BVI regular making first St John trip

[Charlie2001]

I've been lurking and gathering a huge amount of info from here during the planning stages of my first St John trip. I've made my flight arrangements and rented a villa (Cloud 9) for July 3rd through 10th. I know I will have a bunch of questions going forward.

For reference, I've been going to Tortola for the past 15 years, but am looking for a change of locale. I really like the laid-back vibe of the BVI and hope that St John will be similar in the "island time" feel. I'd love to hear comparisons from folks familiar with the BVI to know what to expect.

So, to get things started, will it be crowded over the July 4th holiday weekend? We'll be provisioning the villa to cook some meals in, but will also be venturing out to explore restaurants looking for roti, BBQ, seafood, and other interesting meals.

Other than a ferry to JVD for the day, and the possibility of a sunset sail, we're looking to have very little in the way of set agenda, and just explore beaches during the day and relax for a week. Any pointers to must-see beaches, etc are much appreciated.

Thanks!

[loria]

things will be sort of hoppin'--that's carnival time in STJ --if memory serves!.....but you can always retreat and find places without too much hustle and bustle.....

[msgcolleen]

You should see some awesome fireworks from Cloud 9! Great choice~

Any beach on the north shore will be wonderful & similar to the BVI's. In fact, you'll be looking right at them while you are chillin' on the beach! Get there as early as you can to grab a nice shady spot under the seagrape trees. It will be crowded since it's Carnival & July 4 holiday~
**Cheers**

[Pia]

Welcome to the forum

4th of July is probably the busiest day of the year on STJ - a huge, huge party - Jouvert that starts at 4am (yes am ) a parade that starts in the morning but on "island time" of course, as well as Carnival village and fireworks to end at approx 9pm. If you are renting a vehicle do pick it up on the 3rd as most are closed on the 4th (actually I think 99.9999% are closed) as well as the road to the North Shore Beaches will be closed from approx 9am on (but keep in mind Jouvert ends at oh, probably 8am )

After the 4th it will quieten down - abit.

Have fun

Pia

[Charlie2001]

Thanks so much for the info so far. I didn't realize that the 4th was such a huge day on St John. Is the entire week following the 4th very busy?

Since we arrive on Saturday the 3rd, we will be picking up the jeep on arrival. Will we have any trouble finding a market to grab some initial provisions on that Saturday evening? I anticipate arriving on St John via the 4:00pm ferry from Red Hook.

I am sure we'd be OK just hanging out at the villa on the first day, with a couple small treks out to explore a little, as long as we had sufficient food and drink on hand.

[Ken]

Charlie,

Normally your villa representative can show you the local places to get food the first night - in fact, they will usually wait while you run in to get some necessities. I can't speak for July 4, but I have never had any problem getting some breakfast/lunch food the first evening. We usually try to eat while we are flying/on the ferry so we don't have to worry about finding a dinner the night of arrival.

Ken

[waterguy]

All the markets will be open on the 3rd I like to do candi's BBQ my first night on island just pick it up and eat it while watching the sunset

[NCSue]

Charli - we've been a couple times during the 4th. It really is a GREAT time. But we've opted for coming in right AFTER the festivities. The island seems to quiet down and relax EVEN more!