How I Travel From Tortola To St Thomas USVI

In this post I share with you how I travel from Tortola British virgin islands to St. Thomas USVI.

I made this trip on Thursday November 5 2019.  When I woke up that morning I decided to drive to West End Tortola to get the ferry that will take me to the Red Hook ferry terminal in St. Thomas.  I could have gotten the 8:00 a.m Native Son ferry in Road Town but I woke up too late so my other choice was the 8:30 am ferry from West End.

In order to travel from Tortola British Virgin Islands to St. Thomas USVI, you will be required to present your passport and for non American citizens,  you must have an American visa. I travel with two passports, one that has expired and has my american visa which has not expired and my current passport.  So I always keep them together in a passport holder.

I left home at 7:50 am to drive to West End for the 8:30 am ferry.  The drive from my home to West End is about 45 minutes.  So I had to drive really fast to get to my destination but there was a little bit of traffic as people were going to work and school.  I arrived at West End with about 3 minutes to spare but realized that I did not have my cell phone in my bag so I returned to my car to get my cell phone.  As I was walking to the ferry terminal, I saw the Native Son Ferry driving off.

After finding the schedule for the next ferry, I drove to Road Town to get the 9:30 am ferry with Native Son, that was going to Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas.  Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas.  The ferry fee was $40.00 for a one way trip.  I did not purchase a return ticket with this ferry as I wanted to return at a particular and this ferry was not returning at the time I wanted.  The departure tax was $15.00 for residents (the fee for non residents is $20.00)!  I remember the days when it was $5.00!! 

The trip to Charlotte Amalie took about 1 hour from Tortola. As soon as I checked through Immigration and Customs, I proceeded to the ferry counters to find out when the next ferry would be to Tortola.  So I purchased another one way ticket for $50.00 this time.  Apparently if I had purchased a return ticket on Tortola, it would have been cheaper than to purchase two one way tickets.

The trip was lovely, in the heart of Charlotte Amalie, there are quite a few buildings that are centuries old.  The buildings have been refurbished with their original structure in tact.  

Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas United States Virgin Islands

As a Google Maps Local guide, I took the opportunity to get as many awesome photos to upload to Google maps and for my photography website. I saw an entrance door that really old.



You can also get a ferry that goes to Red Hook St. Thomas, this is in the country area.  The ferry has to stop off at St. John where the passengers have to get off the ferry and go into the Immigration and Customs departments.  After that the passengers get back on the ferry which then heads on to Red Hook, St. Thomas.


Recommendation:  Check with the ferry companies for their schedules.  You can always do a google search for these schedules.  But please do call these companies to confirm the ferry times.  Sometimes during the slow season, the schedules may vary.

This mode of travel from Tortola to St. Thomas applies to all residents of the other islands in the territory.  They have to travel to Tortola and get the ferries from there.

Driving From East End To Road Town Tortola British Virgin Islands

Driving from East End to Road Town Tortola British Virgin Islands. This venture was a bit challenging to record this journey as I was alone and driving my car. The cell phone mount was not sticking to the windshield so I had to improvise with a very small tripod that I got in my camera kit.

On the first part of the trip, the road was a bit rough so the video was a bit unstable. I thought I would have had to delete the footage but when I saw the footage from Baughers Bay onward, I was extremely pleased with what I saw!

The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

I am excited and proud to showcase this local pottery business in this post. The name of the pottery shop is Pottery Garden and it is located in the Josiah's Bay Valley, Tortola. The owner, Karl Burnett, a pleasant young man, gave me a tour around his business a few days ago. He expressed his passion for pottery. I learned so much about his business during the short time I was there. I also notice that he has a passion for landscaping as the place is beautifully decorated with flower plants and fruit trees.

As you enter the compound, there is a container where he does the actual pottery work, then to the right of that there is a wood kiln which he built himself. He also shared the trials he experienced during hurricane Irma in 2017.

