Explore Ferries and Inter-Island Flights in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Ferries play a key role in transportation among the U.S. Virgin Islands. Passenger ferries are the main means of traveling between St. Thomas and St. John, and the only way to get to Water Island.

For travel to more distant St. Croix from St. Thomas, you can choose between a ferry or flight, including a memorable seaplane journey from Charlotte Amalie harbor to Christiansted harbor. Moreover, there’s seaplane service to St. John from Charlotte Amalie.

If the ferry or seaplane schedules don’t align with your plans, remember that water taxis operate out of Red Hook to facilitate travel between the islands. For further information, you can contact Dohm’s or Dolphin Shuttle.

Red Hook Ferries

Red Hook, St. Thomas-Cruz Bay, St. John: Ferries depart Red Hook daily at 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., and then hourly from 8 a.m. to midnight. Cruz Bay departures occur daily on the hour from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The crossing takes about 15 minutes; tickets cost $6 each way for adults and $1 for children aged 2-11. Additionally, $2.50 is charged per piece of luggage or box.

Three car barges operate out of Red Hook, costing about $50 roundtrip plus a few dollars in port fees to bring your car to St. John. While taking a car may not be necessary for a leisurely stroll around Cruz Bay, it can be economical if you plan to explore the island. The barge companies include Love City (340-779-4000), Boyson’s (340-776-6294), and Global Marine (340-779-1739).

Furthermore, there’s daily ferry service from Red Hook to the British Virgin Islands, including Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada, via Inter-Island Boat Services. To visit Tortola, you can take the Native Son Ferry from Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook, or St. John. Remember to bring your passport when traveling between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands!

Charlotte Amalie Ferries

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas-Cruz Bay, St. John: Ferries depart Charlotte Amalie daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Cruz Bay departures occur daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 3:45 p.m. This crossing takes about 45 minutes; tickets are priced at $12 each way for adults and $3.50 for children aged 2-11. An additional $2.50 charge applies for luggage or boxes.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas-Gallows Bay, St. Croix: This route costs $50 when the VI Sea Trans ferry operates, but service may not always be available. The fast ferry to St. Croix is currently not operational, and the regular ferry may suspend services during the winter months. It’s advisable to call ahead for confirmation.

Marriott Frenchman’s Reef-Charlotte Amalie: A shopping ferry operates between the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef and Frenchman’s Cove resorts and downtown Charlotte Amalie every half hour from Monday to Saturday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The round trip costs $14 per adult and $8 for children (under age 2 free), with a trip duration of approximately 12 minutes.

Water Island Ferry

Crown Bay, St. Thomas-Water Island: Ferries run Monday to Saturday, departing St. Thomas every 45 minutes starting at 6:30 a.m. The last ferry leaves at 6 p.m. Ferries return from Water Island every 45 minutes, beginning at 6:45 a.m.

On Sundays and holidays, departures from St. Thomas occur at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 5 p.m., with returns from Water Island 15 minutes later. Additionally, special night ferries may operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; check details by calling (340) 690-4159. The crossing duration is about 10 minutes. Fares are $5 for adults ($10 roundtrip) and $3 for children ($5 roundtrip), plus $1 for each piece of luggage or box.

Seaplane Flights

Seaborne Airlines provides seaplane flights between St. Thomas and St. Croix, as well as regular flights to the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The seaplane crossing between St. Thomas and St. Croix lasts about 25 minutes. For fares and schedules, check the airline’s website.