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We are looking at going to STJ in 10 days YEAH!! don't need my toes to keep count. Anyway one of the tours we would like to take is the Reef Bay Trail past the Petroglyphs. I believe the National Park Service offers a tour where they drop you off of Centerline Road and pick you up by boat at the bottom of the trail. My question is which days do they actually offer this tour? Is it restricted to certain days of the week?
Thanks
I'm not sure what schedule they are on right now as it changes with the high and low season but you should call now and book as it fills up fast
Pia
And, I can throw this in for ya...I have lived here for over 11 years and just last week finally hiked the trail...started at the top, went all the way down to the Petroglyphs, then back up.....I would have hiked down to the beach from there and paid the boat $100 for the return trip! It's not that the trail is in bad shape, or anything, just the opposite...but, it's so long that once you get to the top.....you'll look like you just came in from a downpour! I was drenched with sweat! Highly recommend contacting the NPS and having them do the guided tour with boat pick up at the bottom...
NPS does the guided hike down Reef Bay Trail on Mondays and Thursdays. Call NPS at (340) 776-6201 ext. 238 to reserve spots. Reservations are a must at this time of year. My wife and I did the guided hike last May. It was great! You learn much about the flora and fauna of STJ, see the petroglyphs, visit the ruins, and can swim in the bay if the surf is not up. The boat ride back is pleasurable and gives a great view from the sea of the southwestern portion of STJ.
Mountain Runner
So hotrns - Are you calling or am I. Monday or Thursday works for me. I think I would do the party of 6
Monday is a VI govt holiday not sure about the federal govt.
TomB - 9 days and counting
Tom: Are you talking about THIS Monday? Because the local holiday this coming week is Tuesday, March 31- Transfer Day. Shouldn't affect the park though.
And I agree with Marty- Do the Park Service trek- you will learn a great deal and have a fun boat ride back! Bring your lunch and water!
Easter Monday
We arriving on the 8th leaving the 18th
But you should call tomorrow...
Will Do(tu)
Definitely do the NPS guided tour and make the reservation ASAP like everyone says. The tourguides are very knowledgeable and will stop frequently to point out something you would have walked right by on your own. At the bottom, you might even get a chance to swim for a few minutes before going out to the boat (they'll take you by dingy from the beach to the boat) for the return trip home.
By the way, even if they are full on a given day, they'll generally put you on a waiting list as it's not uncommon for people to cancel or simply not show up.
Have a great time!
WW-
Our party of 6 is confirmed of Thursday April 16th
Thanks for the inputs!
tomb, have a ball!
i did that trail with some of my friends and the hike down was beautiful. we did it unguided, early in the am. it was cool and lush and we saw lots of interesting wildlife like a golden globe spider and soldier (hermit) crabs... don't touch anything on the way down, though, as you are never sure what that tree or bush may be cookin'. i actually don't recall touching anything but apparently i'd brushed up against something that swelled the skin on my left wrist.
once at bottom, i went into the water and it (swelling) went away. we hiked back up. i did the worst, because i was not in such good shape as my companions, but i did make it on my own two feet after someone took my backpack for the last 50 yards or so.
we did this as a "fire walk-a-thon" for one of our friends who had lost her home and all of her possessions in a fire, and we raised a few bucks to get some new skivvies and such. we had a blast, even on the way up when i was actually sprouting cuss words (*me!!!*).
the boat at the bottom is a good idea, but i am glad that i did the trail down and up, so i know how it goes. i'd do it again... just not this minute! 😉
pm me for a link to our company blog entry on the event, as i don't like posting any business-type links in here to maintain the integrity of my posts, which are done as a private citizen. you can, however read lisa and kris' journey through their new beginnings blog here: http://web.mac.com/lisaschmid/New_beginnings/Home_Page/Home_Page.html
Leave plenty of time to find parking in town as parking near the parks department building fills up early.
Chris,
That's another good point. And the parking near the beginning of the trail on Centerline Road is also very limited.
WW-
