Twenty-five minutes. That’s about how long the New Horizon Ferry takes to cross from Tortola’s West End to Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, according to the operator’s published schedule. For travelers based on Tortola, that short ride opens up a full day on one of the BVI’s most relaxed islands without needing a private charter or an overnight stay. This guide covers everything from catching the ferry at Soper’s Hole to getting around Jost Van Dyke once you arrive — aimed at first-time ferry users and anyone wondering if a day trip is feasible.
Five daily departures, 25 minutes each way, roughly $30 one-way per adult — the New Horizon Ferry is the only scheduled passenger service between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke.
Yes, you can easily day-trip from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke by ferry, but the last crossing back leaves West End at 6:00pm (6:30pm in 2026 for the Jost Lime & Dine program), so you need to watch the clock. The $40 round-trip fare makes it affordable, but bring cash — there are no ATMs on Jost Van Dyke and the ferry only takes US dollars on board.
Day-trippers from Tortola
Beach bar seekers
Travelers on a mid-range budget
| Activity | Skill Level | Cost | Duration | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding at West End | Beginner | $30 one-way + taxi/parking | 20 min check-in | Cash only on board; buy tickets at the terminal or online at trytn.com |
| Ferry Crossing | Beginner | $30 one-way; $40 round trip | 25 min | Sit on the port side for views of Norman Island and the outer cays |
| Jost Van Dyke Exploration | Beginner | $40 round trip + taxi (~$5–$10) | 4–7 hours | Buy your return ticket as soon as you arrive — the last ferry leaves Great Harbour by 4:30pm |
West End Ferry Terminal (Soper’s Hole)
The journey starts at the West End ferry terminal, also called Soper’s Hole, on the southwestern tip of Tortola. It’s roughly 10 miles from Road Town — a 25-to-30-minute taxi ride that costs around $8 to $10 per person in a shared taxi or $25 to $30 for a private car. Parking is available near the terminal if you’ve rented a car, which is a good option if you’re staying on Tortola and only using the ferry for a day trip.
The West End ferry terminal is small but functional — a covered dock with a ticket booth, a waiting area, and a BVI Customs and Immigration office open daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm. Aim to arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure. The first ferry of the day leaves at 8:00am, and catching that one gives you the most time on Jost Van Dyke.
Tickets cost $30 one-way per adult or $40 round trip as of 2026. You can buy them in advance through the New Horizon booking portal at trytn.com, or purchase them at the terminal with cash. The ferry only accepts US dollars on board, so bring enough for the round trip plus a buffer for taxis and food. The round-trip ticket is the better value — it saves you $20 compared to buying two one-ways.
No separate customs fee applies for this domestic BVI crossing, so check-in is straightforward. Have your passport ready — while it’s a domestic route, the operator may require identification. The ferry loads from the dock, and bags are stowed on board. If you’re carrying luggage, expect a baggage fee of roughly $4 to $25 per bag depending on size.
If you’re still weighing which side of Tortola to base yourself on, this interactive map of Tortola’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare proximity to the West End terminal against beach access and Road Town amenities.
The New Horizon Ferry Crossing
The crossing itself is short — about 25 minutes — but it’s the most scenic part of the trip. The ferry is a passenger vessel with covered seating and an open deck, and the route passes several smaller cays and islands. On a clear day, you can see Norman Island, Peter Island, and the outer reaches of the BVI. The seas are generally calm, though December through April can be choppier, so factor that in if you’re prone to motion sickness.
The ferry departs from the dock at West End and heads northwest toward Jost Van Dyke. The port side (left) offers the best views of the outer cays, while the starboard side looks back toward Tortola’s coastline. The ferry has both indoor air-conditioned seating and an open upper deck — the deck is great for photos but can be windy, so hold onto hats and sunglasses.
At 25 minutes, the crossing is short enough that you don’t need entertainment, but if you want to capture the approach to Great Harbour, drone footage of the BVI’s hidden coastal gems gives you a preview of what you’ll see from the water. The ferry runs five daily departures in each direction as of 2026, with the last departure from West End at 6:00pm.
The ferry docks at the government pier in Great Harbour, the main settlement on Jost Van Dyke. The BVI Customs and Immigration office here is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Since this is a domestic crossing, the process is quick — you’ll walk off the dock and straight into the heart of Great Harbour.
Missed ferry = no refund. New Horizon’s policy is no refunds or transfers for missed departures — you just wait for the next one. If you’re on the last ferry of the day, that means finding overnight accommodation on Jost Van Dyke, so keep an eye on the time.
Great Harbour and Jost Van Dyke Exploration
Once you step off the ferry at Great Harbour, you’re in the middle of Jost Van Dyke’s main settlement. The island is about 4 square miles, with a single main road connecting Great Harbour to White Bay and Little Harbour. Foxy’s Tamarind Bar is a short walk along the beach from the dock, and the famous Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay is about a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride away.
The dock area has a few small shops and the New Horizon Ferry office, open 9:00am to 5:00pm. Taxis — usually open-air pickup trucks — wait at the terminal and charge a few dollars per person to take you to White Bay or other spots. If you want to rent a car, Abe and Eunice’s Car Rental near Great Harbour rents Suzuki Jeeps for exploring the island.
White Bay is the island’s most famous beach, home to the Soggy Dollar Bar and Sandcastle Hotel. The walk from Great Harbour takes about 15 minutes over a small hill — wear suitable shoes. Alternatively, a taxi will get you there in 5 minutes for around $5 to $10 per person. The beach has soft white sand, clear water, and several beach bars within walking distance of each other.
The last ferry from Great Harbour back to West End typically departs in the late afternoon — check the current schedule at newhorizonferry.com before your trip, especially around BVI public holidays. Buy your return ticket at the Great Harbour office as soon as you arrive, so you don’t get stuck scrambling at the end of the day. Sunday is the busiest day for ferry traffic, so factor in extra time for queues.
The 15-minute walk from Great Harbour to White Bay involves a steep hill with loose gravel. If you’re carrying beach gear or traveling with kids, take a taxi for $5–$10 per person — it’s money well spent in the midday heat.
Ferry Logistics — What You Need to Know
Getting the ferry right comes down to three things: timing, cash, and documents. Here’s how each breaks down.
Booking and Payment
Tickets are $30 one-way or $40 round trip per adult as of 2026. You can book online through the New Horizon portal at trytn.com or buy at the terminal with cash. The ferry only accepts US dollars on board — no credit cards, no digital payments. There are no ATMs on Jost Van Dyke, so bring enough cash for the round trip, food, drinks, and taxis. A reasonable day budget is around $100 to $150 per person including the ferry, a meal, drinks, and transport.
Documents and Entry
A valid passport is required for entry to the British Virgin Islands. Passport cards are accepted for sea travel only. You also need to complete the BVI Online ED Card before arrival — it’s a digital customs and immigration form that speeds up the process at both terminals. Since this is a domestic crossing between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke (both within the BVI), no separate customs fee applies.
When to Go and What to Pack
The ferry runs year-round with consistent schedules, but schedules can shift around BVI public holidays, so confirm times at newhorizonferry.com before your trip. December through April sees choppier seas, so motion sickness medication is a good idea if you’re prone to it. Sunday is the busiest day for ferry traffic. Bring sunscreen
Explore Places to Stay in BVI
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.