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We are arriving into ST this week - staying at the Wyndham. We are planning a day to St. John, and of course, spending time at the resort. We will be on ST for the 4th - what are recommendations for must do's and must see's for a first time family vacation to St. Thomas? I have read and heard about shopping in Charlotte Amalie, day-trip to St. John (ferry from Red Hook), and Blackbeard's. Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions - and I have a couple of questions below. We are looking forward to our vacation (but a little nervous about the weather - rain??).
What is a highly recommended beach accessible from the Wyndham? Best way to get there?
Is the best way to get around the island (and off the resort) by using the "dollar openair tram." Is there such a thing? I heard there is one at the entrance of the Wyndham.
How much is the ferry from Red Hook ST to St. John per person?
What is the best way to get four people from the Wyndham to Charlotte Amalie shopping - is it called Main Street in Charlotte Amalie?
Best experience for first time snorkeling? Where to go?
4th of July Activities? Parades? Festivals/celebrations?
Anything else you can suggest, recommend, or share is greatly appreciated!! Thank you!
Rent a car! Taxis charge per person. Taxi rates are posted above - go to "St Thomas" on the bar above, scroll down to "transportation" and then to "taxi rates" for all the info. Taxi fare from Wyndham to town is $10 per person plus tip EACH WAY so you can see how the fares add up very quickly. Ferry schedules and rates are posted under "Quick Links" top right. If you rent from anyone other than Hertz you can take your rental vehicle over to St John and enjoy a day traveling around at your leisure.
The $1/$2 safari buses run in only one direction, West to East and aren't on a regular schedule. They're NOT recommended for tourists unless you want to spend a good portion of your well deserved vacation standing on the side of a well-traveled road in the hot sun trying to figure out whether the converted truck which stops is a dollar bus or a regular taxi ...
The best beaches on STT are a short drive from the Wyndham - Secret Harbor, Sapphire, Smith Bay Park and Coki. Secret Harbor, Sapphire and Coki are very good snorkeling beaches but keep an eye on the cruise ship schedule where Coki is concerned as on heavy cruise ship days it gets jam packed.
The big festivities over July 4th are on St John when their Carnival is under way. The Wyndham will have plenty of information about the activities going on there.
Hope that helps and that you enjoy a wonderful family vacation!
Hi There,
I have stayed at Wyndham Sugar Bay once after a villa (and finding out we weren't villa people), we used the resort as a home base. Sugar bay has many planned activities for families and something for everybody and great views, not the best beach compared to others. From the left side of the beach we realized we could carry our shoes and walk across to Point Peasant's small beach, up the stairs and through the nature walk to Fungi's, we even saw Wyndham guests kayak over for lunch. Also we have done this and then walked over to Coki after having lunch at Fungi's.
We rent a car on St Thomas as seasoned visitors to the island, however at first we didn't want to bother with driving left and traffic/parking. Now because we also taxi around as well while there, for instance at night and when we might be drinking, we usually reserve a long weekend rate instead of leaving the car sit when not using it. Typically the first couple days are for unwinding, and heavy cruise traffic will cause traffic jams. There are some crazy drivers there and you need to stay sharp, parking is also a challenge too. Clearly some drivers speed, tailgate tourists who are trying to sight see, and clearly drunks drive after having too many while on vacation..
Magens Bay is one of the top 10 beaches in the world so don't miss it, as is Trunk Bay in St John, both of these beaches also have full facilities, as does Coki. Don't worry about planning around the cruise ship people, they only stay at beaches for an hour, shop on light cruise ship days. We have found shops in town opened when no ships were in, but close early.
We enjoy Mountain Top, thank goodness it keeps surviving. Do check for when the Wyndham has carnival night, the family will enjoy it; steel pan music, fire eaters, glass dancing, limbo, mocko jumbies.
Regards
LB
Don't miss the carnival on STJ.
Billd
