T minus 10 days!

[Ondine]

Hey all, I was just about to try and do a last minute guide book order, am considering the "Off the beaten track" and "feet,fins, four wheel drive". Are those my likely best bets?

Also, are there any activities that must be booked before arriving? I'm considering a guided hike, renting a dinghy and maybe some kind of charter to other islands...

Thanks and can't wait to be there! First time STJ, but seasoned carib traveller.
-Linda

[traveler22]

Ondine-
This time of year (peak season), I would try and reserve anything you want to do ahead of time, especially the guided tour and/or charter.

[Ksea]

Those two books are great. The only thing I may reserve ahead is the boat trip. Im not familiar with the guided toors. Don't forget the rental jeep!
Have fun!!

[California Girl]

Check with the National Park Service for guided hikes. They do a Reef Bay hike, but you definitely have to reserve in advance for that. I'm not aware of any other guided hikes they might do, but you can find out what they offer here:

http://www.nps.gov/viis/

[Ondine]

Thanks!
I've got the books ordered, the jeep is set though unfortunately not a soft top, and I've got an email to the NPS to see about some hikes. I usually like to just go with the flow and not plan too much, but don't want to feel left without options this time of year.
The charter I'm not sure about, as it is just myself traveling and most seem more money conducive to groups sharing costs. Any ideas on modest priced options for solo travelers? I was thinking of Jost or VG as places of interest...thx again, this forum is wonderful help!

[Ksea]

For $50 RT you can take the Ferry over to JVD for the day. (Fri, Sat or Sun) Then it's a short taxi ride to White Bay where you will find the Soggy Dollar Bar and the wonderful hammocks beneath the palm trees. It's so beautiful. Take the short hike over to Ivan's Stress Free bar if you go!

[Ondine]

Perfect, Thanks Ksea. So it sounds like I can just grab a ferry to Jost on impulse and not worry about booking ahead (?). Sounds beautiful, I hope it snows a mountain while I'm gone!
Is there any similarly priced ferry to Virgin Gorda? I may only do a couple of these ideas, but it is always nice to have options...I wish there were other forumites on island then, it looks like a quiet week in that regard.

[Ksea]

Its kinda funny. We read that reservations were preferred for the JVD Ferry trip, so we went a day ahead to reserve. The lady laughed at us and told us to come back the morning we wanted to go at 830am sharp to get our tickets. We did, and she did not show til around 9. There were a total of about 10 people waiting for tickets. I may be off a little on the times, but we waited at least 30 mins for her to show, then another 30 mins at least before the ferry left. It was fun because ticket lady was yelling at everyone she could yell at! Kept us entertained!
Point is, no need to stress. Island time! Eat breakfast before you go!

[California Girl]

Here is a link to the USVI-on-line ferry schedules. You have several options for places to go!
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/ferry.shtml

[Ondine]

Great story, nothing like the island flavor sometimes. Thank you for the link and info, I think I'm set now. Just have to shop and pack and then relax! I'll jump back here with any last minute panic questions, but can't imagine anything not covered.
I'll try and email some pics while I'm there, or at minimum put together a little trip report afterwards.
Look forward to losing my newbie status!

[Ksea]

We all love a trip report be it big or little! We love pictures too! Have a great time. Sounds like you have the perfect attitude for a "newbie".