Oh no! First-timers leaving in a week, lots of questions!

[MN_Bhoy]

So far I've heard everyone say that renting a jeep - at least for part of your stay - is a must. This is 100% true if you are up for exploring the island, and certainly if you're interested in heading over to Coral Bay.

However, if you're simply looking at spending time on the North Shore beaches during the day and dining/drinking in Cruz Bay at night, then I think the STJ taxis are the way to go. RT fare to Cinnamon Bay for two is approx $30 and the taxi stand is a 10 min walk from Gallows.

And the hike to Solomon and/or Honeymoon via the Lind Point Trail is a must.

[lazylane]

My advice: no planning, get on island time, talk to locals, rent a Jeep and explore, explore, explore!!! Get a copy of Gerald Singer's St. John Off The Beaten Track or visit his web site at http://www.seestjohn.com . We have been to STJ over a dozen times and there are still things we have not done, so just remember you will be hooked and you can see and do more on your next trip!! Congrats and enjoy!

[ToonMann]

I agree with MN_Bhoy about choosing taxis over renting a jeep. Minimum jeep rental per day is $75 and, depending on your mileage, you could spend $75 filling up the tank before you turn it in. If you had 4-5 in your party, the jeep would make more sense. My advice: rent a jeep for the days you want to go somewhere other than the north shore beaches.

AT&T Go Phone. Definitely a good option if you're a Verizon customer, like us. Suggest calling Verizon before you leave to get specifics on what services aren't billable while in the Virgin Islands. The Verizon agents don't seem to all be on the same page on this, and it will help to have your phone call in their records if you want to dispute charges later. Also consider Skype for longer calls.

Surprised that Gallows doesn't have free transportation from the dock on your arrival. Suggest you double-check on this.

Quiet bar: Zozo's right there at Gallows Point -- classy, pricey -- you're paying for the sunset view. Also suggest Motu, just above Low Key Watersports. You'll see it when you walk to town.

Make some memories.

TM

[54b]

All great advice above (this forum really takes care of its own), but just in case you could use two more cents...

The good news is I and many others have ventured to STJ knowing a lot less than you already know right now and had a trip of a lifetime anyway. STJ is just one of those unique places that is more about being there than crossing places and activities off a list. People live different lifestyles, well STJ is a different vacation-style and if it fits well with your personality, you'll love it forever. As I like to say, you either "get it" or you get back on the cruise ship.

If there was one thing I wish someone had told me before I got to STJ, it would be to adjust my vacation mindset to think more like I would if I were going to a high-end cabin in a National Park. If you went to Yellowstone, you'd start at the main lodge and spend a lot of quality time there, but you'd definitely venture out to see the rest of the park. And that's why so many above have recommended you rent the car the whole time. Sure, there is plenty of stuff to see and do in Cruz Bay and there are a couple of beaches within walking distance and you can get around by cab, but once you've gotten your bearings, you will definitely want the freedom and flexibility that only your own car affords you to venture out and explore the island.

One of the very best things about STJ is simply waking up every morning and not exactly knowing where the day will take you. But it's definitely nice to know what's out there and having a car will get you there a lot faster.

Congrats on the marriage and finding St. John.

54b

PS. Drink lots of water! And if you can get your hands on a copy of Pam Gaffin's "Feet, Fins & 4WD" book to read on the plane, that'll will really help you get your bearings. I think it's available at Amazon.

[jimg20]

54b, that makes sense. 2/3 of the island is a national park.

JIM

[ca-caw]

Wow! Now I'm overwhelmed with advice! Kidding. Thanks everyone for some great tips. We've decided to definitely get a jeep for a few days, possibly the entire time. We'll get a couple of reservations for dinner now, instead of waiting until we get there, and, we're looking forward to "island time". Honestly, I knew that you are a bunch of dedicated fans of the island, and that I'd get some great tips, but this is more than I expected.

-- Rick + Lindsey

@54b - Yes, I'm amazed at how willing everyone is to share and help us out with our first adventure. I've put in an order for the book you (and mdcoles1) recommended, should be here tomorrow! Thanks!

@ToonMann - Gallows does have a shuttle from the dock to the resort. I was more concerned with a taxi from the airport on STT to Red Hook. I think I've got that sorted now. Thanks for the insight about taxis!

@lazylane - Checking out the website now! Thanks!

@MN_Bhoy - Thanks for that approximate taxi fare to Cinnamon! It does sound like a jeep for part of the stay is required, but some days we'll probably stay close, or do the taxi thing. Someone else mentioned the Lind Point Trail, so we'll do that for sure!

@Xislandgirl - Thanks for the do's/dont's! I wasn't planning on packing high-heels anyway. Oh, you mean for my wife. I'll mention it to her. Sounds like cash is king!

@Bigcheeze - A man of few words, but great advice. Thanks!

@Lindy - Last night I read your post to Lindsey (the better half), and we're starting to get really excited! Each post by all of you makes us more certain that we couldn't "do this wrong" if we tried. Thanks for the beach recommendations!

@B&J in VA - Awesome tips! And good to know about the cruise ship schedule... I'll google it, but any quick way to find out if any will be in port?

@mdcoles1 - I placed an order on Amazon today, thanks to your and another suggestion.

@liamsaunt - Thanks! Yes, we have an ocean view upper unit. Speaking of bubbly, is there a liquor store, or some place to buy wine and other beverages nearby? Thanks for the tip on Zozos, making some reservations now! Maybe we'll see you at Beach Bar? Look for the beautiful blonde woman with the taller average looking guy, both probably a little tipsy, and smiling at each other like newlyweds.

@sherban - Thanks for the map links! And thanks for the congratulations!

[54b]

54b, that makes sense. 2/3 of the island is a national park.