Next to the wood kiln is a building where all the finished products are displayed. I can see that he thought about every detail. There is a guest book for his guest to write about there experience, there are cold beverages available, he even used some old equipment as decor. Great BVI tourism product 👏👏👍👍

Wood Kiln - The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

Young entrepreneur Karl Burnett - Owner of The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

The Pottery Garden, Tortola British Virgin Islands

Low Cost Accommodations In The British Virgin Islands

I received a request for recommendations for inexpensive places to stay in the British Virgin islands.  I submitted a question on a Facebook group and found about the following.  I am so glad that I did this because this is not the first time I am looking for inexpensive places to stay in on Tortola.  

This listing consist of beautiful accommodations for parties of different sizes.  The properties are located on the Western part of Tortola.  There are numerous photos and reviews to help you make a selection.  Click here

The rates are for accommodation only. Food is a possible add on but must be organized in advance. All the rooms are different and it's important to read the full descriptions. Some have no parking, or kitchen access at all and others are full homes with living and dining and kitchen areas.

This other property, quaint and cozy, is located East End, close to the airport.  Click here

I highly recommend that you rent a vehicle to be to visit the other parts of the island.

My Experience At Labour Department BVI

In this blog post I share with you a 2018 post I left on Facebook sharing my experience at the British Virgin Islands labour department.

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I spent the morning at the BVI Labour and Immigration offices and you know how that goes.  You have to make up your mind to spend almost half day there.  Anyway  kudos to the labour department I am impressed with their service.  Actually its the security guard.  I heard people calling him Zuz or something like that.  His uniform was a black polo shirt and black trousers.

He provided an impressive service of dealing with the customers as they entered the door.  He first asked what you came to do and guided you appropriately.  Some people came in and attempted to get served before people who were there already.  He politely told them there were other people before them and that they should sit and wait their turn.  Occasionally he would make some corny jokes and have the customers laughing and entertained.😁😁

He seems to be very knowledgeable about the BVI Labour policies.  Some people had questions and he was able to answer their questions or send them to the relevant department.  This saved the customer alot of time.

In respect to the Immigration department they need to organise themselves better.  The new arrangement is when you go to collect your work permit at the Labour department, Immigration expects you after.

Well when I got there I didn't know how to proceed.  I had to ask a lady what I should do next because I saw her in the Labour department.  Anyway I saw an immigration officer, he took my passport and told me to sit in the waiting area until my name was called.

A gentleman walked into the immigration office shortly after  (he came from the Labour Department) and stood in line for almost half hour before being served!!!  Other people too!!👎👎👎 

One good thing though, when I was called (I could hardly hear the person) it was the cashier.  I didn't have to go inside to see a senior immigration officer.

So until next year same time!!

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Posted on Facebook on October 23 2018.  Click here to see the post.

Remembering The Hurricanes In 2017 - BVI

On Wednesday 6th September 2017, hurricane Irma struck the virgin islands.  It was the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in the Caribbean.

Irma caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure exceeding the gross domestic product (GDP) of the territory.  Four live were lost and 125 person reported injuries.  Fourteen days later, Hurricane Maria also struck the Virgin Islands.

This plaque is dedicated to the memory of all those who perished during Irma as well as to the people of the Virgin islands: the survivors and to the many donors and volunteers who contributed to the rebuilding of our beautiful Virgin Islands.

Through great devastation, the people of these virgin islands will find the will and strength to work together in building BVI Stronger, Smarter, Greener and Better For all

How I Travel From Road Town, Tortola To Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands

One way to get to Virgin Gorda from Tortola British Virgin Islands is to get a ferry aka water taxi from Road Town Tortola.  My ferry of choice today is Sensation Ferries.  This is a new ferry that began operations after hurricane Irma.

The Road Town Ferry Terminal is located on Waterfront Road, Road Town Tortola and I can get a ferry there.  The return trip is $US30.00 per person and the trip takes about 20-30 minutes.  

Virgin Gorda is part of the British Virgin Islands so a American visa or passport is not required to make the trip. 

So I invite you to watch the video below and enjoy the scenery and the trip to Virgin Gorda from Road Town, Tortola.  At position 4.00 of the video, you will see the ferry - Speedy's returning to the Road Town Ferry terminal.  This ferry is another option to travel to Virgin Gorda from Road Town, Tortola.

