The vacationers are easy to spot. The folks that live here, also easy, IMHO. There are around 3,000-3,500 residents of STJ, and the majority of them live here year 'round. Tourism is the only industry, so there will most likely be just as many tourist as locals, even in August. Hitch hiking is commonplace, not illegal, but not done with the thumb. Locals do it, but I don't see many visitors trying it. Not a good idea, IMHO. Taxiis are abundant and reasonably priced. They charge per person, per destination and they all charge the same, as it is regulated by the VI Taxi Association. Have fun!

There is a public VITRAN bus that runs on St John, but doesn't stop at the major tourist spots or beaches. The scenery is great, and it will take you to Coral Bay and back to town. For now, it's still $1 each way. Don't know the schedule, but I've taken this bus for the heck of it, and I think it runs every hour or so.

Rather than hitchhiking, try to stay in town - Cruz Bay. You'll be able to walk to a lot of eating places, and a taxi to Trunk Bay from town might be about $5 each way.

Hello,

I just got back from 16 days in St. john. while there, The bus boke down and everyone form kids to workers from St. thomas were stranded! I was able to pick up some kids (locals) heading into town on a Friday night, as well as workers trying to get back to the ferry in St. John to go home to St. thomas! All were VERY friendly and would talk as much (or as little) as you wanted to.

Also, I picked up a guy who sails around as a hobby (and was from Brussels and Young!) who just wanted a ride to Coral Bay (easy).

It was intimidating at first to see a stranded person(s) needing a ride, but really, it was way too hot for anyone to be standing on the road much less walking. It is the island way to get to where they are going.

Hitch if you want, but wait you probably will.

Dean

I spent about a month on St. John a few years ago and got around almost exclusively by hitch-hiking. The locals are friendly and will generally pick you up.. unless you are on your way up a hill.. in which case they don't want to put the breaks on.. so .. it's best to be on top of a hill or a flat spot if hitching. I leave on Tuesday to spend another month, and am hoping to rely on the kindness of locals/visitors once again.

I haven't picked up any hitchikers on the mainland for decades, but I do it pretty routinely on STJ (unless i get any sort of weird feeling). I also haven't hitchiked on the mainland in decades and would fear to do so. I would hitchike on STJ, but use the same caution that I used when I'd hitchike on the mainland----that is, decline the ride if it didn't feel right (for any reason and for the slightest reason).

In the islands you point your finger the direction you are going...they dont use their thumb! Youll see places where other hitchers are waiting. Mostly the locals will pick you up as they know you need a ride. The tourists are mostly too scared. At night time, just be careful. There are taxis in town til around midnight.