Ferry to St John OR Water Taxi _ Off Season - Worried Spouse

[Lisa&Jeff]

Hello all. We are travelling to StJ in early Sept and arrive on a SATURDAY. Called about Ferry from St Thomas - Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay and they said they didn't know Sept travel schedule yet and how it woudl be limited. Might have limited schedule and have to go from Red Hook.

I said to DH that we simply go to Red Hook if no ferry from CA and husband is worried with Toddler and Gramdma about safety etc and wanrs to seek private water taxi. Is this possible? And if so how costly?

We are definitely on a budget. Thoughts about safety, cost, etc.? Thanks Much!!

[St. John Lover]

I'm a little confused re: your concern re: safety. I've been traveling to St. John for 15+ years now and have never thought Red Hook to pose a safety issue. Before they built the new ferry terminal, arriving late at night seemed kind of 'grungy' as in untidy but certainly safe.

The new terminal--with food and drink offerings as well as clean bathrooms and well-lit, certainly is a safe and economical way to get to St. John.

I have taken a private ferry twice--the 1st time when I was arriving alone, after a very long day of travel and very late at night, and the 2nd time when I was traveling with my kids and their VERY young small children (1 month, 18 months, and just 3 y.o.)--again after a very long day of travel, and I just wanted to get us all there as quickly as possible since a couple of kids had ear problems and air travel always aggravated that. But it IS a lot more expensive. I don't think I would ever do it again--especially with the new terminal which is very nice.

[PSUWethr]

I agree with St. John Lover. The new terminal is very nice. There is room to sit and keep an eye on the kids. I have traveled alone twice with my daughter who turned two yesterday and have used Red Hook. We did use the water taxi a few times but it is very expensive. As far as safety, when we took the water taxi we had to pick it up at the national park dock which is over by itself. At night I would definitely feel safer at the Red Hook terminal. During our 22 trips down we have never had any "safety" issues in our 22 trips down. Have a great trip!

[Xislandgirl]

I guess I am confused too about the safety issue.
Either way you have to take a taxi, going to Red Hook is just a longer trip.

Ther are many reasons I would be worried about taking a trip to the islands in September, taking the ferry is not one of them. Hurricane season would be my concern, I would be sure to have trip insurance.

[iowaguy]

I, also, do not understand your concern. I generally take the Red Hook ferry as I arrive late coming from the Midwest. However, its easy to arrange a water taxi---its just expensive. Here's a link. $250 minimum one-way from downtown.


http://www.watertaxi-vi.com/

[Lisa&Jeff]

Thanks for the info. His concern about safety was the drive by taxi from airport to Red Hook and thought a water taxi could avoid making that trip if could get water taxi from Charlotte Amalie. He's a worrier, but I know you guys can tell me nothing to worry about right?

And yes we got travel insurance for our Sept trip!

[jayseadee]

Like the others, I wouldn't have safety concerns traveling from the airport to Red Hook.

Instead of splurging for a private water taxi, you may find it a bit easier if you have a private taxi from the airport.

A lot of people on the forum highly recommend Rachel - 340-771-2986

[liamsaunt]

We almost always go to Red Hook to get the ferry, and have never had a safety issue with the taxis. The drivers are careful. The roads are no worse than the roads on St. John. The taxis at the airport are the mini van type, not the open air safari trucks, if that is what you are worried about.

[Pia]

The private water taxis only leave from Red Hook so you will have to go there anyway

Pia

[Lisa&Jeff]

Thanks everyone. We'll look at arranging for private taxi with Rachel to Red Hook. Maybe that will make husband feel better. I can't wait, only 23 days to go. YEAH!! Let's hope no hurricanes! I'm not worried about any of this stuff but husband is nervous Nelly! It will be great...

[John LMBZ06]

The new schedule for the downtown St. Thomas to Cruz Bay service was just approved yesterday. You can read about it here.

http://stjohnsource.com/content/news/lo ... ferry-runs

In short, here it is:

The revised schedule is as follows and starts in ten days:
Leaving Cruz Bay - 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Returning - 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

[Lisa&Jeff]

Thanks for the info John -- this is very helpful!! I think we arrive just before 3 so would probably go to Red Hook anyway instead of waiting for the 5:30pm but good to know. THANKS!

[djmom]

I think you will be glad you chose Rachel, especially your group. We haven't been able to use her every time but our experience has been that Rachel seemed to be more cautious than the other drivers. OR, that she is such a pleasant person you just feel safer.

We have had one or two rides to Red Hook where it seemed we were going either too fast or the driver was coming within inches of passing cars. I definitely prefer riding with her.