Navigating the Islands — The Complete Red Hook Ferry Guide
Share
Red Hook is where St. Thomas opens up.
Most visitors stay on the island they flew into and never realize that one of the best things about St. Thomas is how easy it is to leave it for the day. The Red Hook ferry dock sits on the eastern end of the island and from there you can reach St. John in about fifteen minutes, the British Virgin Islands in thirty, and a completely different version of the Caribbean in either direction.
We have made the crossing to St. John more times than we can count. Every trip to St. Thomas includes at least one ferry ride over — usually more. The evening ferry back with the harbor lights of Cruz Bay disappearing behind you and the lights of St. Thomas appearing ahead is one of those quiet Caribbean moments that stays with you.
Red Hook to St. John
The most popular crossing and the one we know best. The passenger ferry runs frequently throughout the day — roughly every hour or more often during peak times. The crossing takes about fifteen to twenty minutes depending on conditions.
The fare for non-residents is around $8 one way. Cash only — bring small bills and keep your bag fee money separate. There is a small charge per bag if you are carrying luggage.
There is a last ferry back to Red Hook in the evening. Always check the current schedule before you go — schedules change and it is worth verifying before you plan your day around a specific crossing time.
What To Do On St. John
A full day on St. John barely scratches the surface. Two thirds of the island is national park. Here is how we typically spend our time.
Waterlemon Cay — some of the best snorkeling in the USVI. Getting there requires a short hike or a taxi. Speaking of taxis — confirm your pickup time before you let the driver leave. We once had a driver not come back. We walked for an hour before a bus appeared. It is now our favorite St. John story. At the time it was not.
The Reef Bay Trail — drops through jungle past Taino petroglyphs and plantation ruins to a secluded beach at the bottom. The hike down is a nature walk. The hike back up is a character building exercise. Worth every step.
Cruz Bay — the main town where the ferry docks. Mongoose Junction has excellent shopping. High Tide Bar and Grill sits above the harbor with views worth sitting still for. There is a small jewelry shop where we had a custom hook bracelet made that became part of our wedding. That story has its own post.
Trunk Bay — one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean. Beautiful and worth seeing. Gets crowded. Go early.
Genti Bay — almost always empty. The kind of beach that exists on St. John because most of the island is protected and most visitors stick to the same three spots.
The deer are real. We have spotted them on the trails more than once. St. John has a way of surprising you with what is living in the jungle just off the path.
Red Hook to the British Virgin Islands
From Red Hook you can also reach the British Virgin Islands — Tortola West End in about thirty minutes, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada. We have not personally made these crossings yet but they are on the list.
Important — a valid passport is required for all BVI ferry crossings. This is an international border crossing. US government issued ID is not sufficient.
Worth noting — during Covid the BVI had some of the strictest entry requirements in the Caribbean including vaccination requirements. Things have changed since then but the BVI has historically moved at its own pace on entry protocols. Always check current BVI entry requirements before booking a crossing.
BVI ferries cost significantly more than the St. John crossing — roughly $27-30 one way plus port fees and BVI departure taxes on the return. Budget accordingly.
What About St. Croix?
St. Croix is a different ferry entirely — it runs out of Charlotte Amalie not Red Hook, operates only a few days a week, and takes about two hours each way. If you are prone to motion sickness bring Dramamine. It is a full commitment not a casual day trip in the same sense as St. John.
Practical Notes
Cash only on the Red Hook to St. John ferry. Small bills preferred. Bring your bag fee money separately.
Arrive at least fifteen minutes before your intended departure. The ferry does not wait.
Getting to Red Hook from Margaritaville is a short taxi ride. The taxi stand out front makes it easy. Confirm the price before you get in.
Always check the current schedule at the dock or online before planning your day around a specific crossing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Red Hook to St. John ferry cost?
Around $8 one way for non-residents. Cash only — bring small bills. There is a small bag fee for luggage. Children under 12 pay significantly less.
How long is the crossing?
About fifteen to twenty minutes from Red Hook to Cruz Bay on St. John.
Do I need a passport for St. John?
No — St. John is a US territory. A valid government issued ID is sufficient for US citizens.
Do I need a passport for the BVI ferries?
Yes — absolutely. The BVI is a British territory and crossing from the USVI to the BVI is an international border crossing. A valid US passport is required.
What is the last ferry back from St. John?
The last ferry runs in the late evening but schedules change. Always check the current schedule at the dock or online before planning your return.
Can I get to St. Croix from Red Hook?
No — the St. Croix ferry runs from Charlotte Amalie not Red Hook. It operates a few days a week and takes about two hours each way. Bring Dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness.
What should I bring on a St. John day trip?
Cash for the ferry and food. Snorkel gear if you have it — rentals are available on the island but bringing your own is better. Sunscreen. A full water bottle. Comfortable shoes if you are hiking.
Tell them we sent you.
Download Uncharted Travel — our Caribbean travel app — coming soon.