We take a look at the best way for you to meet your crewed yacht charter when you fly into St Thomas. Water Taxi or Ferry?
American Airlines now have direct flights to the BVI, however if you prefer to fly into St Thomas, figuring out how to get to your crewed yacht charter can be a daunting task. We have put together some useful information, to help you decide what the best option would be for you. We look at costs involved for taking the public ferry or a private water taxi. We are here to help you every step of the way.
The following figures are based on 8 persons travelling from Red Hook, St Thomas to Nanny Cay, Tortola. Most of our crewed yachts are based in either Nanny Cay or West End which are close to one another.
We took an overall average cost of using the public ferry for 8 people. This would amount to around $1,124.00, including taxes and one item of luggage per person.
Operator
Adult
Child
Senior
Luggage
Additional fees, per person, are $10.00 Development Fee when you leave St Thomas. $10.00 Environmental Tax on arrival to BVI. $20.00 per person Departure Tax when leaving the BVI. Passengers are allowed one small piece of carry on luggage for free. Each piece of additional luggage, up to 50lbs may be charged for.
Prices are correct as of March 2024. Epic Yacht Charters do not accept any responsibility for any changes.
Photos courtesy of (left to right) Road Town Fast Ferry, Native Son and Smith’s Ferry
We would highly recommend using a private water taxi to get you straight to your crewed yacht charter. Here are some of the advantages:
- The water taxi will pick you up whatever time you need. The ferry schedules may line up nicely with your flights, but quite often they dont.
- No lengthy Customs and Immigration lines. Our water taxi captain will handle all of the processing for you, while you sit back and relax on the boat with a cold beverage. This is when your vacation really starts!
- Avoid all the variables that can potentially spoil your travel plans. Last minute schedule changes, cancelled ferrys, over booked seats etc.
- Once you are checked into the territory, your water taxi captain will take you straight to your crewed charter yacht.
- Your water taxi company will organise a land taxi for you from St Thomas airport to meet your water taxi. The driver will keep a check on your flight arrival time and will be there ready for you as soon as you land - even if you are delayed.
- If you are taking the ferry and delayed for any reason, you may run the risk of not being able to get on the last ferry, which is around 5:30pm. Your private water taxi will wait for you to land. We would always recommend staying in a hotel the night before your charter commences at noon.
We would recommend these private water taxi companies.
Round trip for 8 people, including all taxes/fees between USVI and BVI. $3,600.00
For parties of 1-5 persons the flat rate is $825.00 each way plus $60.00 per person for international processing fees. Over 5 persons is $165.00 per person each way.
A private land taxi can be arranged to greet you at the airport to take you directly to the water taxi/and back to the airport on your return. Taxi fees are $25.00 each way, payable by cash to the driver. Minimum charge of $135.00 each way.
Round trip for 8 people, including all taxes/fees between USVI and BVI. $2,880.00.
For 5 or less passengers the price is fixed at $720.00 each way, plus $60.00 per person for international processing fees.
A private land taxi from St Thomas Airport to your water taxi is $25.00 per person each way, payable directly to the driver in cash. A flat rate of $135.00 is charged for trips of 1-5 persons.
Prices correct as of March 2024. Epic Yacht Charters do not accept responsibility for any changes.
