Caribbean Marketing--Ferry Service

Competition between the four primary companies ferrying visitors and locals from St. Thomas to Tortola is Caribbean-style marketing at its finest. The ferry company names, Speed’s Ferry and the Road Town Fast Ferry, imply travel time Road Town to Charlotte Amalie more than actual boat speed. Non-stop ferry service beats boat speed and short stops.

The big hustle starts when your cab drops you in front of the ferry terminal for a 10:00 departure. Not knowing that a ferry is leaving at 9:55, 10:00, and 10:10, all assumed to be “the 10:00 ferry”, your friendly porter will lead you to the ticket window of his choosing.

--Road Town Fast Ferry-- http://www.tortolafastferry.com/
--Smith’s Ferry -- http://www.smithsferry.com/
--Native Son -- http://www.nativesonferry.com/
--Speedy’s-- http://www.speedysbvi.com/

But does it matter? One-way tickets are around $30 regardless of ferry company. All will safely deliver you to the same ferry terminal.

Unless you want a scenic tour, take the non-stop ferry, even if it doesn’t leave for 30 more minutes. Ferry’s departing may stop in Red Hook, St. Thomas, Cruz Bay, St. John, or West End, Tortola. Ferry’s departing Road Town Tortola get up to speed for at least 5 minutes before slowing for the turn into Sopers Hole.

A big surprise, related to me by a fellow traveler, was a stop in Cruz Bay, St. John. Because they were entering the US, not only was the obligatory customs form and pass ports required, but all people and luggage had to be off-loaded from the ferry, routed through the US Customs and Immigration offices, and rechecked on the ferry. All accomplished without the benefit of air conditioning or a beer concession.

Round trip tickets save about $5.00 per person. However, a non-stop route one way does not mean the return will be non-stop.

Remember that BVI departure tax is $5.00 per person. The ferry terminal in Road Town, Tortola is lacking in signage or directions. Don’t stand in line for the airport style metal scanner unless you have the paid receipt for the departure tax.

The ferries provide a reasonably economical vehicle for connecting the BVI with US flights in St. Thomas and add an element of “local color”.

While gently rocking on the trampoline of Rummy Cat, I pondered what has drawn me to various islands in the Caribbean for over 25 years. I try not to think to deeply while on vacation. After all, that's one of the reasons for a vacation. But I am like a moth ever attracted to a candle. Certainly the beer is colder and the rum drinks more flavorful. Simple meals taste like they came from the kitchen of Chef Paul. Those you travel with or meet along the way are special people. The coloring in Caribbean photographs takes on a quality that is both subtle and vibrant.

I am exploring the incredible attractive quality of the Caribbean and will be sharing my observations and experiences with those travelers who similarly pulled and those curious enough to explore the attraction.