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I will be visiting STT for the first time in early May. I have read a lot of information on this message board, and have picked up a lot of good tips. Thanks for that!
I have decided to rent a car on STT, as we are staying in a condo on Sapphire Beach. We will be visiting STJ for a day, mainly to go to Trunk Bay (and possibly Caneel Bay and Cinnamon Bay also). I am trying to decide if we should bring the car with us or just take the passenger ferry, and take a taxi once on STJ. Many of the posts here suggest that a 4WD is preferable for STJ. If we are just going to those beaches, would a little compact car be OK for that? Anything else that is a "must-see" if we are there for the day?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
A car will be fine to go to the places you listed. A 4x4 is necessary to get to some of the other places on island. In my opinion when traveling to St John for the day I would leave the car behind. The pass anger ferry allows for more flexibility, runs later and more often (every hour until like midnight). Taxi, to trunk bay is like 6 or 8 pp each way from Cruz bay. In Cruz Bay you find dinning and shopping perfect after a long day on the beach, you can bring a change of clothes because at trunk they have full facilities, showers and changing rooms. I would try and spend as much time on Trunk Bay, while its the most popular it really is a must stay. Check on the cruise ship schedule as many tours will go there and it will be more crowded. Maho Bay is also very nice if you are trying to avoid crowds, just up the road from Cinnamon its right off the road and is much less crowded. Hope that helps. Have a wonderful time
Thank you for the advice...I like the option of staying on STJ longer, so the passenger ferry might work
out better for us. Given the popularity of Trunk Bay, I assume getting a taxi back to the ferry would be no trouble?
Suggest that you take the passenger ferry and then taxi to the beach(es).
A lot less trouble then taking the car ferry (IMHO).
The last car barges leave Cruz Bay at 6-7PM (schedules can be seen top right under Quick Links/Ferry Schedules). The advantage to taking the car barge is that you can pack your car with a cooler full of snacks, lunch, beverages, etc. as well as your beach gear, plus you'll have the freedom to explore the island and go to different beaches without having to rely on taxis and the per person fees which can add up very quickly. 2WD is fine for day trips.
It's all very subjective and whatever you decide to do you'll have a wonderful time!
STT Resident wrote:
The last car barges leave Cruz Bay at 6-7PM (schedules can be seen top right under Quick Links/Ferry Schedules). The advantage to taking the car barge is that you can pack your car with a cooler full of snacks, lunch, beverages, etc. as well as your beach gear, plus you'll have the freedom to explore the island and go to different beaches without having to rely on taxis and the per person fees which can add up very quickly. 2WD is fine for day trips.It's all very subjective and whatever you decide to do you'll have a wonderful time!
This is exactly why we were thinking of taking the car....bringing a cooler to the beach, bringing our own snorkel gear, towels, etc....having all that stuff without having to load up like a pack mule and carry it all! My concern was about needing a 4WD, but it doesn't seem like it would be an issue for us. I prefer the flexibility of having the car with us - I just wish the car barges left a little later! 🙂
Thank you all for your advice.