How To Travel From Tortola British Virgin Islands To Trinidad And Tobago

Normally when I travel to Trinidad and Tobago from Tortola British Virgin Islands I will a flight from the Terrance B. Lettsome International airport (located on Beef Island) with LIAT airlines.  When travelling with Liat, they make a few stops before finally arriving at my destination.  

They might stop st St. Kitts, St. Martin, Barbados, Antigua, St.Vincent.  Usually were are in transit in Antigua and Barbados some times.  When we stop at the other islands, we do not get off the plane.

One year I wanted to get a more direct flight to Trinidad so I decided to take a flight with Caribbeans Airlines.  Caribbean Airlines has a direct flight to Trinidad.  I had to fly to St.Martin and then get the flight with Caribbean Airlines from there but the thing was I had a long wait before getting the flight in St. Martin.

Another way we can travel to Trinidad is to take a ferry to St. Thomas USVI (but you will need a American Visa to do so) and then get a flight from the airport there.  In doing my research the flights from St. Thomas fly to Miami and then you can get a direct flight from Miami to Trinidad.

Beaches On Torota British Virgin Islands

Here I list 8 beaches located on the north coast on Tortola British Virgin Islands

Smugglers Cove is a beautiful beach in a sort of a hide out area.  The road leading to this beach is on the rough side but the final destination is worth the drive.  Many years ago you would find a few food vendors on the beach now there are a scatters few.  Portable toilet available.

Long Beach West End

Apple Bay/Capoon's Bay is very popular with surfers during the early part of the year when the swells are bigger.

Carrot Bay is a lovely quiet, fisherman village.  I hardly every see people swimming in this area.

Cane Garden Bay is a tourist destination beach.  All ameneties can be found here.  Toilet facilitirs, restaurants and bars, hotels, beach chairs

Trunk Bay is a isolated beautiful beach.  The swells are bigger here.  The biggest deterrent, for me, to go to this beach is the road leading to the beach.  Initially the road begins pretty okay because there is a housing development at the top of the hill.  After you pass that area and you are heading down to the beach area, the road is bad.

If you do venture down to this beach, take all your essentials with you.  There aren't any food vendors or toilet facilities.

Apple Bay is another beach that is similar to Trunk Bay the road leading to this beach is bad and not very encouraging to make a trip to this beach.

2012 British Virgin Islands East End August Festival Parade

I found these super awesome photos of the 2012 BVI August Festival Parade in East End. As far as I can remember this is the last grand parade I saw in the East End area.

Hurricane Irma 2017 British Virgin Islands Photo 6

Hurricane Irma British Virgin Islands 2017 Photo courtesy Krystino Vialva

I invite you to get a copy of my book sharing my experience during hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands in 2017.  CLICK HERE for more info.

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport British Virgin Islands

Previously known at the Beef Island Airport, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, is located on Beef Island and services the entire British Virgin Islands.  Beef Island is located on the east end of Tortola.  The two islands are connected together by the Queen Elizabeth bridge.

Hurricane Irma 2017 British Virgin Islands Photo 5

Hurricane Irma British Virgin Islands 2017 Photo courtesy Krystino Vialva

I invite you to get a copy of my book sharing my experience during hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands in 2017.  CLICK HERE for more info.

Hurricane Irma 2017 British Virgin Islands Photo 4

Hurricane Irma British Virgin Islands 2017 Photo courtesy Krystino Vialva

I invite you to get a copy of my book sharing my experience during hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands in 2017.  CLICK HERE for more info.

Hurricane Irma 2017 British Virgin Islands Photo 3

Hurricane Irma British Virgin Islands 2017 Photo courtesy Krystino Vialva

I invite you to get a copy of my book sharing my experience during hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands in 2017.  CLICK HERE for more info.

Hurricane Irma 2017 British Virgin Islands Photo 2

Hurricane Irma British Virgin Islands 2017 Photo courtesy Krystino Vialva

I invite you to get a copy of my book sharing my experience during hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands in 2017.  CLICK HERE for more info.

