Getting here
When traveling to the BVI, there are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe, or South America to the British Virgin Islands' main airport, the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS). All flights must connect through another Caribbean airport on islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts, or St. Maarten/St. Martin. Your travel agent or international airline will be able to assist with booking flights. If you plan to make reservations online, remember that you will have to request flights to Tortola (EIS).
Flights via San Juan, Puerto Rico
The most direct way to fly to the BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico, Airport Code [SJU]. Frequent connecting service is offered by American Eagle, Cape Air, Liat, and with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights. Air Sunshine has direct flights from San Juan to Beef Island, Tortola.
Flights via St. Thomas
If you choose to arrive via St. Thomas, Airport Code [STT], Air Sunshine has regular flights to Tortola.
Flights via Antigua/St Maarten
Many Canadians and Europeans find it easiest to fly into one of these Caribbean islands on an international carrier, then use Liat or Winair to connect to Tortola.
Ferry Service via St. Thomas/St. John
Most travelers take one of the frequent ferries that travel between downtown Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, St. Thomas and Tortola. From the airport to Charlotte Amalie is approximately 15 minutes easily reached by taxi, public bus or rental car. From the airport to Red Hook by taxi is approximately 45 minutes.
Getting to the next ferry is very easy - just take a taxi at the St. Thomas Airport and let the taxi driver know that you need to take the next ferry to Tortola. The taxi drivers will know of any schedule changes and make sure you reach the proper terminal for your connection. There are two ferry terminals in Tortola - Road Town and West End. Road Town is approximately 15 minutes taxi ride to our base, West End around a 35 minute taxi ride.
Remember that ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola only operate during daylight hours - so the last ferry is usually around 5pm. Make sure that your flight arrives in time. Ferry service starts at approximately 7:30am. Click www.bviwelcome.com for the complete ferry schedule. Upon arrival in Tortola, you will need to clear with immigration at the ferry dock.
Take a look at the schedules to see if the same ferry company is returning at a convenient day/time. If not, then it is recommended to purchase one-way tickets so it doesn't tie you in to any particular ferry company on your return journey. Also, please be aware that ferries can be canceled at short notice.
At the larger docks, especially Charlotte Amalie, porters will attempt to take your luggage from you so you travel with their ferry company. It is advisable to resist and check out which ferry you want to travel on before handing your bags over.
Stopping En route
If you would like to stay in St. Thomas en-route many of our guests have stayed at Mariott, Green Iguana, Blackbeard Castle, Wynham and Ritz Carlton. For more accommodations see www.wheretostay.com or www.virgin-island-hotel.com.
Getting to TradeWinds
Our base is located at Hodges Creek Marina, East End, Tortola. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes from the airport or 15 minutes from the Road Town ferry dock costing about US$20.00. From the ferry dock at West End is approximately 30 minutes.
Arriving early
You are welcome to arrive in Tortola early and stay at Hodges Creek Marina. The Marina hotel is right at the base and is nice enough. Trade Winds guest will get a 10% discount. There is also the Tamarind Club, Trade Winds guests get a 10% discount. For more accommodations www.bviwelcome.com or www.ultimatebvi.com.
If you will be staying for a few days and renting a car, then Josiah’s Bay Beach is a must. Right down the road from the Tamarind Club, and also a stop at the Skyworld, which offer magnificent views over all the Islands. A drive out to Cane Garden Bay is always nice and there are a few places there for you to have a bite.
Contacting the base
If you experience delays and you feel that you cannot get to the base in time then please call 284 494 9261 or Head office (784 457 3407) leaving your name(s) and a short description of the problem along with contact details for where you are.
Leaving
You are required to pay a national departure tax of US$20 for each passenger leaving Tortola via air and US$5.00 by ferry.
Alternative Routes
From other Caribbean Islands
Charter Airline Service can be arranged from almost anywhere in the Caribbean. The following charter airlines provide service between the BVI and many Caribbean destinations:
- Air Sunshine Inc -- 284-495-8900 Bohlke International Airways -- 340-778-9177 Caribbean Wings -- 284-495-6000 Flight Adventures International Ltd. -- 284-495-2311 Fly BVI Ltd. -- 284-495-1747 Island Birds -- 284-495-2002 Island Helicopter Int -- 284-499-2663 Seaborne Airlines -- 888-359-8687
Need more information?
See our further information section for information on visas, currency, weather and more.
Please note that all pricing was correct at the time of publication.
