FerryConnect

US Virgin Islands

Red Hook (St Thomas) → Cruz Bay (St John)

The short hop across Pillsbury Sound from Red Hook on St Thomas’s east end to Cruz Bay, gateway to Virgin Islands National Park on St John, runs roughly every hour from dawn to late evening.

⏱ About 15m🚢 1 operator📅 Hourly, about 06:00–20:00, plus late boats (Red Hook 22:00 and 23:30)
Book with Varlack Ventures→

Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John) takes About 15m across the Pillsbury Sound, operated by Varlack Ventures. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: hourly, about 06:00–20:00, plus late boats (Red Hook 22:00 and 23:30).

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-11-04.

Sources: varlack-ventures.com · varlack-ventures.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Cruz Bay (St John) to Red Hook (St Thomas)

Varlack Ventures also sails Cruz Bay (St John) to Red Hook (St Thomas), taking About 15m. The last boat from Cruz Bay back to Red Hook leaves at 23:00.

Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Hourly from 06:00 to about 20:00 each way, plus late departures

Temporary off-season schedule effective 26 July–31 October 2026.

Published departure times

  • Red Hook: hourly 06:00–20:00, then 22:00 and 23:30 (daily)
  • Cruz Bay: hourly 06:00–21:00, then 23:00 (daily)

Return: The last boat from Cruz Bay back to Red Hook leaves at 23:00.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Varlack Ventures timetable →Check prices & book on Varlack Ventures →

Source: Varlack Ventures ferry service page. Verified 2026-11-04.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Red Hook (St Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St John)

📐 3 Nautical Miles
Red Hook (St Thomas)⇄Cruz Bay (St John)
⏱ About 15m · 📐 3 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John)?

Book your crossing with Varlack Ventures: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Varlack Ventures→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Varlack VenturesAbout 15mPassenger ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

3 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Varlack Ventures’ office and Jeep rentals are a short walk from the Cruz Bay ferry dock in the centre of Cruz Bay
  • Varlack notes the longer alternative route from downtown Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay (suspended until 31 October 2026)

Tips for the Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John) Crossing

  • Varlack charges a per-bag luggage fee on top of the one-way fare, and a fuel surcharge applies from June 2026.

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⚓ Red Hook Ferry Terminal (St Thomas) guide⚓ Cruz Bay Ferry Dock (St John) guide⛴ All ferries from Red Hook⛴ All ferries from Cruz Bay🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay?
Varlack Ventures gives the Red Hook–Cruz Bay crossing as approximately 15 minutes, the shortest ferry route between St Thomas and St John.
How often does the Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John) ferry sail?
Hourly from 06:00 to about 20:00 each way, plus late departures. Temporary off-season schedule effective 26 July–31 October 2026. This is the pattern published in the Varlack Ventures ferry service page (checked 2026-11-04); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John)?
Varlack Ventures operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John) ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Red Hook (St Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St John) ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Red Hook (St Thomas) from Cruz Bay (St John) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 3 nautical miles (roughly 6 km).