If you are staying at Faymos Properties, you are perfectly positioned at the “Gateway to the Islands.” Soper’s Hole Wharf & Marina in West End is the most convenient departure point in the BVI. Whether you want the speed of a private charter, the social vibe and affordability of the ferry, or the thrill of a self-captained dinghy, the entire archipelago is within reach.
1. The Easy Escape: Jost Van Dyke via Ferry
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the West End terminal, Jost Van Dyke is the “barefoot” capital of the BVI.
- The Route: Take the public ferry, New Horizon Boat Services, directly to Great Harbour.
- The Day: Start at Foxy’s for a local brew, then take a short taxi or brisk walk over the hill to White Bay. Spend your afternoon at Soggy Dollar Bar, home of the original Painkiller, or find a quiet hammock at Hendo’s Hideout.
- Our Tip: This is the easiest, most cost-effective day trip for guests who want a world-class beach without the logistics of a private boat.
2. The Adventure Icons: Norman Island & Cooper Island
These southern islands are best reached via private or semi-private day charter from Soper’s Hole.
- Norman Island: Famous as the inspiration for Treasure Island. Snorkel The Caves or The Indians, the best reef in the BVI, before heading to Pirates Bight for a sleek beachfront lunch.
- The Ritual: No trip is complete without a jump off the Willy T, the legendary floating pirate ship bar.
- Cooper Island: Head to the Cooper Island Beach Club. It is eco-friendly, solar-powered, and home to an incredible Rum Bar and boutique coffee shop.
3. The North Sound Loop: Marina Cay & Scrub Island
A day charter heading East will take you toward the iconic red-roofed house of Marina Cay.
- Marina Cay: Newly reopened and refreshed, this tiny island is surrounded by shallow, turquoise water. It’s a prime spot for E-Foiling or a freshly grilled lobster lunch on the deck.
- Scrub Island: Just across the channel, this luxury resort island offers a great “out island” feel. You can enjoy the upscale amenities, beach bar, and excellent hiking trails with views back toward Tortola.
4. The “Big Day” Out: Virgin Gorda & Anegada
These destinations are further afield and require a fast private powerboat charter or specific ferry schedules.
- Virgin Gorda (The Baths): A 45-minute fast-boat ride from West End. Navigate the giant granite boulders of The Baths, then escape the crowds at Spring Bay. Have lunch at Saba Rock, a tiny island resort in the middle of the North Sound.
- Anegada: Known as the “Drowned Island,” the only flat coral atoll in the British Virgin Islands is famous for Anegada Lobster, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unique flat landscape. Spot the island’s famous flamingos, enjoy fresh lobster caught right from the sea, and explore the island’s historic shipwrecks and salt pond.
- The Secret: It’s a longer haul, over an hour by powerboat, so it’s best for a dedicated day trip. Visit Loblolly Bay for endless white sand and the Conch Mounds at Setting Point.
Faymos Recommendations for Charters
We suggest booking your charters in advance during high season. There are many companies to choose from. We suggest starting from West End port and don’t forget to include fuel and gratuities into your budget.
- Voyage Charter (Soper’s Hole): Excellent for larger group powerboat organized tours.
- Aristocat Charters: High-end sailing catamarans that offer a social, all-inclusive day.
- Daytrips BVI: Offers smaller boats and half day trip.
- Island Time day trips
- JVD Scuba: This would suit our guests staying in Jost Van Dyke.
- Divers day trip: Sail Caribbean, from Hodges Creek, or Blue Water, from Nanny Cay. Dive BVI, Virgin Gorda / Scrub.
Public & Shared Ferry Options
While a private charter offers the most freedom, you can still reach these iconic spots via resort-operated ferries:
1. The Scrub Island Shuttle (From Trellis Bay)
- The Route: You must first take a taxi or drive to Trellis Bay, near the airport. From there, Scrub Island operates a free, high-speed ferry that runs every 45 minutes to an hour. Scrub Island has a small beach, shop, restaurant and fun pool, with kids slide. The ferry also carries on to Marina Cay, a tiny island with swimming, water sports and amazing lobster.
