Hi Dean- well you're in luck. Both me and my husband and another frequent contributor, Canoebase, are both going to Concordia ecotents in November so I'm sure he'll chime in too! YES, you need a car. We visited there when staying on the Maho side 5 years ago and its a totally different setting- no shuttles that I know of and way off the beaten path compared to Maho, no store, etc so yes, you need a car. Walking is wonderful but its hot, you won't be next to a beach and to buy groceries, get to the beaches, go to Cruz Bay, restaurants etc, you need the car. The taxi is a good question that I'm inquiring about too as we may not arrive on Nov 5th until its too late to pick up our rental car at Conrads and may need to taxi to Concordia. Check my thread about coral bay stores and taxis posted today also to see what the regulars say. This will be our 4th trip in about 20 years and other than hurricane damage, I feel its about the same, a little more development, but nothing too severe, at least 5 years ago! The tents on the Concordia side are alot more upscale than on the Maho side- 2 levels, more spacious, more private, private showers and toilets and even small refrigs. They looked terrific 5 years ago BUT, no restaurant, beach, store, activities- for those you have to get back over to the Maho side.If you want more info, email me at my personal email and I can share some more stuff. Can't wait myself!!!

I'd definitely suggest renting a vehicle. I think you'd find it very inconvenient otherwise. There is the Vitran bus that runs from Cruz Bay to Salt Pond, but relying on it for your whole stay would probably get old quick. Official rate for a taxi from Cruz Bay to Salt Pond is $14 for one/$20 for two, but the drivers aren't going to be eager to go out there. If you were staying at Maho you could probably manage fine without a vehicle, but Concordia is pretty out of the way.

A lot has changed since you were last on STJ. We first went there in the mid-80s and have seen a great deal of change, very little of which do I consider to be improvement. Growth, development, whatever you want to call it. We still enjoy it, but feel a sadness too. There's less of what we first fell in love with.

Definitely rent a 4wd jeep. You will want to do some sightseeing, and if you haven't been back in such a long time, you'll want to explore the island and get to know it again. Coral Bay has changed alot in the past 10 years that I have been going there. There are plenty of hikes to do if you want to stretch your legs. What are your dates? I will be on STJ in February too. Maybe we'll pass each other on those (in)famous hills of beautiful STJ! Get in some snorkeling!!!!!!!!

Great info!

I will be there from Feb 12-16th!
It would be fun to get a group together from this board!
What does everyone say?

Hey! We're going to be there the 16th to the 19th!! Maybe we'll see ya on the beach or something!! Tradition dictates that our meal on the night of arrival are burgers at skinny's. Where are you flying from?

I am coming from Orlando, but I live in Portland Or. I arrive in ST. Thomas around 1:00pm. I guess that puts me in St. John around 3:00ish? I would love to meet you guys (and whoever else) at Skinny's, but it looks like we will miss each other if you arrive on the 16th..?

Dean-O