Getting to the BVI
When travelling to the BVI, there are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe or South America to the main airport in the British Virgin Islands, the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport, which is actually on Beef Island and connected to Tortola by a short land bridge.
All flights connect through another Caribbean airport on islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, St Kitts or St. Martin.
If booking online, use the following airport codes:
Beef Island – EIS
San Juan – SJU
St Thomas – STT
Antigua – ANU
St Martin – SXM
St Kitts – SKB
Barbados - BGI
Connections to the BVI:
From San Juan to Beef Island: Daily scheduled flights on American Eagle, Cape Air, Air Sunshine or by a private charter flight on Fly BVI or Island Birds. This is the most direct way for travellers from Canada and the USA to reach the BVI.
From St Thomas to Beef Island: Daily scheduled flights on Air Sunshine and Cape Air or by a private charter flight on Fly BVI.
Dohm’s Water Taxi operates a private, fast, comfortable catamaran service from Red Hook in St Thomas to any point in Tortola. Call 1-340-775-6501 or email at vitaxi@viaccess.net
However, most travellers arriving in St Thomas choose to connect to Tortola by ferry. The main ferry dock is in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, about a 10 – 15 minute taxi ride from the St Thomas airport. A ferry also runs from Red Hook at the eastern end of St Thomas to West End, Tortola. It can take up to 1 hour to reach Red Hook from the St Thomas airport, depending on the time of day.
There are three ferry companies to choose from but, be warned, the last ferry leaves Charlotte Amalie around 4.30pm and from Red Hook, around 5pm. So, if your flight arrives after this time or doesn’t allow sufficient time for the connection, you must be prepared to stay overnight in St Thomas and take the ferry the next day.
Smith’s Ferry (the blue boat) and the Native Son Ferry (the green boat) operate services to West End, Tortola and then on to Road Town. It takes 50 minute for the scenic trip from Charlotte Amalie to West End. The route takes you along the south coast of St Thomas, across the Pillsbury Sound to the north coast of St John and then through the narrow channel between St John and Great Thatch Island and so into Soper’s Hole at the west end of Tortola.
TIP: Because Smith’s Ferry and Native Son alternate times of departure, it is a good idea to just buy a one way ticket. Then, you are not locked into using that same ferry company on your return to St Thomas – just in case the ferry has been cancelled! You will find there is no monetary saving by buying a round trip ticket against two one way tickets. Always check with the ferry companies the day before you leave Tortola to confirm times of ferry departures. Although a ferry schedule is printed in the BVI Welcome Magazine, a free tourist guide publication, always check!
Smith’s Ferry tel: (284) 495-4495
Native Son Ferry tel: (284) 495 4617
The Road Town Fast Ferry (tel: 284-495-2323) operates a service from St Thomas straight to Road Town, about a 50 minute trip. If you are staying in a villa located at the eastern end of Tortola or picking up a charter yacht in the Road Town area, the Fast Ferry is a good choice.
When you disembark the ferry, either at West End or Road Town, you need to go through BVI Immigration and Customs formalities. As you leave the custom’s hall, there will be a taxi dispatcher who will direct you to an appropriate driver to take you to your destination.
From St Martin, Antigua and Barbados to Beef Island: Daily scheduled flights by LIAT or by private charter flight. This is the most direct way for travellers from Europe and the UK to reach the BVI.
From San Juan to Anegada: There is a direct flight with Caribbean Wings on Friday and Sunday or by private charter on Fly BVI or Island Birds.
A valid passport is required to enter the BVI with proof of a return or onward ticket. Visitors from some countries may require a visa – if in doubt please check with your nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy or the BVI Immigration Department. Visitors wishing to stay in the BVI longer than a month must apply for an extension from the Immigration Office in Road Town.