- The Day: Once on Scrub Island, non-hotel guests are welcome to enjoy the restaurants and the “Donovan’s Reef” pool bar.
- Our Tip: This is a great way to see a luxury private island without the $1,000+ price tag of a charter.
2. The Norman Island “Pirates” Shuttle
- The Route: Unlike Jost Van Dyke, there is no “public” government ferry to Norman Island. However, Pirates Bight operates their own private ferry, charge applies, usually departing from Hannah Marina, next to Nanny Cay. Piratesbight.com for ferry / restaurant bookings.
- The Day: This shuttle takes you directly to the beach at Norman Island for a day of snorkeling and dining.
- Logistics: The schedule varies by season, so guests must call ahead to confirm departure times.
3. Cooper Island “Beach Club” Shuttle
The Route: Cooper Island is a private eco-resort. They offer a scheduled boat service for lunch and dinner guests, typically departing from Hodges Creek marina. The service is operated via Sail Caribbean Divers from Hodges Creek Marina. Pre-booking is essential via email, [email protected], or phone, 1-284-541-3483.
4. Virgin Gorda (The Baths & North Sound)
From Road Town: Speedy’s run frequent daily “commuter” schedules.
- The Day: Upon arrival in Spanish Town, open-air safari taxis are waiting to take you the 5-minute drive to The Baths.
- Our Tip: If you want to visit Saba Rock or Bitter End Yacht Club, take the ferry to Spanish Town, then a taxi to Gun Creek, where a free shuttle boat takes you across the North Sound.
5. Anegada (The Lobster Capital)
Anegada is further out to sea. Because it is a longer journey, about 60–90 minutes, the ferry schedule is more limited.
- The Schedule: Smiths Fast Ferry typically runs to Anegada on a “commuter” schedule, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and sometimes on Sundays.
- Departure Point: These ferries almost exclusively depart from Road Town or Trellis Bay, not West End.
- The Day: The ferry usually leaves Road Town at 7:00 AM or 10:00 AM and returns around 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM.
- Logistics: You must arrange a rental Moke or a taxi in advance on Anegada, as the island is large and the beaches, like Loblolly or Cow Wreck, are a 15-20 minute drive from the ferry dock. Or book a taxi tour, rent a moped or bike. Be warned there are some sand only roads in this paradise island.
- Tip: Anegada is famous for its lobster. Most restaurants, like Potter’s or The Wonky Dog, require you to “place your dinner order” by 4:00 PM so they can catch the lobster fresh for you, though for a day trip, you’ll likely be focusing on a lobster lunch! Best snorkelling, where reef is close to the shore, is at Flash of Beauty restaurant. Don’t miss Tipsy by Ann Beach Bar.
6. Peter Island
Newly renovated and reimagined private-island oasis. Call +1 284 393 9250 for possible day trip options via their shuttle.
Important Ferry Tips
- Bring your Passport: While you don’t need it for travel within the BVI, the ferry terminals often ask for a photo ID, and it’s good practice to have it on you when moving between islands.
- Arrive Early: We recommend guests arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to purchase tickets.
- Check the Ferry Schedule: They can change due to sea conditions or seasonal holidays. We always suggest checking https://www.bvitourism.com/ferry-schedules or the ferry’s Facebook page the night before your trip.
The “Best of Both” Day Trips (Shared Charters)
Several companies offer per-person “Shared Charters” departing from the West End or Road Town:
- Aristocat Charters: Often runs a “Southern Cays” route that visits The Indians, The Caves, Norman Island, and Cooper Island on a per-person rate.
- Kuralu: A great sailing option that offers shared trips to Jost Van Dyke and the Southern islands.
- Anne Bonny day charters: Offer private tailored day sails for up to twelve guests from Road Town, Tortola to Norman / Peter Islands. Our vessel runs six and eight hour itineraries with multiple destinations to make sure you enjoy the best of what nature’s little secret has to offer.
- Island Time Boat Hire (Self-Drive): For highly experienced boaters, they also offer small powerboat rentals. This allows guests to be their own captain for the day, perfect for exploring the hidden coves of the North Shore or hopping over to Jost Van Dyke. They are based in Nanny Cay and also offer private day charter.
