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Hi Everyone,
Our family of 4 will be visiting St. Thomas as first time visitors next month. We'll be on island for 8 nights before heading to the BVI. We will be renting a car, and we will be visiting STT and STJ.
I have some questions....
When we first arrive on St. Thomas, what is the best way to initialy acquaint ourselves with the island. Should we just hop in the car and start driving? How long does it take to circle the island, not counting stopping for beach time, etc.?
Or maybe we should take the $1 (or is it $2?) safari taxi around the island. How can we find out the safari pick up locations... is there one near the Marriott? How often do the safari taxis typically come? Is there any "narration" on these tours?
Or maybe we should do more of an organized tour? I've read the names os a couple of the tour companies, but many of those are geared toward cruise ship pax and include a "beach stop" and a "shopping stop", which we don't want... we can do that on our own. If we go with this option, we would prefer a simple tour including historical information about the island.
Any recommendations?
Thank you!!
Oh, we'd also possibly be interested in a walking tour of the downtown area as well.
Thanks again.
Hi SoCaTraveler,
I have some questions for you! Are you renting a Villa or staying at a resort? I see you will be renting your own car.
You can do your own tour which I believe most people do a little drive around the island, but of course you won't get the history part this way. SO, I would suggest getting a taxi (get a price first for what you want) and have them do a personal tour! This is where my question comes into place. If you are renting a villa for instance, our company uses taxi's as greeters (tho I am not a taxi). You could have it arranged very easily thru your rental agency or with your greeter at time of arrival. This would be a nice way to introduce yourself with the island and also kinda help you with learning your way around!
So, where are you staying? We can go from there! 🙂
Make sure when you do take this tour that it is by one of the certified taxi drivers. They have a big sticker saying that on their taxi. They have taken a course and are sure to have the facts right. They do have a small association and you can contact one of them at 340 771- 7876. His name is Alvin. Here is an article about a tour they did for me and one of my groups:
http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=17606377
RL
Thanks Sherri and Ron!
Sherri, we're staying at the Marriott.
I wasn't sure if we would be able to catch a tour from the Marriott, or if we'd need to go downtown to meet such a tour (in which case we'd have to figure out where to park our SUV during the tour).
I keep reading about how expensive the taxis are on STT, and that they price is per person, so I thought a (personal) taxi tour might be the most expensive option? What kind of price to do you think we'd expect to be able to negotiate for a family of 4?
Ron, I'll contact the taxi association you mention.
Carole
There's also a CD that you can buy that is supposed to be a self-guided tour. I think it is called something like "St Thomas Driving Tour". I have not tried it, so I am not sure how good it is. I've seen it in the villas I've rented. Maybe it is listed somewhere on VINOW.
Has anyone tried it?
Oh, I'd love to buy that CD!
We used the same type of CD on the Big Island of Hawaii, as well as on road to Hana on Maui. The Maui one was put together by a couple of local guys that were hillarious and kept us entertained for the full ride.
If anyone knows where to purchase this CD, I'd greatly appreciate knowing. I am going to do a bit of internet searching.
Thanks.
Hey Bluwater,
Is this what you're talking about?
http://www.vitraders.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=21-47&Category_Code=Video
I think I'll buy this. I need to find out if there's one for St. John, as well.
Carole
OK... there is another one that's a combo Puerto Rico (30 min.) / USVI (all 3 islands - 25 min.) / BVI (10 min.).
http://www.vitraders.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=21-38&Category_Code=Video
We are going to the BVI too, but not to Puerto Rico.
The St. Thomas (alone) one is 2 hours. I guess that's the better choice?
Ooo... also available from the person who put the CD together.
Yep! That's the CD I've been seeing in the villas. Good find!
Let us know how you like it, if you try it out.
Hi Blu,
Yes, that was a tough one to find.
I searched on many terms to go along with St. Thomas like CD, audio tape, driving tour, etc. Nothing, nothing, nothing. Finally typed in the operative term "audiotour" and voila... found it!!
Does the CD have history information? I honestly don't know! Ronusvi is right, you DO want someone who has the facts! Make sure you see the Jewish Synagogue, it is the 2nd Synagogue in the Western Hemisphere! lol! Ron got me on this one! 🙂 Ron, I also see conflicting info as to the actual size of the island. Some literature says 3 x13 and others say 4 x 14! What is it? Do you recommend a certain book on history? Would love to know.
Hey SoCalTraveler - - when are you at the Marriott? We will be there on 6/29 - 7/4. We also have a family of four.
LandLockedbeachLover,
Drat - we're going to miss each other. We' re there before you get there. We'll be there through the 25th... leaving the 26th for the BVI.
Carole
Soco, you can leave your leftover rum under a rock for LLBL and I to pick up! Coming in on the 26th!
What? Did I hear you say "what leftover um? We NEVER leave leftover rum!!"
Hi B.
Did you and G. find a longer-term summer rental?
Hi dntw8up!! I was just thinking about you and wondering where you were.
No, longer term didn't work out because i was lazy and didn't move on it...and becuase I have a new-ish boyfriend (3 months) and am less inclined to be away all summer 🙂 (blushing).
But, we'll be there for our almost 2 weeks and have big plans for fun in the sun....and Indigo nights!
Hope all is well with you and yours!! I know when and where to find you, right?
Yes, anything alcoholic you could leave Blu and I would be appreciated!
Glad to hear about the newish BF and I'll look for you and G. beginning on the 26th! We'll certainly be at the regular place at the regular time.
