In 2026, a private water taxi between St. Thomas and St. John is a premium service that typically costs between $70 and $95 per person, depending on the provider and the number of guests. Unlike the public ferry from Red Hook (which costs about $13 each way), a water taxi offers a more flexible, personalized experience, often departing from the East End or near the airport and arriving directly at specific docks in Cruz Bay or even private villas. Most operators require a minimum of $350 to $475 to run the boat, making this a cost-effective option for groups of five or more but a luxury for solo travelers. In 2026, many services have added surcharges for late-night arrivals (after 7:00 PM) and mandatory luggage fees of $3 to $5 per bag. It is essential to book these in advance through companies like Dolphin Shuttle or Island Time, as they are not "hailed" like street cabs and often include a ground transfer from the Cyril E. King Airport as part of a "VIP package."