First Time to USVI

CCW · Post by **CCW** » Fri Feb 22, 2013 11:32 pm

Hello All,

I will be taking my first trip to St John. in mid-April and am looking for any input available. I am a dude, 26, traveling solo and don't have a whole lot of $ to spend on this trip. My ideal week at St. John would be renting a zodiak and boating/camping around the island. I'd like to do as much ocean exploration as possible. I'd like to dive a bit, spearfish (if possible), hang with some locals, relax on the beach, and yeah just hang on the island. I'm not real in to touristy things besides what I've said. Love the ocean. Lived in Maui for 2 years and miss it. I'm a carpenter and am willing to do work for boarding and maybe a little guiding and good times if anyone is up for it?

Any input welcome!
-CW

Caw954s · Post by **Caw954s** » Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:54 am

I envy you CCW! That sounds like the coolest vacation ever for a 26 year old dude! You will love STJ, I've never camped there, but I know there's a campground at cinnamon bay plus you can rent a kayak. I'd call them ASAP to make sure they have a spot for you.
http://www.virgin.islands.national-park.com/camping.htm
You'd better check out the fishing regulations too...spear fishing is a no, but other types of fishing would work for you, check it out:
http://www.seestjohn.com/fishing.html
Let us know about your adventure...I'd enjoy reading a trip report from you when you get back.

Good luck!

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Sat Feb 23, 2013 7:35 am

Welcome to the forum!
In addition to Cinnamon Bay Campground, there is also camping at Maho Bay Campground, Concordia Ecotents, and at Miss Vie's far out on the East end. There are rentals available at Cinnamon, Maho, and Crabby's in Coral Bay.
Have you rented a jeep or checked out transportation options yet? You'll need a way to tool around.
It's possible that Maho may consider trading housing for labor, as they're closing in May. You've got alot of planning and scheming to do, young man!
Have fun!

loria · Post by **loria** » Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:59 am

Concordia also has the work/stay option, but i don't think that this is available during peak times (and mid april might be considered peak depending on when you are going) you can rend zodiac type boats from noahs little arks or from calypso -- these are day rentals and you can only go in waters from cruz bay down to waterlemon cay--so beaching the boat and camping overnight probably isn't an option. You can rent kayaks (daily as well-- but you might be able to swing a multiple day gig?) -- though we had a difficult time finding a place that would rent a touring sea kayak (not a sit on top) for multiple days -- this was a while ago,-- so perhaps things have changed. Arawak may still do multiple day sea kayak trips--(i haven't looked into that in a while) -- We brought a folding kayak with us many years ago and kayaked VG-tortolla-jost-back to stjohn-- over a few days--
have fun with your planning-- youwill have a blast on the island.

Knolmom · Post by **Knolmom** » Sat Feb 23, 2013 5:51 pm

Loris, I am so impressed by your knack trip. That's a long way to go!

loria · Post by **loria** » Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:04 pm

Knolmom wrote:Loris, I am so impressed by your knack trip. That's a long way to go!

i should be clear here that we took the ferry to VG since the current in the passage was against us (and it woudl have been a really long and horrible paddle from Maho to VG)-- -- so we ferried to VG then paddled to tortilla/jost/st john (it's really not so much)

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:54 pm

Where did you stay, on Tortola and Virgin Gorda? That does sound like a fun thing to do!

CCW · Post by **CCW** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 12:33 pm

Thank you everyone for all of your input! I'm still researching and trying to figure out exactly how I want to go about traveling the island. Like some of you said, the rental companies don't seem to want to rent any type of boat overnight and are pretty limited on how far they will let you take them, which makes my idea difficult. I'm thinking about renting a vehicle but would much rather travel on the water and just hop on land along the way. I'm thinking about maybe buying some sort of boat (kayak, zodiak type) and then selling it after I leave. Not sure if that would be a salvageable option or not.

I'll definitely give a trip report afterward!

Again, any input welcome! I have no set plans.

Thanks,
CCW

Knolmom · Post by **Knolmom** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:26 pm

Perhaps you should research the island of St John a bit before you visit. There are many miles of shoreline that are inaccessible by car. Much of this acreage is within the boundary of the National Park, and that would limit the amount of overnight camping you could do. Even more of the coastline acreage is private property, where villas may be located a short distance from the shore and trespassers would certainly not be welcomed by either owners or renters. There are few if any opportunities to buy and or sell a boat without coming in advance and remaining until the boat is sold. If you could carry an inflatable knack, that might work, but even an local experienced kayaker drowned in one of the deserted East End Bays last year. You might want to call Crabby's Warersports in CoralBay and run some ideas past him. His advice would be very valuable.

CCW · Post by **CCW** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 12:43 am

Hello once again,

I have the trip narrowed down a bit. Flight booked (18th-24th of April). I am going to rent a kayak and paddle the circumference of the island over a 5 day period. I have lodging picked out at 5 locations throughout the island. I'll probably spend the first and last nights in Cruz Bay or close by.

A few questions for anyone who has suggestions:
1. I would like to rent a kayak for the week. Probably a 2 person so I have room to pack gear. Is there any local owners of kayaks out there who would be willing to rent to me? (and now possibly a buddy of mine) $75-$100 for the week for each? I have a kayak in AZ for anyone who wants to trade paddling hours

. I've found others from companies at $125-$150/ea. Tight budget though.
2. Any suggestions on campgrounds/eco-tent places or backyards to sleep in at night? I've looked at Maho, Cinnamon, Concordia, Vie's, Sol Cottage, VIERS, and Botanical Villas. Anything I've missed or anyone want to loan me some backyard space?

3. Bars? Probably in Cruz Bay, Coral Bay, and anywhere else within a short walk of the coast? Preferably local type bars with some younger folk.
4. Anyone want to join? It will be me and a good friend. We're both guys, 26 years old, fun, respectful, and on vacation!
5. Any other words of wisdom??

Thanks, appreciate any and all input!!

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 9:23 am

I have no advice, but REALLY hope you'll let us know how your trip went. You have a very ambitious (and unprecendented from my reading here) idea.

You do have ocean kayaking experience? Please say yes!

EagleRayLover · Post by **EagleRayLover** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 12:36 pm

I am not a big kayaker but I do know my friend Tracy from Wisconsin (on this forum) actually kayaks a lot around ST John. She uses an inflatable kayak that she brings down with her. In terms of bars, in Cruz Bay- you can't miss them- Beach Bar, Joe's Rum Hut, High Tide are all on the water. Just down the road in Cruz Bay , you have Mongoose Junction which has the Tap Room or you could go down to Woody's or Iguana Grill. Coral Bay- Skinny's is the easiest off the water, but you also have Island Blues and across the street- Cases by the Seas, Aqua Bistro.
We have been to the far side the island by sail boat to snorkel which has no access by roads and it can get rough. The snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the ruins all over the island is AMAZING!! I don't really think I would try to go around the whole island, just my opinion!

EagleRayLover · Post by **EagleRayLover** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 12:37 pm

Forgot to mention- hitch hiking is very acceptable means of mobility, but put your index finger out in the direction of traveler instead your thumb.

cuey12 · Post by **cuey12** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 5:57 pm

Now this is a St. John adventure!! I will be down the same week and staying directly on the beach. Maybe you could paddle in and have a cold one with us. I will PM you.

byado18 · Post by **byado18** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 7:38 pm

My kids rented a kayak on island and spend three days paddling around the island. they had a hammock type thing to sleep in, and stopped for the night along the way! they had a great time!

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