Island hopping is the quintessential way to experience the Virgin Islands, whether you are in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) or the British Virgin Islands (BVI). In 2026, the process remains seamless thanks to a robust network of public ferries, private water taxis, and small inter-island flights. In the USVI, you can easily travel between St. Thomas and St. John via a 20-minute ferry from Red Hook, while the journey to the more remote St. Croix typically involves a longer ferry ride or a quick seaplane hop. For those looking to cross into the BVI, ferries run regularly from Charlotte Amalie to Tortola and Virgin Gorda, though travelers must remember to bring their passports for customs and immigration checks. Many visitors prefer to charter a private catamaran for a day to see "The Baths" on Virgin Gorda or enjoy a "Painkiller" cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke. This flexibility allows you to experience the distinct personalities of each island, from the bustling commerce of St. Thomas to the pristine National Park landscapes of St. John.