STJ Ferry Partners Set Up Counter Space at Blyden Marine Terminal

Providers of ferry service from Cruz Bay to downtown Charlotte Amalie say they think travelers will enjoy the amenities of the Edward Wilmot Blyden IV Marine Terminal.

Now executives at Varlack Ventures, Inc. and Transportation Services of St. John are preparing the public to come along for the ride.

The relocation moves downtown ferry service into a facility managed by the Virgin Islands Port Authority. For decades, as part of their franchise agreement with the Public Services Commission, St. John ferry companies have carried passengers to the bulkhead on Veteran’s Drive near the Coast Guard Station.

In a joint statement to the public issued recently Varlack Ventures, Inc. President Delrise Varlack and Transportation Services of St. John, Inc. President Loredon Boynes Jr. said they have begun setting up shop at Blyden Terminal.

“We are excited about the utilization of the Blyden Marine Facility counter space as it allows for increased security for our clients who will embark/disembark in the covered facility rather than on the heavily-trafficked waterfront apron. Additionally, the move will translate to enhanced services as there will be parking, convenient access to accessible restroom facilities, an eatery and a covered open-air terminal which is especially helpful during times of inclement weather,” Varlack said.

Downtown service is provided daily between the Loredon L. Boynes, Sr. ferry dock in Cruz Bay and Blyden Terminal, across from the Emile Griffith Ballpark on Veteran’s Drive. Transportation executives say the route is popular with visitors traveling to and from the Cyril E. King Airport.

Ferries traveling from Cruz Bay are scheduled to depart at 8:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 3:45 p.m.. Scheduled trips from the waterfront, returning to Cruz Bay daily are 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.

Varlack Venture and Transportation Services vessels serve the route. Smaller vessels operated by a company contractor also provide service from Cruz Bay to downtown Charlotte Amalie.