How to get to Jost for the day?

[gmsstjohn]

Say I wanted to head over to Jost for an afternoon on the beach. What's the most cost efficient way to get there from Cruz Bay? Are there ferries or water taxis?

[brenda]

http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/inter ... Van%20Dyke

Here is the link to the ferry schedules. Leaves Fri-Sat-Sun at 8:30am from Cruz Bay. Departs Jost at 3:00pm. It's an economical way to spend about 5 hours on Jost. We have done it several times.

[gmsstjohn]

Thanks for that answer.

Now my next question would be, is it difficult to get to white bay from the ferry dock on Jost?

I don't know much about Jost. I've only been there once, to Soggy Dollar beach area on a boat tour. I'm just trying to find the best way to get back to soggy dollar and spend the day there, from cruz bay, without being hancuffed by the schedule of a boat tour.

[Gromit]

Nope just grab a taxi (they are waiting for you right at the ferry dock) and they will arrange to come and pick you up again at the end of the day from wherevver you plan on being. They are really good about this.

If you want to do more exploration you can also rent a car for the day (Paradise Car rental or Abe & Nices) cost for car rental is around $70. Depending on the number of people in your party this may be the more economical option. But definitely more hassle than just taking a taxi.

We did this for the day the last trip and decided that it's a lot of work: customs, paperwork and I think it's $65 per person- for just a few hours on Jost. The ferry leaves at 8:30 but by the time you get there and get thru customs it's about 10am. The ferry from Jost to STJ leaves at 3:00 so you really only have about 5 hours on island.

It's a fun day but when you add up everything (ferry costs, taxi, food & beverages) it still ain't cheap. Although it is cheaper than renting your own boat.

Not saying don't just knwo the costs involved.

Also-- be sure tobrign your own pen with you (blue or black ink) as you will need to fill out your customs forms before leaving STJ. No one seemed to have them and they don't really have many at the office for some reason.

[brenda]

The taxi's are readily available upon your arrival to Great Harbor. You can get a taxi for $5pp to White Bay one way and arrange for your pick-up. Not sure if the ferry is $50 or $60. The website says $50. This includes customs fees so we personally think it is a pretty good deal to spend time on Jost. Grommit is right about the pen. Bring one but otherwise nothing is much of a hassle to us.

[gmsstjohn]

Thanks for all your answers.

One answer does bring up another question. Is the last ferry leaving Jost usually crowded? Do you need to get there early or is there usually plenty of room?

[brenda]

There is always plenty of room. DO get there about 15 minutes early because that ferry seems to leave right on time. If you miss it, you will be pretty much stuck there. I would make sure that you are there by 2:45pm.

Forgot to mention, the taxi ride is only 5 minutes or so. I never timed it, but it is short. Just tell the driver you need to get back to the ferry if you go this route. They will be there between 2:30 and 2:40pm.

[IllinoisGuy]

There was a thread on TripAdvisor about the ferry to Jost. In response to it, I discovered the following link showing that the ferry now also runs on Monday & Tuesday. Does anyone know if this is correct? Or just bad internet info.

Thanks!
http://www.bestofbvi.com/info/bviferry_stt_jost.htm

[Gromit]

Well that's new. The phone number for Inter Island Boat services is listed there so I'd suggets calling and asking to be sure.

This schedule may also vary by season. IOW the additional days (mon and Tues) may only be inlcuded during high season.