How to Get to Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

How to Get to Jost Van Dyke: Your Complete Travel Guide

Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main British Virgin Islands (BVI), is known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and world-famous beach bars like Foxy’s and the Soggy Dollar Bar. Though the island doesn’t have an airport, it’s still easily accessible by boat from nearby islands like Tortola, St. Thomas, and St. John. Whether you’re coming for a day trip or an extended stay, this guide will help you navigate your way to Jost Van Dyke.

Getting to Jost Van Dyke by Air: Flights to Nearby Islands

Since Jost Van Dyke does not have its own airport, travelers must first fly into a nearby island and then take a ferry or water taxi to reach their final destination. The closest and most convenient airport is Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, which is connected to Tortola by a bridge. This airport serves as the primary gateway to the British Virgin Islands and offers flights from several locations, including San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua, and Miami. Once you arrive in Tortola, a short taxi ride will take you to either West End or Road Town, where ferries and water taxis provide regular service to Jost Van Dyke.

Another popular option, especially for travelers from the U.S., is Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, USVI. This airport has direct flights from major U.S. cities such as Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York. From St. Thomas, you can take a taxi to the Red Hook ferry terminal, where ferries travel to Tortola’s Road Town port. From there, a second ferry or water taxi will take you to Jost Van Dyke.

For those traveling from other Caribbean islands, additional options include St. Maarten (SXM) and Antigua (ANU), both of which offer connecting flights to Tortola. Although St. John (USVI) does not have an airport, travelers can fly into St. Thomas and then take a ferry from Cruz Bay to Jost Van Dyke.

Getting to Jost Van Dyke by Ferry

Ferries are the most common way to reach Jost Van Dyke, offering reliable and affordable connections from Tortola, St. Thomas, and St. John. Several ferry companies operate routes to the island, providing both scheduled and seasonal services. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may need to take multiple ferries or arrange for a water taxi transfer. Most ferries arrive at Great Harbour, the main entry point to Jost Van Dyke.

Ferry Operators to Jost Van Dyke

New Horizon Ferry is a well-established service that operates regular ferry routes between West End, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke. Known for its reliable daily schedule, the company offers a short and scenic 20-minute ferry ride, making it a preferred option for visitors staying in Tortola.

Inter Island Boat Services provides ferry connections between St. John (Cruz Bay) and Jost Van Dyke. This operator runs a seasonal service, with more frequent departures during peak tourist months. The journey is quick and offers stunning views of the Virgin Islands along the way.

From Tortola (BVI) to Jost Van Dyke

The easiest and fastest way to reach Jost Van Dyke is from Tortola, as the islands are only a short distance apart. Ferries depart from West End (Soper’s Hole Marina) and Road Town, providing quick and scenic trips across the water. West End is the preferred departure point due to its closer proximity to Jost Van Dyke, with ferries taking approximately 20 minutes. Road Town departures may take longer due to additional stops.

New Horizon Ferry is the main ferry operator running daily services between West End and Jost Van Dyke. The company operates multiple trips a day, ensuring a flexible schedule for travelers. Inter Island Boat Services occasionally runs seasonal routes between Road Town and Jost Van Dyke, though schedules can vary.

To get to the ferry terminals, visitors arriving at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) in Tortola can take a 30-minute taxi ride to West End or a 20-minute ride to Road Town. It’s recommended to check ferry schedules in advance, especially during peak travel times.

From St. Thomas (USVI) to Jost Van Dyke

While there is no direct public ferry from St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke, travelers can reach the island by connecting through Tortola. Ferries from St. Thomas depart from the Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal (downtown) or Red Hook (on the east end of St. Thomas) and arrive in Road Town, Tortola.

From Road Town, passengers must clear BVI customs and immigration before transferring to another ferry bound for Jost Van Dyke. The entire journey can take 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on ferry connections and customs processing times.

Several ferry operators serve the St. Thomas to Tortola route, including:

• Smith’s Ferry Service – Offers regular crossings between Charlotte Amalie and Road Town, with a travel time of 50 minutes.
• Road Town Fast Ferry – Known for its high-speed service, this company runs multiple daily routes between St. Thomas (Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie) and Tortola.
• Native Son Ferry – Provides a comfortable and convenient option, operating from both Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie to Tortola.

After arriving in Road Town, travelers can take a taxi to West End for the shorter ferry to Jost Van Dyke or continue from Road Town via a connecting ferry. Booking ferries in advance is recommended, especially during high season.

From St. John (USVI) to Jost Van Dyke

During peak travel seasons, there are direct ferry routes from Cruz Bay, St. John, to Jost Van Dyke, making it one of the easiest ways to get to the island. The ferry ride takes approximately 30–45 minutes and provides a scenic journey through the clear Caribbean waters.

