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Hi everyone! I need some expert advice and where better to go for it than here? Four of us will be spending a week on STJ and we would like to see Norman Island and also Jost Van Dyke. For two of us, this will be our first time to see either of these islands. What sights on each island should we be sure not to miss?? Although I have read (from Pia) that there are ferries to take over to JVD, I can't get the ferry schedule above (with prices) to pull up. Does anyone know the price and also, would you recommend the ferry vs. a charter boat (we don't have an overwhelming budget). We also want to snorkel the caves at Norman Island. Any recommendations on a charter boat to get there? Full day or half day? Has anyone taken the Nauti Nymph? If so, what did you think? As I said earlier, we need to maximize our money but don't want to cut corners so much that we miss out on any once-in-a-lifetime chances! Thanks so much to all for any help you can be!
SuzyQ51
I always charter with seeandski , they do a nice job ! ( red hook area ) I have used them at least a half dozen times ! Sto at sandy spit island on your trip , it is my fav !
The ferry costs $50. The $20 fee to go through customs is included in that price.
I talked to Nauti Nymph before our trip, but they were booked. It's quite a bit more, but I do think they are much more flexible with the itineraries. It can't hurt to give them a call or drop them an e-mail.
If you need their address let me know, but it should be on this page somewhere or easily found on the Web.
We love the Sandspur from St. Thomas, they will pick you up on St. John-great experience: www.sandspurcharters.com
Well Suzi depending on your budget i would recommend 2 day charters (power boats) that will pick you up and drop off on st john... one would be new horizons II which will take you to virgin gorda to visit the baths then lunch at marina cay and then onto white bay (jost) for the afternoon... the other is limnos which will also visit the baths then onto norman to snorkel the caves... as far as day sails , try daydreamer, they take you to jost, first foxy's for lunch then white bay for cocktails. all these charters will make a few stops for snorkeling have snacks and cocktails included for,in or around $90 to $120 per person (plus tip)... ive done all 3 and would do all again
We used John Brandi with Palm Tree Charters last July. We hit several snorkel spots including the Caves and the Indians and have already booked a day in April for a JVD visit. Here's a couple of links. This is an interview with Capt. John - http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/10/15/shot-of-brandi-the-indians/ This is his website. http://www.palmtreecharters.com/
Feel free to give them a call. He and his wife are very nice and would be happy to help you.
Have fun!
SuzieQ:
Try 6-Paq Scuba. They will do a custom boat trip for about the same as Nauti-Nymph. Another option is Lion in da Sun. Both are captained power boats and have excellent reputations. Check with Connections for contact information. For a day trip, I would suggest going to Baths, Norman, and Jost. Since there are four of you, a private small charter should be most relaxing, and you get to do what you want to do when you want to do it--as long as you get back in time to clear through US Customs. If you like crowds, then you might enjoy one of the bigger boats. Whatever you decide, have an awesome vacation!
Liz
Thanks for all the advice. I hope I made the right choice! We booked a charter through Capt. John at Palm Tree Charters. It will be just the 4 of us (I don't swim well so don't like crowds) and after awhile on the phone (can't imagine the next phone bill), it sounds perfect. We'll be able to tailor it as we go, but we'll start at STJ head to Waterlemon Cove, then check in at Tortola (BVI customs)and a little snorkeling there. Then off to the caves at Norman Island, lunch at either the Willy T or at Foxy's at JVD, finally finishing at the Soggy Dollar. Sounds like a lot of stops, but we can decide how long to stay at each stop at the time we are there. Takes in everything we wanted to see in one long day! I'm sure we'll be wiped out and sleep a lot the next day - but it should be worth it!!
Thanks again!
SuzyQ51
Have fun and enjoy your vacation! Your KY friend. 🙂
