from your Tortola accommodation, early arrival, passenger loading and the local taxi from Great Harbour to White Bay.
Where Does the Ferry Leave From on Tortola?
The ferry leaves from the West End Ferry Terminal near Soper’s Hole on the western side of Tortola.
This is important because Tortola also has ferry facilities in Road Town. The Jost Van Dyke passenger ferry does not normally depart from the Road Town terminal. Travelers staying in Road Town, arriving at the cruise pier or landing at the airport must arrange transportation to West End.
Driving and Parking
Travelers with a rental car can drive to West End. Parking has traditionally been available near the terminal area, but space and local conditions can change. Do not leave passports, electronics or visible valuables inside the vehicle.
Taking a Taxi
Arrange a taxi early when connecting from Road Town, the cruise port or Beef Island airport. Ask the driver to take you to the New Horizon ferry at West End, and leave enough time for traffic and check-in.
Where Does the Ferry Arrive on Jost Van Dyke?
The ferry arrives at Great Harbour, the main settlement and ferry port on Jost Van Dyke.
Great Harbour has restaurants, bars, accommodations and local transportation. White Bay is on the other side of a steep hill, so most day visitors take a taxi rather than walk.
Do You Need a Passport?
The West End–Great Harbour route is listed by the BVI Tourist Board under travel within the British Virgin Islands. Travelers who have already entered the BVI legally do not normally complete a second customs or immigration entry process simply to move from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke.
However, carrying your passport or other travel documents remains sensible, especially when you arrived from the USVI, are connecting to another international ferry or the ferry operator requests identification.
Travelers coming from St. Thomas must first clear BVI customs and immigration at their international arrival port before continuing on the domestic ferry.
Getting From Great Harbour to White Bay
White Bay is the main goal for many day visitors. It is known for bright turquoise water, a broad sandy beach and casual beachfront bars.
The easiest way to reach it is by local taxi from Great Harbour. Confirm the fare before leaving and ask the driver about the best pickup time for your return ferry.
Walking between Great Harbour and White Bay is possible, but the road crosses a steep hill and can feel difficult in hot weather. For a short day trip, taking a taxi protects both your time and energy.
Best Ferry Times for a Jost Van Dyke Day Trip
| Day-Trip Style | Outbound | Return | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full day | 8:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. | Maximum time for White Bay, lunch and Great Harbour |
| Relaxed late start | 10:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. | Travelers who do not want an early morning |
| Half day | 8:00 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. | Beach time with an earlier return to Tortola |
| Short visit | 10:00 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. | Quick lunch and beach stop |
Do not plan to arrive at the dock exactly at departure time. Return to Great Harbour early enough to confirm your ticket, organize baggage and avoid missing the final ferry you need.
Suggested Full-Day Itinerary
7:30 a.m. — Arrive at West End
Confirm your ticket, ask where to board and keep important items in a waterproof pouch.
8:00 a.m. — Ferry to Great Harbour
Enjoy the short crossing and keep an eye on the western coastline of Tortola as the ferry heads toward Jost Van Dyke.
About 8:30 a.m. — Taxi to White Bay
Arrange your return transportation before settling into the beach.
Morning — Swim and Relax
The morning often feels calmer before larger excursion boats arrive. Choose a comfortable place, swim and enjoy the beach before the busiest part of the day.
Midday — Lunch at White Bay
Allow time for a relaxed meal, but keep track of your ferry schedule and your taxi pickup.
Mid-Afternoon — Explore Great Harbour
Return from White Bay early enough to walk around Great Harbour, have a drink or snack and remain near the ferry dock.
5:00 p.m. — Return to West End
Meet your prearranged taxi or return to your parked rental car after arriving back on Tortola.
Can You Visit the Bubbly Pool?
Yes, but the Bubbly Pool is on the northeastern side of Jost Van Dyke and requires additional ground transportation from Great Harbour.
A traveler trying to combine White Bay, lunch and the Bubbly Pool in one day should arrange a taxi tour rather than depend on last-minute rides. The natural pool is also affected by sea conditions, so its appearance can vary dramatically from one day to another.
Connecting From St. Thomas Through Tortola
Travelers coming from St. Thomas may use Tortola as a connection when the direct St. Thomas–Jost Van Dyke ferry does not operate.
