TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Getting to Scrub

Hi folks, we are staying at Scrub Island in June but flying in and out of STT because flights were cheaper and direct. How much will we be hating life if we plan on taking the public ferry from Red Hook to Tortola? I realize this means cab-ferry-cab-ferry and could kill half a day but just wanted to get perspectives from people here. Alternatively, what is the easiest private transfer company?

Thanks! Looking forward to enjoying paradise before long.

Most people take the ferry from Charlotte Amalie, which is closer to the airport. The ferry schedule is limited, so you may have to wait a couple hours. Most people take the ferry to Road Town, which is about 1/2 hour by cab to Trellis Bay; plan on one hour from West End, if that is where your ferry goes. Returning you clear Customs twice: at the port and the airport. You need to be at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. You will lose a day on your return, unless you fly or take a water taxi.

If you fly to Beef Island, C&I is generally shorter, you walk five minutes to Trellis and wait for the hourly ferry. This is, by far, the better way to get to Scrub Island.

The USVI port authority has been recommending arriving four hours before your flight the last few weeks. There are reports that five hours was not enough time. June should see relief and be back to three hours. We do not fly through STT on weekends with Tuesday and Wednesday and before noon preferred.

Cheers, RickG

You’re very likely going to spend almost as much on cab and ferry as you would flying into EIS.

You could take a private water taxi or fly STT-EIS, but then your cost savings is completely gone if not spending more. Take a closer look at your options with ferry and taxi included and don’t forget bag fees, and see if it still makes sense to go through the extra hassle, risk, and time of going through STT.