Hurricane Irma 2017 British Virgin Islands Photo 1

Hurricane Irma 2017 Photo courtesy Krystino Vialva


I invite you to get a copy of my book sharing my experience during hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands in 2017.  CLICK HERE for more info.

Remembering 2017 Hurricanes Irma And Maria In British Virgin Islands

This collage was prepared by the East End Library Tortola BVI.  Remembering 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria in the British Virgin Islands

Click The Following Link To Learn More About 
My Book Sharing My Experience During Hurricane 

Irma In The British Virgin Islands, 2017   CLICK HERE

Benefits Of British Virgin Islands Residency And Belonger Status

After living in the British Virgin Islands for twenty years a person can apply for Work Permit Exemption.  This allows the worker to work in the territory,legally, without having to renew his or her work permit every year.  However you still have to renew immigration time and pay 25$

After one year of receiving work permit exemption you can apply for Residency Status:  no longer have to go through the annual renewal with immigration as mentioned above.

After one year of receiving residency status you can apply for Belonger Status:   same benefits as of residency status plus you can vote at the general elections, trade license is much cheaper.  No land holder license required when purchasing land.  You can get apply for a British Virgin Islands passport.

This British Virgin Islands passport allows you to travel to the United States Virgin Islands without an American Visa however, if you have to travel to the main land - United States Of America, you will need an American Visa.

Neutralize Status:

British citizen and get a UK passport

BVI Premier Andrew Fahie Statement On Residency Status 2019

I am so excited to learn about this latest information from Premier Andrew Fahie - newly government official of the VIP party.  His statement is about a new program which allows residence who have been living in the territory for 15 years and over to apply for residency and belonger status.

This statement was issued on Tuesday May 7, 2019

What Would My Monthly Expenses Be Like Living In The British Virgin Islands?

Q:  How much is the budget on food, rents and others stuff monthly like that?

A:  Rent could be between $800.00 - $1500.00 and up.  This all depends on the number of rooms and if the apartment is furnished or not and if utilities are included in the rent.

Electricity: We pay an average of $60.00 monthly in a 2 bedroom apartment with my husband and I.

Water: $50.00

Cable TV: $55.00 (we have the basic service).  Since after hurricane Irma 2017, we no longer pay for cable TV.  The company that provided that service has closed down.  I use Netflix and pay for one device which is $7.99 a month.

Groceries: We spend about $400.00 a month and we don't buy meat.  Many people opt to going to St. Thomas (of course you will have to have your american visa) and buy bulk grocery items.  There is a Price Mart outlet there.

Cruise ship docked at Tortola Pier Park, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

How To Get A Job In The British Virgin Islands

Q:  What is the process to get a job in the British Virgin Islands?

A:  You can do your research before arriving in the British Virgin Islands.  You can check out this online newspaper BVI Beacon newspaper and look for job vacancies and apartments to rent in the classified ads section.  
I like to recommend this website because they update the classified ads section on a regular basis.

A word of caution though, many jobs vacancies you may see in the classified ads section of the newspapers would have been filled.  The reason the vacancies would still be in the newspapers is that the employer has to put an ad in the papers for two weeks. This is part of the work permit process.

However have no fear there will be 'real' job vacancies listed the the classified section of the newspapers.

Of course, you can come on vacation and look for a job while you are here.  You will definitely have to leave the island once you have found a job and your work permit is being processed. 

Other Things To Know About Living In The British Virgin Islands

Mailing Service

There isn't any door to door mailing service. In order to collect mails we have to go to the post office.  Some people get a post office box for which they have pay an annual fee for this service.

Garbage Disposal

There isn't any door to door garbage collection service.  There are huge green bins located at strategic points and we have to take our garbage and put them in these bins.  At the end of the day the garbage trucks will come and empty these green bins.

International Airport

Tortola is connected to Beef Island by a bridge.  The international airport, Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, is located on Beef island.

Bridge that connects Tortola and Beef Island

British Virgin Islands Taxes

When you have completed the process of obtaining your work permit you are required to sign up for Social Security and National Health Insurance.

