How to Get to Virgin Gorda (2026 Season Guide)

You get to Virgin Gorda by boat: a public ferry from Tortola, a Saturday-only ferry from St. Thomas, or a private charter from St. Thomas or St. John. There is no bridge, and almost every visitor arrives by water at Spanish Town (St. Thomas Bay).

Quick Answer

• From Tortola: Speedy's ferry, Road Town or Beef Island → Spanish Town, $30 one-way / $40 round trip per adult
• From St. Thomas: Speedy's direct ferry, Saturdays only, ~90 minutes, $60 one-way / $110 round trip (suspended Sept 1 – Oct 31, 2026)
• From St. John or St. Thomas, any day: a private or shared BVI day-trip charter — the fastest and most flexible way
• Bring: a valid passport, your completed BVI eDeclare form, and $10 per person for the BVI Environmental & Tourism Levy
• Arrival port: St. Thomas Bay, Spanish Town (customs open 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM daily)

Your Options at a Glance

Option 1: Ferry From Tortola

If you are already in the BVI, Virgin Gorda is an easy hop. Speedy's runs from Road Town and Beef Island (near the airport) to Spanish Town several times a day. Adult fares are $30 one-way or $40 round trip (Speedy's fare sheet).

Local tip: Beef Island is the shorter crossing. If you fly into Tortola's airport, this is the cleanest connection.

Option 2: Direct Ferry From St. Thomas (Saturdays)

Speedy's runs a direct Saturday-only route between Charlotte Amalie and Virgin Gorda. It leaves Virgin Gorda at 8:30 AM and departs St. Thomas at 4:00 PM, taking about 90 minutes (Speedy's schedule).

• One-way: $60 · Round trip: $110
• Heads up for 2026: the St. Thomas service is suspended September 1 – October 31, 2026.

Because it runs only one day a week, a same-day round trip from St. Thomas is not possible on the ferry. Plan to stay overnight, or take a charter.

Option 3: Private or Shared Charter From St. Thomas or St. John

For most USVI visitors this is the best way to see Virgin Gorda in one day. Your captain clears customs with you at Spanish Town, then takes you straight to The Baths and on to snorkel spots like the Dogs or Cooper Island.

• Shared BVI trips on QuestVI start around $179 per person
• Private boats carry your group alone, and you choose the stops
• Departures run from Red Hook, Sapphire, and Cruz Bay

Browse St. Thomas BVI trips or St. John BVI trips to compare live prices and dates.

Customs, Passports & Fees

Virgin Gorda is in the British Virgin Islands, a different country from the USVI.

1. Passport: required for every traveler, U.S. citizens included (GOV.UK).
2. eDeclare: the BVI's online embarkation card has been mandatory since January 1, 2025. Complete it up to 72 hours ahead (BVI Tourism).
3. Environmental & Tourism Levy: $10 per visitor aged 3+, collected at the port (BVI Government).
4. Coming back to the USVI: you clear U.S. Customs on return. Boaters report arrival through the CBP ROAM app (CBP).

Read more: Can you visit the BVI without a passport?

Getting Around Once You Land

Spanish Town is compact. Open-air taxis wait at the ferry dock and go to The Baths in a few minutes. For a full island tour, local drivers like Sweet Ice Willie know every overlook.

Best Time to Go

• December – April: calmest, driest, and busiest. Book charters 2–4 weeks ahead.
• May – July: great value and warm water.
• August – October: hurricane season. Watch the forecast, and note the Speedy's St. Thomas break.
• Arrive early: The Baths gets crowded by 11 AM when cruise groups arrive.

Our Recommendation: Book Your Boat With QuestVI.com

The easiest, most reliable way to get there is to book your boat on QuestVI.com. We are a local team on St. Thomas and St. John, and we compare 180+ vetted charters, so you do not have to juggle ferry timetables, customs lines and taxi rides.

• Every option in one place: private, shared and BVI day trips side by side, with real prices and live availability
• Vetted local captains who know the moorings, the swell and the customs process
• Secure online booking with instant confirmation
• Any day of the week, with no waiting for limited ferry schedules
• Local help from people who live here, if you are not sure which boat fits your group

Find your boat on QuestVI.com → or get matched with Find My Charter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fly to Virgin Gorda?

Virgin Gorda has a small airstrip, but most visitors connect through Tortola and take the ferry. Flights are limited.

How long is the ferry from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda?

About 90 minutes on Speedy's direct Saturday service.

Can I do Virgin Gorda as a day trip from St. John?

Yes, on a charter boat. Private and shared BVI trips from Cruz Bay make the run in about an hour.

Do I need a passport to go to Virgin Gorda?

Yes. Virgin Gorda is in the BVI, so every visitor needs a valid passport.

How much does it cost to enter the BVI?

The Environmental & Tourism Levy is $10 per person (ages 3+). Charter boats may add their own customs fees, so check what your trip includes.

Ready to Go?

The easiest Virgin Gorda day is the one where someone else handles the customs line. Compare BVI day trips from St. Thomas and St. John, or use the charter cost calculator to price a private boat for your group.