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Don't Bite the Newb - Intro & Hellos
Don't Bite the Newb - Intro & Hellos
Hi everyone,
Got the opportunity to plan a quick March trip and chose St. John. Of course the first thing I did was look for a forum! I'll be traveling with my husband and my grown daughter.
Found lots of useful info here so far. We will be staying at Bo Atabey for a week, and we found decent airfare from Chicago. ($288 + tax = $315 pp)
Just wanted to say hello and thanks for all the great posts, especially the trip reports.
I'm a little confused about the logistics... I guess we get off the plane in STT and then take a taxi to the people ferry? Which one? Land in Cruz bay and get our rental car?
In March, how are the crowds as far as parking in town and at the beaches?
Thinking of chartering a boat for day and getting girl drink drunk too. Other than that, finding some easy snorkel spots and a lot of daydreaming.
Nice to meet you all
Got the opportunity to plan a quick March trip and chose St. John. Of course the first thing I did was look for a forum! I'll be traveling with my husband and my grown daughter.
Found lots of useful info here so far. We will be staying at Bo Atabey for a week, and we found decent airfare from Chicago. ($288 + tax = $315 pp)
Just wanted to say hello and thanks for all the great posts, especially the trip reports.
I'm a little confused about the logistics... I guess we get off the plane in STT and then take a taxi to the people ferry? Which one? Land in Cruz bay and get our rental car?
In March, how are the crowds as far as parking in town and at the beaches?
Thinking of chartering a boat for day and getting girl drink drunk too. Other than that, finding some easy snorkel spots and a lot of daydreaming.
Nice to meet you all
Welcome, ifloat and congratulations on booking your St. John vacation! Most likely, you'll be hooked like the rest of us soon 
After you gather your bags at the airport, head to the left out to the doors to the taxi stand. (I usually like to grab a cold Carib as I wait for my bags). Tell the dispatcher that you are going to 'Red Hook'. The ferry leaves every hour on the hour. Be prepared to wait until the taxi fills up (with all 10 seats). Also, be prepared for a twisty and turny, yet beautiful ride (takes about 45 minutes). At Red Hook, get your tickets to St. John. The ferry ride is about 20 minutes. Be sure to rent a car on St. John. I recommend St. John car rental as they have a parking lot right in town. Car rentals book up quickly and March is prime season so book right away.
You will find beaches crowded in March but get there early and you'll have better luck. Also, the beauty of St. John is if one beach is crowded, just continue on the the next one
Have an amazing vacation!
After you gather your bags at the airport, head to the left out to the doors to the taxi stand. (I usually like to grab a cold Carib as I wait for my bags). Tell the dispatcher that you are going to 'Red Hook'. The ferry leaves every hour on the hour. Be prepared to wait until the taxi fills up (with all 10 seats). Also, be prepared for a twisty and turny, yet beautiful ride (takes about 45 minutes). At Red Hook, get your tickets to St. John. The ferry ride is about 20 minutes. Be sure to rent a car on St. John. I recommend St. John car rental as they have a parking lot right in town. Car rentals book up quickly and March is prime season so book right away.
You will find beaches crowded in March but get there early and you'll have better luck. Also, the beauty of St. John is if one beach is crowded, just continue on the the next one
Have an amazing vacation!
NancyB
Re: Don't Bite the Newb - Intro & Hellos
Welcome!ifloat wrote:I guess we get off the plane in STT and then take a taxi to the people ferry? Which one? Land in Cruz bay and get our rental car?
Yes to all questions.. Take the Taxi to the Red Hook Ferry but you need to confirm your arrival time on the plane to make sure you can get to the boat in time.
I would think you need to allot about 1.5 hours minimum upon deplaning to reach the ferry via the taxi. It's hurry up and wait once you land
Or like Nancy B said!
Ferry schedules
http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/interisland_ferry/#St. John Passenger Ferry: Red Hook to Cruz Bay
Ferry schedules
http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/interisland_ferry/#St. John Passenger Ferry: Red Hook to Cruz Bay
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California Girl
Hi! Welcome to the forum. We usually don't bite... too hard! LOL! There is also a ferry from Charlotte Amalie, depending on what time your plane lands. There aren't as many ferry times from CA, but I prefer it, myself. I opt for a shorter taxi ride & longer ferry ride... it's still only about 40 minutes to STJ from Charlotte Amalie, if that long.
There's been a lot of discussion on the forum regarding the pros n' cons of renting a car on STT or on STJ so I can't really push in one direction or the other. The main reason most people rent on STJ is that if you have a problem with a car rented on STT (flat tire, fender bender, etc.), you're on your own. If you rent on STJ, usually the car rental company will come and bail you out of a situation. Try to rent from a company that allows you to park at their lot when you're in Cruz Bay, as parking is scarce in town...particularly "on season". We rented from Courtesy Car Rental and they were absolutely fabulous! Would rent from them again in a heartbeat!
As to beaches, the North Shore beaches that are closer to Cruz Bay tend to get busier (Trunk Bay, Cinnamon, Hawksnest) so if the parking lots are filled or crowded, just keep on driving... you'll get to Maho Bay and the parking is along the road, practically on the sand and it's an awesome beach! If you plan to go to Trunk Bay, check the cruise ship schedule, as that's where the ships take their passengers for the day. Try to go on a non-cruise ship day, or very early in the day, as you can move on to another beach when it begins to fill up with cruisers. I love Trunk Bay, they have a snack bar and they sell "girlie" drinks (but it's not like you can put the flag up on your chaise lounge and have someone wait on you - it's self-serve only). They have bathrooms, showers and all sorts of things to make life easy. But I don't like it when it's crowded.
