FAQs
- General
- Can I request a captain I have had on previous vacations?
- Do you offer private charters or only shared rides?
- Do you offer round-trip services?
- Do you offer services for cruise ship passengers?
- How does your operation work?
- What are your operating hours?
- What happens if our flight is late?
- What is included in the price?
- What is the difference in time and convenience between using a water taxi versus a ferry?
- What is the maximum number of passengers you can accommodate?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What is your policy on pets or service animals?
- Bookings
- Can you accommodate last-minute bookings?
- Do you offer discounts for group bookings or return trips?
- How far in advance should I book my transfer?
- It’s just me and my spouse, what is the cost for only two of us?
- We are a group of two, when will we know if there are other guests to share with?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- What time should I book my flight to go to the BVI on the same day?
- Transfers
- Can you assist with travel between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands?
- Can you pick up passengers from specific resorts or marinas?
- Can you provide transportation from St. Thomas to any island?
- Can you provide transportation to specific beaches or attractions?
- Does your service include a land taxi from the airport to the boat?
- How long do we need to make it back to the St. Thomas airport?
- How long does the journey take between locations?
- Is it possible to be picked up from a specific location instead of the airport?
- What type of boats do you use for transfers?
- Customs and Immigration, and Luggage
- Safety, and Weather
- Special Events, Requests, and Tours
- Can you arrange multi-island trips or island-hopping tours?
- Can you arrange transfers for large groups, wedding parties, or special events?
- Do you have any package deals for longer stays or multiple transfers?
- Do you offer any sightseeing or snorkeling stops during transfers?
- Do you offer full-day excursions or tours?
- Do you offer services on holidays like New Year's Eve?
- Do you provide services for yacht charter pick-up and drop-off?
Does your service include a land taxi from the airport to the boat?
Yes, we make all the necessary arrangements so you can travel from the airport baggage claim directly to the door or your destination. You won't have to schedule anything. Enjoy complimentary beer, soda, and water while you indulge in the beauty of the Virgin Islands.
Can you pick up passengers from specific resorts or marinas?
Yes, we have door-to-door service. We will pick you up from almost any resort or marina and you won't have to lift a finger. Your luggage will be in the care of our expert crew. If you are traveling from the BVI back to the St Thomas airport, we will get you pre-cleared through customs so you can arrive as quickly as possible. There is no more convenient way to travel.
How long does the journey take between locations?
It depends on the distance. From the St Thomas airport, it generally it takes between 30 minutes to get to St John, 45 - 60 minutes to get to Tortolla, 60 minutes to get to Jost Van Dyke, 90 minutes to get to Beef Island, 105 minutes to get to Peter Island, 120 minutes to get to Virgin Gorda, and 240 minutes to get to Anegada. Weather conditions can also play a role.
What is the process for customs and immigration?
We make Customs and Immigrations a luxurious stop. You wait on the boat with complimentary beverages while we clear you through customs. It usually only takes between fifteen and twenty minutes instead of an hour or more. There is no better way to do it.
Do you offer full-day excursions or tours?
Yes! Spend your day touring the US Virgin Islands while we take you where you want to go. Or relax for the day at Foxy's, the Caribbean's most famous bar, on Jost Van Dyke. At the end of the year, bring in the new year with Dolphin at Foxy's wild Old Year's Eve party! With Dolphin, you can conveniently create lasting memories while in the Virgin Islands.
Can you accommodate luggage during transfers?
Yes, bring all the luggage you want! Unlike the public ferry and many other providers, Dolphin will not nickel and dime you for every piece of luggage you bring. As a bonus, we also care for your luggage for you so you don't have to lift a finger. You're on vacation, you deserve to relax and soak in the beauty of the Virgin Islands.
How far in advance should I book my transfer?
The further in advance the better but 72 hours in advance will do. If you need a ride at the last minute, call or text us at (340) 774-2628 and we can probably fit you in.
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a very generous cancellation policy.
You may cancel your reservation at any time for any reason up until 48-hours prior to travel for no charge/ 100% refund. Cancellations within 24 hours prior to are non-refundable and will be charged as a one-way fare absent the exceptions described below.
Arriving Flight Delay
If your flight is delayed and arrives after 5:40 pm, you may reschedule your fare for the next morning or receive no charge/ 100% refund. While Dolphin has special access to get you through Customs after they officially close, Customs will not process anybody after 6:30 pm.
Rideshare Rewards Program
Rideshare reservations are tentative until Dolphin combines other Rideshare parties with your Fare. As a Rideshare party, you may cancel within 24 hours prior to travel if we are regretfully unable to pair you with other Rideshare parties to provide you with our best Fare. You may also upgrade your Fare to meet the minimum guest requirement. Dolphin will contact you at least 3 days prior to travel if we are unable to provide you with our best Fare and provide you with Fare upgrade options.
