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First post and quick question - I've read the faq, but couldn't find any specifics or details on wether it is better to take the ferry from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie. Are taxis necessary for both? There are four of us (two adults, two kids - 9, 11) and we will each have a backpack and a small rolling case. In other words what is better: taxi to redhook and shorter ferry or taxi to Charlotte Amalie and longer ferry? Is there significant $ differences? We are renting car on STJ.
also - our family has made it a mission to collect some seaglass (mermaid scales as we called the pieces when the kids were tiny)from every ocean/beach we find/visit (every place has their own unique mix of colors)...is there sea glass on STJ?
We are very excited about a week of camping, hiking and snorkeling (only 12 day countdown now)!
Welcome to this wonderful board. There are numerous posts debating the pros and cons of Red Hook or CA to get over to STJ. Yes, you need a taxi to get to CA for the ferry. $$$ wise, its a toss up- less taxi money to CA and shorter driving time but because the Red Hook ferry runs alot more often, you may or may not get to STJ sooner BUT the van ride to the dock is long. BUT, you get to see a little of STT this way. They both pile your luggage in the back so that's a non issue $$ wise. The ferry from CA costs more, I don't remember how much- longer cruise so that's a plus if you want more time seeing the island from the water. Overall, if you are arriving in the evening or late afternoon and need to get to STJ before the rental office for your car closes, you may be better off going to Red Hook since the ferry goes to Cruz Bay way more often.
We always camp or at least always have, will go for a villa with AC next time. Bring a TON of bug spray because both campgrounds are on the water and the noseeums are awful. There are also a ton of posts on Cinnamon, Maho and its sister camp Concordia with tons of info on what to bring and leave home. Enjoy!
oops sorry, seaglass- never saw any. You can't take the coral pieces either so I'd plan to collect photos only and great memories.
I wait tell i've got my suit cases in hand then decide if. If the taxi ride to red hook and ferry ride will get me in at about the same time as the ca ferry i'll take the ca ferry. If the red hook will get me in sooner I take that one. My wife hates the taxi ride from the airport to red hook so that is a factor too.
If you go to the top of this page and click on "ferry schedules" you'll get all the up to date info on the ferry prices, schedules and the duration of the trips. If you go to "visitor info" you'll find the posted taxi rates.
Yes, there is seaglass here and some of the local artisans use it to make jewelry. I'm sure that once you're on STJ and check some of the local stores, you'll be able to get a lead on where exactly to find seaglass. Hope this helps!
The place I've seen the most seaglass is Frank Bay. It's past Gallows Point. You can park up the road from Gallows and walk to Frank Bay (heading away from Cruz Bay). The bay has no sand on the beach. It's all rocks and coral pieces. I found some very pretty seaglass when we were there in November.
I got quite a few pieces of sea glass on Pineapple Beach on STT. I got some clear, green and amber. let us know what you find on STJ! 🙂
