8 hours of sunshine per day, white sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage are what you can expect and more from a vacation in the Virgin Islands.
But how do you get to Tortola, the largest island in the BVI?
There are several ways to get to paradise, depending on your location and travel preferences.
St Bernard’s Hill House resident concierge team Fraser and Jane Tyrrell give you all the essential information to ensure your journey is smooth and easy.
The easiest way for most people to get to Tortola is by air. And what a way to arrive!
The views over the islands and as you descend into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) are mesmerizing. During the day, you’ll enjoy lush green landscapes against brilliant blue waters. When the sun goes down, the islands’ twinkling lights are magical against the night sky.
As the largest and most accessible island in the BVI, Tortola is now easier to reach than ever with American Airlines’ new service that offers direct flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to EIS.
This new route was established in June 2023 and has proven to be so popular that AA now offers multiple flights a day during the Caribbean high season (November through April).
This route is perfect for minimizing travel time and avoiding layovers.
The most popular option is flying into Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. From there, take a short hop flight to EIS on Beef Island, conveniently connected to Tortola by a bridge.
Airlines such as Cape Air https://www.capeair.com, and Silver Airways https://www.silverairways.com/ offer multiple daily flights from SJU.
For the ultimate in comfort and convenience, you could charter a private jet.
The IATA code for Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport is EIS and ICAO code is TUPJ.
(Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport was formerly known as Beef Island Airport).
Be advised that this airport has one short (4642ft/1,415m), asphalt runway, which means that only certain small aircraft are able to land here.
*Private jet charter companies which provide service to the BVI include Paramount Business
Jets https://www.paramountbusinessjets.com/ and Tradewind https://www.flytradewind.com/
*Please note, traveler and personal due diligence is required when choosing your private jet charter company.
If you visit or fly into the US Virgin Islands (USVI), you may decide to travel to Tortola by boat.
By traveling by sea, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of St John (USVI), Great Thatch, Peter Island while you feel the sun on your skin and the ocean breeze in your hair.
Road Town and West End are Tortola’s port of entry.
For a more comfortable, personalized, and often quicker journey, we recommend traveling by private powerboat rental service.
You won’t have to worry about a thing. A private vehicle will collect you from Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and transfer you to your waiting boat.
Sit back and relax with your family and friends and enjoy a cold beverage as you speed across the water to Tortola.
The boats have large watertight luggage compartments, so your suitcases stay safe and dry throughout the journey.
If you are sailing into the British Virgin Islands on a private yacht or watercraft, you can access Road Town port of entry from 8.30am to 8pm daily.
West End is accessible Monday to Thursday between 8.30am to 4.30pm, and Friday to Sunday between 8.30am to 6pm.
Visit the BVI Tourism website to find out more and for details about Customs and Immigration: https://www.bvitourism.com/travel/arriving-by-sea
Another picturesque option is to take a ferry from Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St Thomas USVI.
Ferries depart from Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, arriving in Road Town, the BVI’s capital, and West End.
Choose from several ferry companies like Native Son Ferry https://www.nativesonferry.co/, Road Town Fast Ferry https://www.roadtownfastferry.com/, and Smith’s Ferry Services https://smithsferry.com/. The ferry trip offers stunning ocean views and takes about 50-60 minutes.
St Bernard’s Hill House is a 30-minute drive from Road Town and a 50-minute drive from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a delicious St Bernard’s signature cocktail while we take care of your luggage.
Then we’ll give you time and space to enjoy the view. With its mountain-top location, St Bernard’s Hill House boasts 300-degree panoramic views (we believe they are the best in the BVI).
Depending on when you get to Tortola, you might want to rest, relax, and recharge in your luxurious private villa or by the heated saltwater infinity pool. Or you might be raring to go, ready to explore the island.
At St Bernard’s Hill House, the choice really is yours.
