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Planning my next visit to STJ in November and want to take a day trip Jost Van Dyke. In June I took a water taxi that cost $120 round trip plus $40 custom fees. I noticed a Ferry runs round trip from STJ to Jost Van Dyke for $80 round trip. This site states the entry fee is included but there is a departure fee. Anyone know the departure fee? Also, I see the advantage of the water taxi is that it will take you to White Bay (Soggy Dollar bar) where as I would have to take a taxi to the Soggy Dollar from the ferry dock and back and make sure I get there in time before the ferry left or be stranded. Considering taxi fare which I believe is about $12 round trip with tip that take it to about $92 plus the departure fee. Am I wrong in thinking the water taxi though a bit more costly is the better way for me to go for a day trip to Jost Van Dyke? I will be traveling with two friends and realize we will need to find at least three others to have at least 6 on the taxi. Anyone out there is in this forum travel both ways for a day trip to Jost? Thank you in advance.
Two years ago we took the ferry from St. John to JVD. The departure fee was around $20, but I can't remember it exactly. Although we took a taxi to the Soggy Dollar, other folks were walking it. The ferry does get you there quite early, which is good and bad: didn't want to start drinking painkillers that early in the day, but I did have breakfast at the Soggy Dollar! Maybe the water taxi would be more flexible with timing.
Departure tax is now $15 for residents and $20 for non residents - it was upped an additional $5 earlier this year. Obviously there's a little more flexibility with the taxi if you can get enough people together as they won't make the trip with just a couple for the excursion price - but both ways of getting there have their pluses and minuses. I've never taken the water taxi but it seems like a decent trip and I think getting directly into White Bay and not having to stand in line at immigration are big pluses!
Good Point STT Resident. I traveled with a friend in June and the Dolphin Water taxi was very good at recruiting four others for the trip. I will be with two others this trip so probably give them a call and take the ferry only if they are unable to recruit at least three other passengers. They have a 6 person minimum which is understandable considering fuel prices.
I'm a ferry girl... Get off in Great Harbor, walk down to Corsair's for a Pirate Sandwich. Get a taxi or walk the hill if it's coolish. IMHO, the view from above down into White Bay is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen... Can't get that from the water. Ivan's is rebuilding, trying to open in Nov. There's lots more than just Soggy $. Enjoy, whatever you choose.
I heard about Ivans. hope he gets rebuilt by my November visit.
i agree with boomerang...take the ferry, you have to stop by and see vinny at corsairs and visit foxy's either before or after soggy.
