A New Kind of Inter-Island Carrier
Fly the Whale launched scheduled service between St. Croix and St. Thomas in April 2023, quickly establishing itself as a third inter-island option alongside Cape Air and Silver Airways. With multiple daily departures, a modern fleet, and a customer-first philosophy from a USVI-focused team, they've built a loyal following among residents and frequent island visitors.
Routes from STX
Fly the Whale connects St. Croix to two key destinations:
- STX ↔ STT (St. Thomas): Multiple departures throughout the day — roughly every 1.5 to 2 hours from early morning through evening. The flight takes about 25 minutes. Fares typically run $106–156 each way depending on the date and how far in advance you book.
- STX ↔ SJU (San Juan, Isla Grande): Daily service to San Juan's Isla Grande Airport (SIG) — a smaller, more convenient airport than the main Luis Muñoz Marín International. From SIG you can connect to mainland destinations or explore San Juan directly.
The Aircraft
Fly the Whale primarily operates the Cessna Grand Caravan — a single-engine turboprop that seats up to nine passengers. It's a step up from the smaller Cessna 402 used by Cape Air, with a more spacious cabin and a smoother ride. The Grand Caravan is one of the most trusted regional aircraft in the world and is well-suited to the short, scenic inter-island routes in the USVI.
They also operate seaplane service on select routes — a genuinely unique experience that lets you take off and land on the water. Seaplane flights bypass the main airport terminal entirely, which means no security lines and an arrival directly at the waterfront. If you have the opportunity to fly the seaplane, take it.
What Makes Fly the Whale Different
Beyond the aircraft, Fly the Whale has invested in the customer experience in ways that set them apart from other inter-island carriers:
- WhalePak program: A prepaid flight account for frequent fliers, agencies, and corporations. No booking fees, no change or cancellation fees, a 50 lb baggage allowance (double Cape Air's limit), and a dedicated reservations team. Worth considering if you fly inter-island regularly.
- No security for seaplane flights: Seaplane passengers skip the TSA checkpoint entirely — you board at the waterfront dock. This means you can keep your full-size liquids, snacks, and other items that would be flagged at a standard checkpoint.
- Locally focused: The airline has been vocal about its commitment to the USVI community and building sustainable air service for residents, not just tourists.
Booking Tips
Book directly at flythewhale.com. Their booking interface shows the schedule clearly with available seats and real-time pricing. Popular morning and afternoon flights on the STX–STT route sell out — especially on weekends and during peak season — so book ahead if you have a specific departure time in mind.
Fares are generally competitive with Cape Air and Silver on the same routes. Compare all three carriers before booking, as prices and availability vary by date and time.
Baggage Policy
Standard tickets include a checked baggage allowance — check flythewhale.com for current limits as these can change. WhalePak account holders get 50 lbs, which is significantly more generous than Cape Air's 25 lb limit. If you're traveling with dive gear, camera equipment, or other bulky items, Fly the Whale's baggage policy may make them the better choice.
Getting to STX After Landing
Fly the Whale landplane flights arrive at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport just like Cape Air and Silver. Taxis queue outside the terminal. See our St. Croix Taxi Guide for rates to Christiansted, Frederiksted, Cane Bay, and all major resorts.