Do you offer discounts for group bookings or return trips?
Yes, we do offer group discounts. Call or text us at (340) 774-2628 or send us a message with your travel details for the discount that is right for you.
If you request round-trip service, both fares will be the same in most circumstances. The exception would be if you are part of our Rideshare Rewards program and the minumum fare has not been meet. In this circumstance, you will have the option to upgrade your fare with the other Rideshare Rewards parties to meet the minumum fare or canceling your fare for a no-charge/ 100% refund.
Can you assist with travel between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands?
We specialize in travel travel between the USVI and BVI. With Dolphin, there is no faster or more convenient way to get through customs and reach your destination. We pick you up at the airport, dock, or the door of your location, expedite you through customs, and deliver you right to the front door of your destination. Your luggage will be in the care of our expert crew. Enjoy complimentary beverages while you wait on the boat while we clear you through customs. There is no faster or more convenient way to travel.
Is it possible to be picked up from a specific location instead of the airport?
Yes, we have door-to-door service. We will pick you up at any resort, dock, or marina and you won't have to lift a finger. Your luggage will be in the care of our expert crew. If you are traveling between USVI and BVI, we will get you express cleared through customs so you can arrive at your destination as quickly as possible. There is no faster or more convenient way to travel.
What safety measures do you have in place for water taxi services?
All of our boats undergo annual U.S. Coast Guard inspections and receive a Certificate of Inspection. Safety equipment includes:
- U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device for every person onboard
- U.S. Coast Guard approved life ring
- U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher
- Daytime and nighttime visual distress signals
- Sound-producing devices such as bells, whistles, and horns
- Navigation lights
- U.S. Coast Guard approved backfire flame control
- Other required miscellaneous devices
All captains and drivers are fully licensed and have years of experience.
Can you provide transportation to specific beaches or attractions?
Yes, we have door-to-door service. We will pick you up at almost any beach or attraction and you won't have to lift a finger. Your luggage will be in the care of our expert crew. If you are traveling between USVI and BVI, we will get you express cleared through customs so you can arrive at your destination as quickly as possible. There is no faster or more convenient way to travel.
What is the difference in time and convenience between using a water taxi versus a ferry?
The number one reason why guests like you choose Dolphin over the public ferry or other service is convenience. We offer door-to-door pickup and delivery with no waiting. You relax by our counter while we wait for and haul your luggage. Then we accompany you to the speed boat waiting to whisk you away to your destination. If you want to travel to your boat in luxury, we will arrange a limo. Relax on your boat while we expedite you through customs. Arrive at the doorstep of your destination without having to lift a finger; your luggage will be in the care of our expert crew. Oh, and did we mention that children get a discounted rate?
Dolphin offers the fastest way to travel between the USVI and BVI. You can arrive at your destination in as little as 30 minutes! Customs and immigrations only take about fifteen minutes instead of upwards of an hour. With Dolphin, speed isn't just a promise—it's a reality that transforms your travel experience into something extraordinary.
Can you arrange multi-island trips or island-hopping tours?
Yes, Dolphin provided customizable day trips to the USVI and BVI. Learn more at DolphinShuttle.com/day-trips.html
What is included in the price?
With Dolphin, you get everything.
- We meet you at the St Thomas airport when you arrive or we pick you up at the front door of your requested location.
- All of your luggage is carefully handled by our friendly crew so you don't have to lift a finger.
- You get your choice of complimentary beer, soda, and water to enjoy throughout your journey with us.
- If you are going through Customs and Immigration, we get you pre-cleared and expedite you through while you relax on the boat.
- We deliver you to the front door of your stay, dock, marina, or wherever your final destination may be.
- You get to enjoy every moment of the journey taking in the sights, sounds, and aroma of the islands.
Take advantage of the fastest, most convenient way to travel in and among the Virgin Islands.
Do you have any package deals for longer stays or multiple transfers?
At this time, we do not offer packager deals. However, we are open to ideas and we would love to make your time in the Virgin Islands the best it can be. Contact us with your idea or request and we will see how we can help.
Can you accommodate last-minute bookings?
Yes! The best thing to do is fill our booking form ASAP at dolphin.com/bvi. Then call or text us at (340) 774-2628 and we can probably fit you in. The further in advance you can book the better, but 72 hours in advance will do.
Are there any weight or size restrictions for luggage?
Bring all the luggage you want! Unlike the public ferry and many other providers, Dolphin will not nickel and dime you for every piece of luggage you bring. As a bonus, we also care for your luggage for you so you don't have to lift a finger. You're on vacation, you deserve to relax and soak in the beauty of the Virgin Islands.
