BVI Day Trip from St. Thomas: How to Travel from St. Thomas to Tortola and Beyond
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Are you ready to explore beyond the U.S. Virgin Islands? Maybe you want to see the famous Baths or sip an original painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar. Today, we’re sharing our tips for a day trip from St. Thomas to Tortola and other beautiful destinations in the British Virgin Islands.
Most Popular Places to Visit:
The BVIs include four main islands—Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke—as well as many smaller islands. Here are some of the most popular destinations:
Tortola: This is the largest of the British Virgin Islands, and the main stop for most ferries from St. Thomas. It is home to Cane Garden Bay, a lively beach known for white sand, calm water and beach bars, as well as Smuggler's Cove, a tranquil, secluded snorkeling spot. Other popular spots include Long Bay Beach, known for its soft white sand; Brewers Bay, an excellent snorkeling spot; and Apple Bay, which is popular with surfers.
Virgin Gorda: Known for its natural beauty and iconic landmarks, Virgin Gorda is home to The Baths, a stunning maze of large boulders, hidden pools and crystal-clear passages. On the North Sound, visitors can explore The Bitter End area, including The Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock, and nearby favorites like Leverick Bay, all known for their vibrant marina scene, dining and easy access to some of the BVI’s best boating and snorkeling.
Jost Van Dyke: Known for its laid-back charm and legendary beach bars, Jost Van Dyke is a must-visit for anyone headed to the BVIs. White Bay is home to the iconic Soggy Dollar Bar, where the Painkiller cocktail was born, along with other favorites like Hendo’s Hideout and Ivan’s Stress Free Bar. Just around the corner, Great Harbour offers a lively spots like Foxy’s, which is especially popular during New Year’s Eve celebrations. With its powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, and effortlessly social atmosphere, Jost is the perfect mix of relaxation and island energy.
Norman Island and The Indians: Norman Island is a legendary cave snorkeling destination and the reported inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s book Treasure Island. The Indians are a rock outcropping near Norman Island that shelter marine life and coral and have become a popular destination for adventurous snorkelers.
The Willy T: This boat doubles as a floating bar and grill anchored near Norman Island and is the perfect place to relax after an afternoon of snorkeling and exploring the sea caves.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the BVIs?
There’s no single best time of year to make a day trip from St. Thomas to the BVIs, but there are a few seasonal considerations to keep in mind:
December-May: This is peak travel season, so be sure to make travel arrangements well in advance.
June-November: Windy/stormy days are possible, so check the forecast carefully when planning and bring motion-sickness medication if needed (see “What to Bring” below).
Getting from St. Thomas to Tortola and Beyond:
With careful planning, it’s possible to travel from St. Thomas to Tortola and the other BVIs in a single day.
Keep in mind that U.S. citizens will need a valid passport when traveling from St. Thomas to Tortola or any other BVI island.
In addition to transportation expenses, travelers will need to pay customs, environmental and departure fees when traveling from St. Thomas to Tortola and beyond.
Charter: A private boat charter gives you more flexibility when touring the BVIs, allowing you to maximize your day and see multiple islands in one trip. Please note that passports are still required on private charters, and you’ll need to clear customs and pay special travel fees. Your charter captain will tell you what to expect regarding customs payment and travel time prior to departure.
Travel tip: For help booking a charter to the BVIs, contact us or visit our excursion booking page.
Ferries and Water Taxis: You can take a direct ferry or a private water taxi from St. Thomas to Tortola. Ferries typically depart from Red Hook Ferry Terminal and Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal and arrive in Road Town, Tortola. The ferry ride from St. Thomas to Tortola takes 50 mins-1 hr, depending on the route, operator and sea conditions.
Travel tip: If traveling by ferry, book the earliest departing trip available to maximize your time.
Water taxis depart from Red Hook and can take guests directly to Jost Van Dyke or other islands. We recommend The Last Mile Water Taxi, offered by Sonic Charters. Island Luxury guests can book this service by contacting us at concierge@islandluxuryvi.com.
While more expensive than ferries, water taxis offer a faster trip and provide access to more destinations. Please note that some water taxis have a minimum passenger requirement.
What to Bring on a BVI Day Trip:
US Dollars: The USD is the official currency of the British Virgin Islands, so you won’t need to worry about exchanging money before you travel. Although many places accept credit cards, it’s helpful to have cash on hand for bars, small shops and tips.
Passport: As mentioned, a valid passport is required for all guests traveling to the BVIs, regardless of age or the method of transportation.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Visitors to the BVIs are legally required to use only reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen. Many boat captains request that you bring lotion, not spray sunscreen, to avoid slippery decks.
Motion-Sickness Bands or Medicine: Passengers who are prone to seasickness may want to bring motion-sickness bands or medicine.
Clothing: Bring swimwear, a cover-up for restaurants or shops, flat-soled shoes for the beach and boat, and a wide-brimmed hat to keep you from getting burned. A rashguard or long-sleeved shirt is also helpful to protect against accidental sunburns.
Enjoy Your BVI Day Trip
We hope you have a wonderful time exploring one of the most beautiful places on Earth. If you have any other questions about a BVI day trip, please let us know!
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