You can also use some of the beaches at Caneel Bay (Salomon, Honeymoon) and park in their lot, as well. Those are two gorgeous beaches!
You'll have a wonderful time and you'll find the people on this forum very friendly and helpful! You came to the right place!
There's been a lot of discussion on the forum regarding the pros n' cons of renting a car on STT or on STJ so I can't really push in one direction or the other. The main reason most people rent on STJ is that if you have a problem with a car rented on STT (flat tire, fender bender, etc.), you're on your own. If you rent on STJ, usually the car rental company will come and bail you out of a situation. Try to rent from a company that allows you to park at their lot when you're in Cruz Bay, as parking is scarce in town...particularly "on season". We rented from Courtesy Car Rental and they were absolutely fabulous! Would rent from them again in a heartbeat!
As to beaches, the North Shore beaches that are closer to Cruz Bay tend to get busier (Trunk Bay, Cinnamon, Hawksnest) so if the parking lots are filled or crowded, just keep on driving... you'll get to Maho Bay and the parking is along the road, practically on the sand and it's an awesome beach! If you plan to go to Trunk Bay, check the cruise ship schedule, as that's where the ships take their passengers for the day. Try to go on a non-cruise ship day, or very early in the day, as you can move on to another beach when it begins to fill up with cruisers. I love Trunk Bay, they have a snack bar and they sell "girlie" drinks (but it's not like you can put the flag up on your chaise lounge and have someone wait on you - it's self-serve only). They have bathrooms, showers and all sorts of things to make life easy. But I don't like it when it's crowded.
You can also use some of the beaches at Caneel Bay (Salomon, Honeymoon) and park in their lot, as well. Those are two gorgeous beaches!
You'll have a wonderful time and you'll find the people on this forum very friendly and helpful! You came to the right place!
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
Hi there!
Whether to take the Charlotte Amalie ferry or the Red Hook is a matter of personal preference. Ask yourself whether you would prefer a longer cab ride and shorter ferry ride or visa versa. I'm with Caligirl in that we prefer to wait for the Charlotte Amalie ferry. The ferry dock is an 8-10 minute drive from the airport and the ferry ride is 40 something minutes. The cabs are large vans and they don't go until they are full unless you reserve a private cab. After a long flight we are so happy to be in the warm tropical air that we prefer less time in the cab. I love the ferry ride especially upstairs on the deck. If we have to wait for the next ferry we just go across the street to Drake's Passage and enjoy an inaugural tropical adult beverage and drink in Caribbean atmosphere while we wait.
You'll get lots of info here so start taking notes and you'll be hooked in no time!
Whether to take the Charlotte Amalie ferry or the Red Hook is a matter of personal preference. Ask yourself whether you would prefer a longer cab ride and shorter ferry ride or visa versa. I'm with Caligirl in that we prefer to wait for the Charlotte Amalie ferry. The ferry dock is an 8-10 minute drive from the airport and the ferry ride is 40 something minutes. The cabs are large vans and they don't go until they are full unless you reserve a private cab. After a long flight we are so happy to be in the warm tropical air that we prefer less time in the cab. I love the ferry ride especially upstairs on the deck. If we have to wait for the next ferry we just go across the street to Drake's Passage and enjoy an inaugural tropical adult beverage and drink in Caribbean atmosphere while we wait.
You'll get lots of info here so start taking notes and you'll be hooked in no time!
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Boston Mike
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:41 am
- Location: Boston, MA.
Welcome
Welcome to the forum!
We visited St. John for the 1st time last year and the bug bit us very hard. We have been to many islands in the past and St. John was at the top of our list on next to visit. For these two newbies, we were hooked and hooked bad. We already have our plans in place for a return visit in May. Funny thing is we never like to repeat an island visit back to back. That is how bad the St. John bug bit us. We can't wait until we return.
The folks are very helpful on this forum. The best information you get is right from the horses mouth. You are talking folks that live there or visit often. Read the forum and I am sure all your answer will come.
Just one thing before you depart Chicago for St. John. "Check your problems at the door"
Have fun!
We visited St. John for the 1st time last year and the bug bit us very hard. We have been to many islands in the past and St. John was at the top of our list on next to visit. For these two newbies, we were hooked and hooked bad. We already have our plans in place for a return visit in May. Funny thing is we never like to repeat an island visit back to back. That is how bad the St. John bug bit us. We can't wait until we return.
The folks are very helpful on this forum. The best information you get is right from the horses mouth. You are talking folks that live there or visit often. Read the forum and I am sure all your answer will come.
Just one thing before you depart Chicago for St. John. "Check your problems at the door"
Have fun!
Life begins where the land ends!
you will LOVE LOVE LOVE Bo Atabey!!!!!!
we just returned from there (the first renters!) i am going to post a review as soon as i get my act together ---but it is LOVELY! honestly they paid true attention to detail and it really shows.
we just returned from there (the first renters!) i am going to post a review as soon as i get my act together ---but it is LOVELY! honestly they paid true attention to detail and it really shows.
< leaving on the 22nd of march...but too lame to figure out the ticker thing again!>
Thanks for the welcomes and the information. Also very glad to hear that Bo Atabey is lovely!
I think I'd better get busy and buy the trip insurance right away. And rent the car.
My husband just told me to RELAX. But I like to get things planned.
I'm going to fall asleep muttering KEEP LEFT for the next two months.
I think I'd better get busy and buy the trip insurance right away. And rent the car.
My husband just told me to RELAX. But I like to get things planned.
I'm going to fall asleep muttering KEEP LEFT for the next two months.