How to Get to Scrub Island Resort [2026-2027 Guide]
The standard mode of transport involves a commercial flight followed by either a resort-managed launch, a local ferry, or a direct private water taxi. Guests arriving at Beef Island (EIS) take a brief land taxi to the nearby Trellis Bay dock, where the resort’s private launch picks them up.
Those arriving via St. Thomas usually take a taxi to Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, followed by a ferry or direct water taxi across the channel to the British Virgin Islands. Meticulous planning of your flight arrival times is essential to align with afternoon ferry schedules and regional customs clearance windows, ensuring a smooth transition to paradise.
🛫 Step 1: Fly to Terrance B. Lettsome Airport
Your journey begins by booking a commercial or private flight into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, located on Beef Island just off the coast of Tortola (Airport Code: EIS). Major airlines connect through regional hubs like San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), or Antigua (ANU) via smaller commuter airlines such as InterCaribbean or Cape Air.
Alternatively, many travelers choose to fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas and take an inter-island ferry or water taxi over to the British Virgin Islands. The travel cost for flights heavily depends on your departure city, while inter-regional hops typically cost between $150 and $400 per person.
The flight duration into EIS is typically a short 30 to 45 minutes from San Juan, and the primary mode of transport for this leg is a fixed-wing commercial airplane or regional charter flight.
⛴️ Step 2: Ferry Transfer (Economical Option)
For budget-conscious travelers seeking a classic Caribbean maritime experience, taking the local ferry or the dedicated resort connection from Trellis Bay is the ideal choice.
If you land at Beef Island Airport (EIS), you will take a quick 5-minute land taxi to the Trellis Bay dock (costing about $5 to $10). From there, you can catch the official Scrub Island Resort launch or local ferries heading toward neighboring docks.
If arriving from St. Thomas, you will take a taxi from STT airport to the Red Hook ferry terminal ($15–$20) and board a ferry to Tortola or directly to your destination if utilizing coordinated island water transport.
The total travel cost for this economical option ranges from $20 to $65 per person, taking approx. 30 to 90 minutes depending on your exact routing and connection wait times via ferry and land taxi.
🚤 Step 3: Private Boat Transfer (Fast & Flexible Option)
If you prefer ultimate convenience, privacy, and a seamless VIP experience, booking a private water taxi or direct powerboat transfer is the optimal solution.
Licensed BVI water taxi operators like Dolphin Water Taxi or Island Time can pick you up directly from the Cyril E. King Airport dock in St. Thomas or from Tortola, bypassing public lines and clearing customs seamlessly via services like ExpressClear. This option eliminates the hassle of multiple vehicle changes and matches your exact flight landing schedule.
The travel cost for a private boat transfer generally ranges from $350 to $600+ total for small groups or private charters. The travel time is significantly faster, taking roughly 15 to 30 minutes directly from Beef Island docks or about 45 to 60 minutes if cruising straight from St. Thomas.
🏝️ Step 4: Arrival at Scrub Island Resort
The final leg culminates as your vessel pulls into the state-of-the-art marina at Scrub Island Resort, where resort ambassadors greet you with a signature welcome drink and cold towel.
Stepping off the dock instantly places you into the heart of the luxury property, featuring cascading infinity pools, secluded beaches, world-class dining, and hillside accommodations. Because the resort occupies its own private cay, land transport ceases here, and everything from your room to the spa is accessible by foot or resort golf cart.
The travel cost for this final maritime stretch is typically bundled into your resort ferry service or private boat package (nominal fee or complimentary depending on direct booking promotions), taking a swift 10 minutes from Trellis Bay via the resort launch, utilizing a watercraft mode of transport.
Related Routes/Travel Destinations:
How to Get to Fota Island Resort
Travel Cost Summary
| Travel Leg | Mode of Transport | Approx. Travel Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Fly to EIS Airport | Commercial Airplane / Regional Flight | 30 – 45 mins (from San Juan) | $150 – $400+ per person |
| Step 2: Ferry Transfer | Land Taxi & Public/Resort Ferry | 30 – 90 mins | $20 – $65 per person |
| Step 3: Private Boat Transfer | Private Powerboat / Water Taxi | 15 – 60 mins | $350 – $600+ total per charter |
| Step 4: Resort Arrival | Resort Private Launch / Boat | 10 mins | Complimentary / Inclusive |
FAQs About How to Get to Scrub Island Resort [2026-2027 Guide]
What is the closest airport to Scrub Island Resort?
The closest international airport is Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), located on Beef Island, Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands. From the airport, it is just a brief walk or 2-minute land taxi to the Trellis Bay dock, where you can catch the resort launch. Alternatively, many international travelers fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, USVI, and take a water transfer over. The estimated travel cost to fly regionally ranges from $150 to $400+ per person, with flight durations varying based on your departure hub.
Is there a complimentary or resort-operated ferry to Scrub Island?
Yes, Scrub Island Resort operates its own private launch that runs regularly between Trellis Bay (Beef Island) and the resort. The ride is a quick 10 minutes. For registered resort guests, this primary ferry service is typically complimentary or bundled into resort packages. The mode of transport is a dedicated resort watercraft, and standard departures generally leave Trellis Bay at 45 minutes past the hour.
Can I take a private water taxi directly from St. Thomas to Scrub Island?
Yes, licensed private water taxi providers (such as Dolphin Water Taxi or Island Time) offer direct transfers from St. Thomas (Cyril E. King Airport or Red Hook) straight to Scrub Island. This VIP option bypasses public ferry schedules and helps streamline BVI customs clearance. The estimated travel cost for a private charter ranges from $350 to $600+ total, and the travel time takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes via high-speed powerboat.
Do I need a passport to travel to Scrub Island Resort?
Yes, a valid passport is strictly required for all international visitors entering the British Virgin Islands. Because flight connections often route through Puerto Rico (SJU) or St. Thomas (STT), standard international travel documents, customs declarations, and immigration clearances apply.
What kind of land transportation is available once I arrive at the resort?
Personal vehicles are strictly prohibited on Scrub Island to protect the local ecosystem. Upon stepping off the marina dock, the primary mode of transport consists of complimentary resort golf cart shuttles, which safely ferry guests between their private villas, the hillside accommodations, Ixora Spa, and the beaches. Everything else on the compact private cay is easily reachable on foot.