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Hi folks, first of all thank you for the previous info you have provided it has been very helpful. I'm very excited to be arriving in VI for the first time next Tuesday the 15th. I have a couple of last questions. we would like to do a 1/2 or full day sail and would like some recommendations. Is the full day worth it or too much? I have researched the KEKOA sail to Jost Van Dyke and it seems nice however it seems like it's a bit expensive as it does not include lunch. I guess I'm trying to compare it to other day sails I have experienced like in Aruba (midushi) for same money and included a nice island lunch. Any info would be greatly appreciated. We have a nice condo with a full kitchen and some friends that have visited and one that grew up in STT has suggested that we pack a small cooler with some basics (pasta, some nice cuts of meat and other snacks as it will make it easier and less expensive). However I'm not sure I want to do all that unless I'm going to be paying too much for groceries there. Thank you in advance for your time and suggestions!!!
I prefer a full day over a half as it gives you more downtime relaxing, more spots to snorkel and more sights to see. Half a day just doesn't seem enough! There are so many to recommend but I'll throw out S/V Independence for a start of hopefully what will be the first of many suggestions:
Captain Pat Stoeken has been sailing these waters in this beautiful vessel for many years and has a fabulous reputation as both as a wonderful host and a great mariner (and she serves up great food, too!) As you'll see from the website, the boat goes out of Red Hook.
As far as packing food to bring with you, it's really not worth it unless you have a big group or there's something in particular you simply can't live without while here! Grocery prices average 30% higher than stateside. The higher mark-ups are generally on such as breakfast cereals but you can find pretty much everything you either want or need very easily. I don't know where you're staying but my recommendations for shopping trips are CostULess and Plaza Extra.
Whatever you decide upon, enjoy a wonderful visit which hopefully will be just the first of many to come!
We sailed on new horizons and had a blast. Lunch was included with 2 snorkling stops. Capt. Steve was fun. Honeymoon beach was too die for. Book online for discount, but be prepared to pay cash onboard.
We just returned after visiting for the first time. Loved the island. I highly suggest packing a cooler. Its alot cheaper and more convenient. We paid $21.99 for a pound of shrimp at the market!! I did not however find the restaurants to be that expensive, after reading reviews I was concerned. There are plenty of great options and if you hit happy hours and eat lunch late that helps. You can buy fresh fish on the pier at Sapphire when the boats come in. Have a great time.
During our first STT trip seven or eight years ago we did a full day trip with Coconut and had a great time sailing and snorkeling around St John. Last trip we went with New Horizons on the full day trip to the Baths and JVD and it was great. A bit pricey but a great trip for everyone. Next week we will be using Kekoa for full day sail around SJ and it looks like a great trip. I like the idea of being on a big Catamaran for the day. Have a great trip.