Inter Island Boat Services operates the seasonal ferry between Cruz Bay and Jost Van Dyke, with more frequent departures during the winter and holiday months. The schedule can vary, so it's best to check availability in advance.

If the direct ferry isn’t running, travelers can take a Cruz Bay to Tortola ferry, then transfer to a Jost Van Dyke-bound ferry from either Road Town or West End. This option requires going through BVI customs in Tortola, so travelers should allow extra time for processing.

For a faster and more private transfer, water taxis from Cruz Bay to Jost Van Dyke are available and can be arranged for small groups. These charters offer direct service and avoid the need for multiple ferry connections.

Traveling with Your Car to Jost Van Dyke by Ferry

If you plan to bring a rental car or personal vehicle to Jost Van Dyke, ferry services allow vehicle transport, but options are limited. The only way to transport a vehicle is via Tortola’s West End ferry terminal, as ferries from the U.S. Virgin Islands do not accommodate cars.

Car transport is available on Inter Island Boat Services’ vehicle ferry, which operates between West End, Tortola, and Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. The ferry runs on a set schedule but can be subject to weather conditions and availability, so it’s best to book in advance.

Travelers renting a car in the British Virgin Islands should check rental agreements, as some agencies do not permit vehicles to be taken off Tortola. If bringing a car, you must also have the proper BVI vehicle permits and insurance. For short stays, it’s often easier to rent a car or use taxis once on Jost Van Dyke instead of bringing a vehicle.

Getting to Jost Van Dyke by Water Taxi or Private Boat

For travelers seeking a faster, more convenient, and personalized way to reach Jost Van Dyke, water taxis and private boat charters offer an excellent alternative to scheduled ferries. Unlike ferries, which run on fixed timetables, water taxis operate on your schedule, allowing for more flexibility. They are particularly ideal for groups, families, and those with lots of luggage, as they provide direct service without the need for multiple transfers. However, this convenience comes at a higher cost compared to standard ferries. Prices vary based on the number of passengers, departure location, and time of day.

Water Taxi Operators to Jost Van Dyke

Dolphin Water Taxi is one of the most well-known private boat services in the region. The company specializes in direct transfers from St. Thomas, St. John, and Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. They also offer VIP services, including assistance with customs clearance upon arrival in the British Virgin Islands.

Island Time Water Taxi provides 24/7 service, making it one of the best choices for travelers arriving on late flights into St. Thomas. The company is known for its luxurious boats, fast transfers, and hassle-free travel experiences.

Ocean Dreams Water Taxi offers customized charters that cater to both small and large groups. Their fleet includes speedboats and catamarans, giving passengers the option to enjoy a private and scenic ride to Jost Van Dyke.

Where to Get a Water Taxi to Jost Van Dyke

Water taxis to Jost Van Dyke operate from multiple locations in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

• St. Thomas (USVI): Water taxis depart from Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie, providing direct transfers to Jost Van Dyke without the need for a ferry connection.
• St. John (USVI): Services are available from Cruz Bay, offering a quick and scenic ride across the channel.
• Tortola (BVI): Departures are available from West End and Road Town, ideal for travelers connecting through Tortola’s airport.

Since water taxis offer personalized service, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Whether you’re arriving late, traveling in a group, or simply want a seamless and direct transfer, a private boat or water taxi is a great option for getting to Jost Van Dyke.

Visiting Jost Van Dyke from a Cruise Ship

If your cruise ship docks in Tortola (Road Town), you can easily take a day trip to Jost Van Dyke.

Options for Cruise Passengers:

• Public Ferry: Take a taxi to West End and hop on a ferry to Jost Van Dyke (~20 minutes).
• Private Boat Charter: Book a private speedboat for a more flexible schedule.
• Cruise Excursion: Some cruise lines offer Jost Van Dyke as a shore excursion.

Tip: Plan your return trip carefully to ensure you make it back to your ship on time.

Your Journey to Jost Van Dyke Starts Here

Whether you choose to take a ferry, water taxi, or private boat, getting to Jost Van Dyke is an adventure in itself. While the island lacks an airport, its proximity to Tortola, St. Thomas, and St. John makes it easily accessible for travelers seeking a tropical escape. With multiple transport options, from budget-friendly ferries to luxurious private charters, you can customize your journey based on your preferences and schedule.

Once you step onto Jost Van Dyke, you'll be greeted by crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and a relaxed island atmosphere. Whether you're here for a day trip or a longer stay, the island’s iconic beach bars, untouched nature, and welcoming locals make it an unforgettable destination.