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Hi,
We will stop at the island for one day 12/20/04.
I'm hoping some patient soul will entertain my many questions:
a. If we rent a car, what is the parking situation like? meters, free lots or street parking?
b. what is the price of gas. [translated into approximate US dollars].
c. do you have to pay to go to a beach? [Meagan Bay, etc].
d. what is the water temperature ?
e. if you snorkle on St. Thomas, are there lovely places? Or, is Trunk Bay on St. J's better? what about Ship Wreck Cove? What would be 1st and 2nd choice?
f. are there rental places for snorkling equipment at beaches or only in town? Approx. what is the cost?
g. Sea swells: is this a seasonal thing or predicable?
h. has anyone been to Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten? How does the snorkling compare to these places? Also, is anyone aware of forums like this for those islands?
i. Is there frequent, reliable public transportation [bus]?
j. Marty, do I understand that you allow ship guests to use a computer to check their email? Having not been to St.T, I'm not sure I understand where your business is located. Is it close to the ship docks?
Thanks in advance to your kind reply.
Mrs. H.
Hello Mrs. H,
There is parking at most beaches, free with the exception of Magens Bay on St. Thomas. There are spots downtown Charlotte Amalie that are free for a limited time, the time is posted on signs. There is also a paid lot in Charlotte Amalie. Havensight and other shopping areas have customer parking. The Red Hook ferry has paid parking. Resorts/hotels have parking lots.
Gas Prices.... $2.48 a gallon for 87 on St. Thomas.
You mentioned translated to US dollars... our currency is the US dollar.
There is an entrance free for Magens Bay on St. Thomas and Trunk Bay on St. John.
Water temperatures in the Virgin Islands do not change greatly from summer to winter, however the 4 or 5 degree change is noticeable to those acclimated to consistently warm tropical weather. In the summer months the water temperature is about 83 degrees and in the winter about 79 degrees.
On St. Thomas there is good snorkeling at Coki Beach, Sapphire Beach, Secret Harbor. Trunk Bay on St. John is good, and Cinnamon Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Salt Pond Bay. Several options. You might visit the beach guides for each island on this site and determine which beaches interest you most. At the top of this page click on the island and then choose Beaches from the drop down menu.
There are snorkel rental spots at some beaches and in some dive shops. Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay on St. John. Magens Bay, Coki Beach on St. Thomas are a few. Cruz Bay Watersports on St. John rents gear. Figure around $8-$10 for day rental with a $35-$50 deposit that you get back when you return the gear.
Sea swells are typically affected by storm systems so are predictable based on the weather. There are some areas with stronger currents - ie. Waterlemon Cay on St. John has a fairly strong current.
There is public transportation, it isn't very reliable but does have a schedule. Look in the transportation section of the island guides for more details.
Marty's office is located in Charlotte Amalie, basically at the beginning of Main Street, which is the main road running through the town. It isn't in Havensight where most ships dock, but should your ship by at anchorage and you are tendered into Charlotte Amalie, then it will be close, walking distance from the waterfront area where the tenders come in. There are interenet cafes in Havensight should you not be visiting Charlotte Amalie.
--Islander
