Well Steve it all depends on where you are from. Big city? Small town?

Ask yourself a few questions....

Will it totally bewilder me to drive on the left hand side of the road?

Do I mind long uphill grades?

How good are you with a clutch? Renting an automatic is definitely better because of starting and stopping on the hills.

Do you mind extremely small roads with barely enough room for two cars to pass?

Honestly it's not as bad as most people think. I lived on St. Thomas for over a year and am moving back there in October. The best advise that was given to me was always make sure that the driver can reach out and touch the bush. And watch out for the cabs and safari buses, because they won't watch out for you.

How long will you be on the island? If it will be for less than 6 hours, I really suggest going to the "Vendor's plaza" and hopping a cab or safari bus from there. If you plan on going to an out of the way place they will get you there faster. The roads there criss cross like crazy and it's easy to get lost if you don't know where you are going.

Let me know if I can hook you up with any good places to visit. Tell me what you like and I'll direct you to the best (and cheapest) people.

Thanks for your response. We'll be there from 8 - 5. We're hopingvto find a couple of nice beaches to swim and snorkel. Aside from that, i would welcome any recomendations for food, shopping, water activities ect.

Hello Steve,

A few beaches, lunch, shopping and water activities between 8-5 - whew thats a lot of things. 🙂

Which beaches were you considering? Coki, Sapphire and Secret Harbor would be your good bets for snorkeling, easily accessed. I would say beach hop in that order then have lunch at Blue Moon Cafe at Secret Harbor. You might try some kayaking at Sapphire or jet skis if you want. Then after lunch do a little island drive to see some of the island and then in the later afternoon return the rental car and do some shoping in Havensight before getting back on the ship (if you are docked in Havensight that is). You won't have much time at each beach, but they are relatively close to each other so is doable.

Have a great time.

--Islander

With so many cabbies around, it would be best to forego a car. It would just slow you down. the locals can take you wherever you want to go.

Hello Islander

My husband and I will be coming to St. Thomas in late April. Is this a less crowded time or is it always crowded? Staying at a hotel in Charlie Amalie..does it take long to drive to shopping and historic sights? Thanks for any information. Are there certain days that it is not as crowded? Is everything up hill or can you shop and tour some flat land?
Sorry for all the petty questions.

About St Croix...is this any less safe to stay on than St. Thomas?

Thanks,

Bekka