Just did the water taxi thing last month, and it is VASTLY superior to the ferry if you can make it work! First, the drop off and pick up are at the dock for your boat! No waiting for the taxi, waiting in line at the ferry, or listening to someone tell you "I take care of your bags, you take care of me." Checking out of West End, you're hanging around on the boat while the captain takes care of business (in our case, having a drink from the cooler). The water taxi generally travels faster than the ferry does between Tortola and St John/St Thomas. On St John at C&I, our crew was the only ones in line - thus no real line! Much quicker! Then there is a cab waiting to take you to the airport when you get to Red Hook.

It cannot be overstated how much easier and quicker the process was!

Have fun!