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Hello all,
Just trying to finish some details for our trip in Feb. '07, 128 Days and counting. We are taking a much needed vacation in Feb. (the whole month to be exact) and was wondering what you all know about the ferry's to Jost Van Dyke. We are arriving in St. Thomas on a Saturday and are headed to Jost for the first leg of our trip, followed by a trip from Jost to St. John for the remainder of our vacation. I've researched the ferry schedules but am wondering the pros and cons of taking the Red Hook ferry's vs. downtown Charlotte Amalie ferry to Jost on a Sunday. Has anyone had any experience with these and can you give me any pointers? Same thing with the Jost ferry's to St. John on a Sunday. I'm looking for pros and cons and what anyone may know in regards to taking these ferry's.
Thanks in advance. Jill
Jill - just getting this bumped up to the top of the board because I know there are many out there that can help you, as this has been discussed before. Just didn't want it to get overlooked. East Ender, Bluwater, MartyonSTT, are just a few that can help. Maybe send them a PM?
Hmmmm.....all I can think of is that Charlotte Amalie ferry will take longer than Red Hook Ferry. Some people prefer that since they want to spend more time on the water and less driving on STT to get to Red Hook. If seasickness isn't a problem, I would probably opt for the Charlotte Amalie to Jost ferry. Also, if you are not just in time for the ferry, there is a good bar/restaurant at the Charlotte Amalie terminal - "The Pump Room".
I have also heard from my parents, who ferry from Charlotte Amalie to Tortola several times a year, that drinks from the PUMP ROOM's bar are served out onto the top deck of the Tortola ferry while you wait for departure. The same might be true for the Jost ferry. What a way to begin!
You're arriving on a Sat, but catching the Sunday ferry. Where are you spending Sat night?
A month??!! Is February the month for the un-tethered to be there? I think we've seen a couple of posts from folks headed down for a month in Feb. Wow - wish it was me. Enjoy!!
Marty, Islander and anyone else with the info.
Any thoughts on this?
I don't know how my name got involved in a conversation on public transportation! I haven't been on a BVI ferry in years. 😉
Unless something has changed, the ferry from Red Hook (check the schedule before you go, it is listed at 8 am and 2 pm on the schedule above under "Plan your trip.") goes to Cruz Bay, then to Jost. This is the simplest, most direct method. The same ferry goes directly to St John, then Red Hook on return. There are also ferries to West End, Tortola with a transfer to a JVD ferry, but that is kind of a pain, and only needed if you aren't traveling on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Is the Red Hook ferry pretty reliable with regards to leaving at 8 and 2? If for some reason the 8 doesn't go then I'm assuming you'd have to wait around until the 2 or do they leave at some other point?! The Charlotte Amalie ferry seems to leave more frequently but it was mentioned you have to transfer from one ferry to the next, not to sound completely stupid but do you literally get off one ferry and get on another or is it just a matter of stopping to let others off and on?! I've looked at different sights for the schedules and such but nobody gives mention to transferring etc. It simply says from Charlotte Amalie to Jost or Red Hook to Jost etc. I'm just trying to get a handle on scheduling so we can make the most of our time and not spend it waiting around for ferry's. Again, any help/info at this time would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jill
Sorry, that would be my fault, EE, I just thought you seemed very knowledgeable in alot of areas regarding STT. Didn't mean to drag you into this. "Jill" stated that she had already searched the schedules etc. she was just wondering about the difference between the CA and the Red Hook ferries, and I thought you might be someone who could answer.
Just teasin' Mountaineer! 😉 I guess my 😉 didn't work??
Jill: Yes, it is pretty reliable. The other ferries require getting off and getting on a separate ferry. That is why the direct one is the easiest! I would just call a few days ahead to make sure that the schedule is still the same, also ask what time you have to be there. I believe it is like 30 min ahead.
Jill,
You will love Jost! Take a deep breath and suck it all in!!
Personally, when I am travelling, I just want to get there as soon as I can and be done with it the traveling part, so I would opt for the Red Hook ferry, as it will be the most direct to Jost, time-wise. When you get you luggage at the aiport, just tell the cabbie that you ned to go to the Red Hook ferry dock and they'll get you there. Have fun! Good luck to ya on swinging the ring!!
Marty,
"Swinging the ring!!" ???????
EE - that's the second time I didn't get our "wink"!! the other time was the remark about snorkeling being horrible at Secret harbour. oh well, I need to pay more attention!