The connection is easiest when the international ferry arrives at West End. You must clear BVI customs and immigration before boarding the domestic New Horizon ferry.
If your international ferry arrives in Road Town, you must also take a taxi across Tortola to West End. Leave a large buffer between ferries because immigration, baggage handling, traffic and schedule changes can all affect the connection.
Compare this option with the direct route in our St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke Ferry Guide.
Can Tortola Cruise Passengers Do This Independently?
It is possible during a long Road Town port day, but the public ferry requires more coordination than many cruise passengers expect.
- The cruise ship docks in Road Town
- The Jost Van Dyke ferry leaves from West End
- You need a taxi across Tortola in both directions
- You need another taxi between Great Harbour and White Bay
- The return ferry must leave enough time to reach the ship well before all-aboard
For cruise calls with an early afternoon departure, an organized ship excursion or a reputable private charter may be safer. Never choose a ferry that returns close to the ship’s all-aboard time.
Passenger Ferry or Vehicle Barge?
The regular New Horizon schedule is a passenger ferry service. It is the correct choice for ordinary day visitors traveling on foot.
New Horizon also advertises separate barge service on selected days for vehicles, machinery, building materials and cargo. Do not assume that a Tortola rental car can simply board the passenger ferry. Contact the operator in advance for vehicle transport rules, reservations and pricing.
What to Pack
- Ferry confirmation and identification
- Passport when connecting from or to international travel
- Cash and a payment card
- Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Small towel
- Reusable water bottle
- Motion-sickness medication when needed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Going to the Road Town terminal instead of West End
- Forgetting to include two Tortola taxi rides in the budget
- Assuming Great Harbour and White Bay are the same place
- Trying to walk the hill in extreme heat without enough time
- Booking a return ferry too close to a cruise or flight departure
- Assuming the passenger ferry transports rental cars
- Failing to verify holiday or weather-related schedule changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What days does the Tortola to Jost Van Dyke ferry run?
The current New Horizon schedule operates daily between West End and Great Harbour.
What time is the first ferry from Tortola?
The first currently scheduled ferry from West End is 8:00 a.m.
What time is the last ferry back to Tortola?
The last currently scheduled departure from Great Harbour is 5:00 p.m.
How much is the ferry?
The operator currently advertises $40 round trip and $30 one way.
How long does the ferry take?
The direct crossing normally takes about 25 minutes.
Does the ferry leave from Road Town?
No. The regular Jost Van Dyke passenger ferry leaves from West End, Tortola.
Does the ferry arrive at White Bay?
No. It arrives at Great Harbour. Most visitors take a taxi over the hill to White Bay.
Do I clear customs between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke?
Not normally when you have already entered the BVI legally. This route is domestic travel within the British Virgin Islands.
Can I take a rental car on the ferry?
The normal schedule is passenger service. Vehicle movement requires separate barge arrangements with the operator and should be confirmed in advance.
Final Verdict
The West End to Great Harbour ferry is the easiest public transportation route between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke. It runs daily, the crossing is short and the current $40 round-trip fare makes a day visit practical.
The main planning challenge is not the boat itself. It is arranging transportation to West End on Tortola and between Great Harbour and White Bay after arrival.
Confirm the schedule, arrive early, plan both taxi connections and leave Jost Van Dyke with enough time for your final commitment on Tortola.
Plan the connections, protect your return time, then enjoy the island—Don’t Talk, Just Travel.
Internal Links
- St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke Ferry Guide
- St. Thomas to Tortola Ferry Guide
- Caribbean Ferry Routes Master Guide
- USVI vs BVI: Which Is Better?
- All Caribbean Ferry Guides
🇪🇸 Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
El ferry de Tortola a Jost Van Dyke sale de West End y llega a Great Harbour. New Horizon ofrece actualmente servicio diario con salidas de Tortola a las 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. y 6:00 p.m.
Los ferris de regreso salen de Great Harbour a las 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. y 5:00 p.m. El precio actual es de $40 ida y vuelta o $30 por un solo trayecto. El viaje dura aproximadamente 25 minutos.
El ferry no sale de Road Town. Debes llegar a West End por carretera. En Jost Van Dyke, toma un taxi desde Great Harbour hasta White Bay. Como este viaje ocurre dentro de BVI, normalmente no tienes que pasar por inmigración nuevamente si ya entraste legalmente al territorio.