JIM

I always wonder if the 2/3 National Park mention fully registers with first timers. It's mentioned on almost every promotional piece about STJ, but I think people read it and just think, "oh, STJ has a lot more trees and a lot less buildings." And that's definitely part of it, but what I don't think fully registers is the fact that unlike many Caribbean destinations (the kind that are most often seen in movies or commercials for resorts) where you get to one spot on an island and stay there 90% of the time, you're gonna have to work for it a bit by venturing out, hiking to many of the STJ beaches and once there, you're not likely to see a cabana boy wearing bleach white chinos come along to take a drink order or screw in an umbrella. And that's great for those of us that love STJ because we'll trade convenience for less crowds in a more intimate, natural setting any day, but I do think for many, that idea only fully registers after you've actually experienced it firsthand.

Could be wrong, but I figure it's worth mentioning when newbs ask for advice.

[liamsaunt]

Hi again,

There is a little shop right on Gallows property that sells beer, wine, bubbly, water, food, coffee etc. You can rent snorkel gear there too. There are also multiple places in town to buy liquor. Gallows also gives you a complimentary bottle of rum--you'll get a little card at check in, and you pick it up at the shop I just mentioned.

The ocean uppers are my favorite units. I hope you enjoy as much as my husband and I do.

I am not sure if we are going to make it to the Beach Bar or not...I don't like to make advance plans, but if we do I will say hi if I see you.

[ca-caw]

54b, that makes sense. 2/3 of the island is a national park.

JIM

I always wonder if the 2/3 National Park mention fully registers with first timers. It's mentioned on almost every promotional piece about STJ, but I think people read it and just think, "oh, STJ has a lot more trees and a lot less buildings." And that's definitely part of it, but what I don't think fully registers is the fact that unlike many Caribbean destinations (the kind that are most often seen in movies or commercials for resorts) where you get to one spot on an island and stay there 90% of the time, you're gonna have to work for it a bit by venturing out, hiking to many of the STJ beaches and once there, you're not likely to see a cabana boy wearing bleach white chinos come along to take a drink order or screw in an umbrella. And that's great for those of us that love STJ because we'll trade convenience for less crowds in a more intimate, natural setting any day, but I do think for many, that idea only fully registers after you've actually experienced it firsthand.

Could be wrong, but I figure it's worth mentioning when newbs ask for advice.

I think you're spot on. I know we knew that STJ was mostly national park, but I'm sure we didn't understand the impact of that fact. It's good to have that understanding before we set off. Thanks! I think the island sounds perfect for us.

[ca-caw]

Hi again,

There is a little shop right on Gallows property that sells beer, wine, bubbly, water, food, coffee etc. You can rent snorkel gear there too. There are also multiple places in town to buy liquor. Gallows also gives you a complimentary bottle of rum--you'll get a little card at check in, and you pick it up at the shop I just mentioned.

The ocean uppers are my favorite units. I hope you enjoy as much as my husband and I do.

I am not sure if we are going to make it to the Beach Bar or not...I don't like to make advance plans, but if we do I will say hi if I see you.

Thanks for the info again! Awesome!

[AquaGirl]

The cruise ship schedule is posted right on this forum, thanks to the great forum master, Anthony.
Click on "Trip Planning", then "Getting Here", then "Cruise Ship schedules.
When cruise ships are in port, we avoid Trunk Bay because its crowded in the middle of the day, but there are plenty of other beaches to choose from. BTW, Trunk Bar sells frozen drinks, as well as some lunch food. If you get french fries, be sure to cover them as you walk back to the beach. There are seagulls that swoop down and steal your fries.

For groceries, snacks, drinks, there is Dolphin Market in town that would be within walking distance of Gallows. For things you can't get at the Gallows Market, you can go to this one. The Starfish grocery store has more selection and there is a pharmacy in that shopping center if you need drug store items. It would be a bit of a long walk from Gallows so best to hit it when you have the Jeep.

As everyone says, you will love it on STJ. Be sure to post a trip report when you return. Its always fun to hear about newbies trips....well, actually I like all trip reports.

[jaybfloyd]

Regarding your Verizon question, I called yesterday. The agent told me that with the family share plan, all calls are $1.99/min but text and data usage is domestic so since I have unlimited text and data, I won't be charged anything extra for that. We are going with another couple so if we ever get split up, I'll just text. No need to make phone calls unless you call home which I will probably once or twice to check on the kids. The agent also suggested that, whenever possible, connect to Wifi "just in case". Not sure what he meant by that!

[54b]

I know we knew that STJ was mostly national park, but I'm sure we didn't understand the impact of that fact. It's good to have that understanding before we set off. Thanks! I think the island sounds perfect for us.

I'm sure it will be.

Oh and when you reach this moment on your trip where you've been out and about hiking, snorkeling, exploring for about four or five hours and it's about two or three in the afternoon and the July sun is beating down and you are sweating like a pack mule and have sand in places on your body that you didn't even know existed before this trip, I want to you smile, enjoy the view and say, "not long from now, I will be back at the condo in the pool, hot tub or shower sipping on liquid worry remover and feeling no pain."

I swear it never ceases to amaze me...STJ has this weird dynamic in which the sandier, sweatier, more energy you output, etc. is inversely proportionate to how great, fulfilled, relaxed, etc. you feel after you've had a chance to cool off, clean up and rehydrate. And when you get to that place, your senses become super intense, so food and drinks just taste better, you feel ten years younger and sleeping and well, other horizontal honeymoon activities, are better too.

Yeah, I think that's quite enough out of me.

Have fun.

[EagleRayLover]

Take half the advice you've gotten and you will have An amazing time!!

[jmq]

Did you book an ocean view unit? If yes, your unit's balcony will have amazing sunset views.

Do you mean like this?