With each pay check your employer will deduct 4% of your earnings for Social Security and 3.75% for National Health Insurance.  The employer also has to make a contribution on your behalf 4.5%, of your monthly earnings, for Social Security and 3.75% for National Health Insurance.

We are allowed ten thousand dollars tax free earnings for the year.  After that we are required to pay 8%, per pay check, for Payroll Tax and our employer pays 6% Payroll Tax.

FYI   We don't pay taxes on goods and services.

Questions And Answers About Living In The British Virgin Islands

Saba Rock British Virgin Islands

Quite a few people have asked me what is the procedure to live in the British Virgin Islands.  So you can start from here learning about the process.  I tell people to do their research before accepting any job offer in the British Virgin Islands

Q:  Am I required to get a visa to travel to the British Virgin Islands?

A:  Only people from certain countries are required to get a visa to travel to the British Virgin Islands.  Guyana, Santo Domingo and Jamaica.

Q:  What currency is used in the British Virgin Islands?

Answer:  United States Of America dollars.  The British Virgin Islands is governed by the British and is located very close to the United States Virgin Islands which uses the United States Of America dollars so for easy trade between the two territories, the USD is also used the British Virgin Islands.

Q:  Can my wife live with me in the British Virgin Islands and be unemployed?

A:  Yes she can.  You will be required to put up a bond for her which from my experience, a one time fee is USD1,000.00.  If she eventually decides to get a job she will be required to be taken off the bond - change of immigration status.  You will then be refunded the bond fee.

Q:  How do I travel to the British Virgin Islands?

A:  If you live in the Caribbean you can use LIAT airline to travel to the British Virgin Islands.  Caribbean Airlines will fly to St. Martin and you can get LIAT  Airlines from there.  Eventhough the name of the airport in the British Virgin Islands is Terrence B. Lettsome International airport, the runway is not large enough to accommodate the large aircrafts.

Check with your travel agents for the best flight route for you.

Tip: I normally get cheaper flights with LIAT online.

Another option is to travel to St. Thomas (you might get a cheap flight using that route) but you will need an American Visa for that trip.  From St. Thomas you can get a ferry to the British Virgin Islands.

Q: What is the native language spoken in the British Virgin Islands.

A:  English

6 Things To Know About Living In The British Virgin Islands

Craft Alive Village, Road Town, Tortola,
British Virgin Islands

In this blog post, I list 6 things that that you might be interested in knowing if you want to live in the British Virgin Islands. 

1.  Work Permit
In order to be living in the British Virgin Islands you must be legally employed.  To do that you must have a work permit.  After you have obtained employment your potential employer would submit your work permit to the labour department.  You are required have to leave the territory at this point until your work permit has been approved.

After your work permit has been approved* you will have to return to the territory (with a return ticket) and pay a work permit fee.  This fee is calculated based on your job title.  Some employers pay for some of their employees work permits without a reimbursement agreement.  Some employers may pay for your work permit if you ask them.  You will have to reimburse your employer over an agreed period of time.  You will also have to pay for immigration time which is a standard US25.00.  And have it renewed annually.

*You will be required to do a medical check up in your home country and get a police report

You will have to renew your work permit every year.

2. Vehicles
The vehicles we drive are left hand drive vehicles and we drive on the left side of the road.

3. Capital of the British Virgin Islands
Tortola is the primary island of the British virgin islands and the capital is Road Town

4. Driver's License

When you first arrive in the territory you can use your current drivers license for 3 months.  After that you will have to get a British Virgin Islands drivers license - you will have to do a written test with your application.

5. BVI Sources Of Revenue
The territory main sources of revenue of tourism and off shore banking

6. The Islands Of The British Virgin Islands 

The islands in the territory are:

Tortola, Anegada, Beef Island, Safa Rock, Virgin Gorda, Jos Van Dyke, Peter Island, Salt island, Ginger Island, Norman Island, Cooper Island

7. Food Franchise Outlets
There are no food franchise outlets and malls in the territory.  You will have to travel to St. Thomas for the malls and food franchise outlets.