Do you provide life jackets and other safety equipment?
Your safety is a number one priority. We follow the U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment requirements and provide:
- U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device for every person onboard
- U.S. Coast Guard approved life ring
- U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher
- Daytime and nighttime visual distress signals
- Sound-producing devices such as bells, whistles, and horns
- Navigation lights
- U.S. Coast Guard approved backfire flame control
- Other required miscellaneous devices
Can you arrange transfers for large groups, wedding parties, or special events?
Dolphin is the ideal choice for accommodating large groups traveling between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. With the capacity to transport anywhere from 4 to 50 passengers, our fleet of well-maintained boats ensures that your entire party can travel together comfortably and efficiently. We provide a stress-free solution that eliminates the hassle of coordinating multiple transportation avenues. Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door service from St. Thomas Airport directly to your destination in the BVI, allowing your party to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
What is your policy on pets or service animals?
Dolphin welcomes pets and service animals! However, if traveling between the USVI and BVI, Customs will require you to have:
- Import permit
- Health certificate
- Rabies vaccination certificate and other vaccination records
- Rabies titer test results
- Microship documentation
- Parasite treatment record
These requirements can change at any time so verify requirements with customs before you bring your furry family members.
Do you offer services for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, Dolphin provides customizable day trips to the USVI and BVI for cruise ship passengers who want to spend some time on the Islands. Learn more at DolphinShuttle.com/day-trips.html
What happens if weather conditions are unfavorable?
Dolphin will never put anyone in danger. If the weather is unfavorable yet still safe we will still provide you with water taxi transportation. However, if the weather is deemed unsafe, the boats will be docked and we will wait to transfer you until it is deemed safe again. We have a generous cancellation policy. Should the weather caused delay not work with your plane, you can cancel your booking without penalty for a full refund. Your safety is our number one priority.
What are the international fees?
It is $75 per person to enter the BVI. It is $45 per person to exit. This comes to a one-time fee of $120 per person which we will collect in cash upon check-in at our booth.
Further information about these fees can be found at our website here: http://www.dolphinshuttle.com/international-processing-fees
What time should I book my flight to go to the BVI on the same day?
When booking your airfare, you will want to book a flight that lands no later than 5:30 pm to utilize our water taxi that same day. If you land later, you can still make it to the BVI but you will need to book our Airbridge over to Beef Island, Tortola. Flights must be landing by 6:30 pm to make it over to the BVI on the same day. After Hours Customs and Immigration fees may apply.
How long do we need to make it back to the St. Thomas airport?
We recommend the following pick-up times before flights:
- If coming from West End, Tortola: 4.5 hours before the flight
- If coming from Nanny Cay, Road Town or Hodges Creek: 5 hours before the flight
- If coming from Scrub Island: 5.5 hours before the flight
- If coming from Virgin Gorda: 6 hours before the flight
How does your operation work?
We offer door-to-door service with the most professional, reliable and time-efficient transportation. Once you land in St. Thomas, we have our booth right by the baggage claim. Meet with our friendly staff to get your vacation started with complimentary water, beer, and local rum shots while you wait for your luggage. Once everyone is ready, our taxi service will be waiting to take you to your boat on the east end of St. Thomas in Red Hook. Our staff will transfer your luggage to the boat and you’re on your way to check into the BVI in Tortola. Once check-in is complete, if we are not at your final destination, we will continue on. We try to match you with the same captain coming and going into the BVI. Your round-trip details will be well communicated to ensure a smooth trip back to St. Thomas.
It’s just me and my spouse, what is the cost for only two of us?
Here at Dolphin Water Taxi, we strive to be as eco-friendly as possible. We want to take as few trips as possible to reduce our carbon footprint. So, for that reason we will try to combine you with other guests on your same flight, or soon thereafter, to share the ride and the cost over to the BVI. Keep in mind we do have a minimum. If it ends up that we cannot combine your two with others for some reason, you are responsible for paying the minimum or may cancel without penalty.
What if it is raining?
Most of our Dolphin Water Taxi boats are equipped with disposable rain ponchos. We have them at our airport booth and also at the dock on Red Hook. Water transports are not canceled or changed due to light-mild rain. We only cancel if it is unsafe conditions, or in the event of lightening.
What happens if our flights are late?
Our office staff closely monitors your flight status on the day of travel. Should your flight experience delays, we will adjust your transportation accordingly, don’t stress! We have a fantastic relationship with the BVI Customs and Immigration department and can arrange after-hours check-ins in most cases. If your flight is beyond 7:00 pm, then we may not be able to get you to the BVI’s that day and your transportation arrangement will roll over to the next day.
