USVI-On-Line

Hello all! Coming to St John for the first time in April. Have a couple of questions for the veterans here.

1. Our plane lands on STT at 3PM on a Tuesday. We will necessarily have checked bags to wait for. My concern is that by the time we get to STJ will all rental companies still be open for us to pick up our car for the drive to Coral Bay or is there a certain company I should go with? Also, when does it get dark - not crazy about driving across the island for the first time in the dark.

2. As we are staying on the sunrise side, would like to see at least one good sunset while we're there - any suggestions on the best way to do this?

Thanks!

I would plan to have a private taxi take you to Red Hook. That way you have a fighting chance to make the 4pm boat.
Also, talk to your villa manager about the jeep rental. They will likely have a company that will allow them to pick up the car or will stay late for you if you are on the 5pm boat. We have been luck that STJ Car Rental will leave the keys with our rental agent and we come back in the morning to sign the paperwork.

Depending on what you are looking for, there are a few options for sunset. Dinner at Zozo's or Asolare. Fine dining, reservation required. Beach Bar, rum drink, beach, water...how great is that?
Frank Bay, just past Gallows Point. Great quiet spot to watch the sunset.

I believe that most of the rental companies close at 5:00, but call yours and let them know your schedule. Often, if they're closed when you arrive they will leave the keys with your villa rental rep, and you can return to do your paperwork the next day.

They do not observe daylight savings time, so you will need to scoot to avoid a cross island drive in the dark, but if you have to don't worry too much about it. You'll likely be following someone to the villa that is familiar with the drive, right?

There are a lot of sunset options, from picking out a west facing beach, to having dinner/drinks somewhere with a sunset view. After you're there a day or two decide what will work best for you and your group.

We almost always land around 2:30 or 3:00. Best suggestions have been given. Private taxi to the "Hook", arrange with car rental ahead of time, also really look at what you are packing. Most here would agree as we were newbies at one time too....
..first timers always overpack. Try for only carry on if possible.

We almost always land around 2:30 or 3:00. Best suggestions have been given. Private taxi to the "Hook", arrange with car rental ahead of time, also really look at what you are packing. Most here would agree as we were newbies at one time too....
..first timers always overpack. Try for only carry on if possible.

Sadly, I will have to work all the way there and back and probably about an hour day while we're there. Work items will take up the bulk of my carry on, so I can't get away with not checking luggage. The people we're renting from are meeting us at Skinny Legs, not the port. Should I be concerned about making the drive for the first time at night? I guess I could always cab over to Skinny Legs, then come back the next day to pick up the car?

Sunset at Maho is the best.


PICT0343 by JRSIII, on Flickr

Bugs can sometimes be a problem if it has rained recently.

Driving in the dark the first night is all part of the adventure...

Enjoy!

The likelyhood of getting a cab to Skinny Legs is slim and getting one back in the AM is almost impossible.

You will drive straight out Centerline road until you get to Skinny Legs. While the road is curvy, you will not have to turn off of that road so it is a simple ride.
Work with your rental agent to find out who to rent your jeep from so you can pick up after 5 if necessary.

Early on I worried about night driving...centerline is a slightly curvey but straight shot to Skinny's...although north shore has usually less traffic. Slow and careful you will be okay...remember...


Stay left!

If you cannot arrange with the villa manager to meet you with the keys to the rental jeep try www.bookajeep.com I believe that L&L is there until 6pm. They have a fee for them to stay late for pick up. They meet you at the dock and pickup and drop off is very easy.

We have had the rental car company leave the key's under the mat for late pickup

Thank you all for your responses - I will see if I can find a place open till 6 and not worry about the drive then. So excited - can't wait. How crowded is the island with tourists in April? We chose STJ as it appears to be the least busy, so hoping all the reports of crowded beaches will be less of an issue by April.