USVI-On-Line

This will be our first visit to STJ and I am wrestling with should we do a charter this trip? Going to Jost sounds fun including a snorkel stop along the way, I've looked at Palm Tree charters and it's expensive so do you experienced forumites find it's worth it to charter a day trip? If so, to where? Is Jost the go to destination, something we shouldn't miss? Personally, I am not much of a drinker (husband will really enjoy!) I would enjoy seeing unique natural areas. I've read about bubbles, caves, baths, but we obviously can't do it all. Or perhaps just a half day snorkel charter with Wayward sailor would be a better idea for a change of pace? Also, if the weather is poor it would not be fun to be out on a boat, yet, we would be committed...as you can see I am wrestling with whether I should book something or not and your advice, suggestions on charters and where to go (or not to go on our first trip) would be much appreciated!

We were looking at a charter day trip, but Palm Charters was a little too rich for our blood, so we're going to "Try Scuba" with 6paq scuba on the 28th. It's a half day, $149 per person. I would like to go on a charter with Captain John someday though, maybe next year if we travel with a larger group...

Depends really on what you would like to do...
A lot of people like Jost..If you would like to spend more than a couple hours there (that you would get on a charter) then you can just take the ferry over. That would also give you some flexibility..If you feel like going that day, go. If not, then don't. No commitment. It's not just to drink. It is one of the most beautiful places/beaches you will experience.
Day trips are fun, but are more about being out on the water and spending a little time at several different places vs more time at one place. If you decide you would like to go with Capt John, you might contact Sue and see if they have a couple open spots going one day with some other people. Then you wouldn't have to pay the whole charter fee yourselves. Not sure if they do that, but worth checking out.
We are planning to take the ferry over to Jost one of the days during our visit. Would like to do a day charter too, but only have 5 days on island this trip so we don't want to spend 2 of them "off island"....
Have a great time no matter what you decide!! St. John has more than plenty to enjoy and explore without even leaving the island.. Pam

Bonny in CA wrote:We were looking at a charter day trip, but Palm Charters was a little too rich for our blood, so we're going to "Try Scuba" with 6paq scuba on the 28th. It's a half day, $149 per person. I would like to go on a charter with Captain John someday though, maybe next year if we travel with a larger group...

Thank you Bonny! But let's put it this way, in our group of 5, I'm the only one that has snorkeled and for me that was on my honeymoon in Mexico in 1987!! None of the rest have ever snorkeled, nevermind scuba dive! Believe it or not I actually hired Pam Gaffin to meet with us on our first full day on the island to give us all a lesson in how to snorkel...I know that's rather lame, not knowing how to snorkel, but we live in Kansas! I grew up on the coast of Maine, but you're lucky to dunk all the way under in the ocean there and get out before hypothermia sets in...even on the hottest day of the summer! So, the charter would be for beginner snorkelers...I can't even remember the last time I went swimmimg...so if any forumites are on the island at the same time we are and you see a group of 4 middle aged very white people with one 21 year old flailing about wildly in the water...it's probably us !

lol - I'll keep an eye out for your group!

We are thinking of taking a ferry to one of the BVI during our trip this time too. Mostly because I want my passport stamped!

Unless you are staying longer than a week, there is plenty to see on St. John. Actually, you could probably fill 2 weeks! If finances are a concern, leave it for another trip because you will want to come back! We have done charter trips with Palm Tree and others and they are a lot of fun but some of the snorkeling is out in open water which may be scary for beginners. There is so much great snorkeling right off the beaches of STJ that I think I would just do that first with newbies.

I think beginning snorkelers would do great with Capt. Phil. His knowledge and enthusiasm and love of teaching shine through. I believe his prices are pretty reasonable, as well.
If the budget doesn't permit it this visit though, I think you're off to a great start with Pam (GOOD idea!) at the beginning of your vacation, and snorkels from shore. You can save an excursion for next time! We didn't feel the need for an excursion until our fourth trip, and even then it was only because I had a specific skill I wanted to learn, from a great teacher. Capt. Phil did a great job with us!