All About Saint John USVI - Welcome to
"GofindSaintJohn.com"
Saint John
USVI No Worries - Island Time!
Paradise found... There is more to
life when you're in Saint John!
TROPICAL ISLAND
INFORMATION A consolidation of useful web sites, information and
tips for visiting Saint John in the US Virgin Islands (Above Trunk Bay Beach).
NOTE: You are visiting a personal "blog"
information web site about St. John.
2010 Saint Johns - Island Time'in - Best feeling in the world!
When to go? -
THIS IS A YEAR ROUND PARADISE - Winter or Summer, doesn't matter.
Primary choice - Leave it to your personal
choice - Anytime is perfect:
SUMMER:
Personally, I like summer months (May-Mid August). The villas are
cheaper (about 1/2 price) - Weather is very nice, pools aren't too cold
for swimming and crowds aren't bad at all -- July 4th is a great week to go... There is carnival
time in Cruz Bay with parades booths, foot, fun &
island craziness, etc. - Disadvantage -
LOTS of people coming over for the big July 4th parade and events. Awesome
Fireworks over a beautiful ocean! But anytime is paradise in Saint
Johns (except when a hurricane is arriving). Winter months prices
are higher, restaurants are crowded and more people are around escaping
the northern climate cold. September and October is slow due to
hurricane risks being higher these months and some restaurants close for
the slow period. Weather and climate though is still great even in
hottest month of August (with breezes never really that bad).
WINTER: Others just can't wait to escape to St John during winter months - After
all temps in the 80's and shorts are daily wear... Plus there's NO snow
or ice or freezing cold or any reason to get in a hurry in paradise.
More crowded (on the island) with people, but who cares when you have
the whole ocean as your playground and perfect winter temperatures for
swimming?
SAINT JOHN 2010
What to do? More on
activities & Choices.
View a proposed trip schedule
(Never enough time)
Ahoy mates! - What
are ya'll doing !!!!
Hawksnest Beach
Oh... You mates are looking for the
hot virgin (island)
bikini girl? Are you now?
FORUMS & REVIEWS (Use Search box for all types
of subjects)
Virgin Island Online (Best Forum site)
Trip Advisor (St. John - Very good forum with lots of tips)
Visiting St. John (Trip advisor) - Has experts commenting daily.
STJ
VILLA SELECTIONS --------------> SEE OUR LISTING OF VILLA
AGENTS
Keep in mind that the BEST Beaches (Nice sandy & swimmable ones) are on
the North side and do NOT have any villas very close or right on beach as they are
all in the Park (Except a few villas beachfront in expensive Peter Bay enclave. Beaches at beach side homes are often on rocky beaches
(some of which you can swim out and snorkel) - but few have sandy beaches and some that
do have stinger type animals in water making for careful walking in water (But
you still can just walk
beach and shell / rock hunt - (Note shells are NOT allowed to leave USVI.) Some beaches also have wave issues making swimming
harder unless they are in more protected bays or the wave weather is calm.
Some experts say get the house with the view and amenities (decor, hot-tub,
pool, layout, view, etc.) that you want and then plan on DRIVING to the north shore
beaches (only takes a short beautiful ride) for good swimming and snorkel activities. North shore beaches are
around 15-20 minute drives from most villa locations at maximum - Saint John is
not a big island.
Search
for Saint John VILLA rentals - See Rental Companies (List at right) >>>>
Don't over look private villa rentals (sometimes can be rented from
companies) as there are individuals with very nice villas for rent.
On St. John there are only a couple of "resort" operations with Caneel
Bay and Westin Resort being the largest two operators.
BUGS & MOSQUITOES?
Also most sandy beaches will have mosquitoes and
"no-see-ums" that bite - primarily the most active as dark approaches (dusk) and in early morning.
Breezes of houses a little higher on hills help keep the bugs moving on.
Don't be surprised even with bug spray that you end up with some no-see-um
bites (makes you think you have bed bugs when it was a bite on the
beach by the beach bug). Even up at a mountain top villa you can have mosquitoes if
there have been rains in the last 10 days. Definitely no-see-ums at the sandy
north shore beaches that can and became noticeable later (some sandy beaches
harbor wasps in soil also - not good for bare feet). On trails watch for
wasps or wild bees and don't disturb them or you will be sorry. -
Be sure and take bug spray with Deet or review the VI Forum about how
various visitors cope with the bugs.
PICKING A VILLA
FOR YOUR STAY IN PARADISE:
All villas are perfect
(even the beach hammocks are tempting to stay in)
So it all depends on what you want to do and where - You
can go really remote (such as villas on the east end) OR you can move to the south side beach areas which are
closer to Cruz Bay (for quicker access going to stores / bars / dinner at night / etc.) and
most of which are located near or past the Westin hotel resort. -- Then the
choice is beach front , bay front or low hill-side or high hill-side. All
of these locations have their good points (and a few down sides to locations) but you can't go wrong with hardly any location
- after all it's paradise. Beach front villas are a little more of an
issue with bugs (mostly mosquitoes) - Sandy
beaches have no-see-ums, AKA sand fleas (see Westin comments) and there are the nightly mosquitoes
that don't get blown away by trade winds at sea level. - most beach villas
have ac in bedrooms that you close off at night to avoid the bugs . Only a few villas have all
rooms with AC to close off the whole house.
Views of
harbor and St Thomas lights at night are probably better with hillside villas.
A few villas are close enough to be able to walk to the
Westin Resort
or into Cruz Bay.
Hillside villas do offer better breezes but you must drive to a beach to explore
or swim. Most all of the villas no matter which one, that have beach access
are not really located at the good swimming beaches (no or little sand at all for most part). The
villas located around the Westin area (Great Cruz Bay) do make for easy drive (5 minutes approximately) to main town for
shopping / restaurants compared to the 15 minutes from villas up in the mountain
/ hillsides of interior St. John and
20-30 minutes+ from Coral Bay and east end villas. See Westin
Reviews
SEARCH FOR VILLAS & SAINT JOHN
INFO
VILLA RENTAL PRICES & COST OF A TRIP: Most average homes are around $3500 to $4500 per week in off-season
(summer / fall) and go higher in price during peak winter season (usually
doubles) -
Most all homes are cheaper now than a couple of years ago (about 15%
approximately) due to economy
issues - Some are showing discounts like rent 6 night get one free and may even negotiate
on prices. - Add to cost
of villa any cancelations travel insurance AND car rental (See rental list on
right) and taxi / ferry / boat to STJ costs along with food / drink / dinner out costs. NOTE: Most all sites require payment of 8% sales tax on villa rentals
- Some rentals companies add a service charge on top of the rental cost -
all of this adds to the total price of a trip to Saint John. ---
Extra activities such as trips to British Virgin Islands or boat rentals add to
your trip cost. By going with one or more couples you can reduce the cost
of the villas to very reasonable prices. In fact the cost can approach
comparable USA beach villa rental prices (summer seasons) - With airfare cost
being the higher additional expense in visiting the Virgin Islands. There are
literally hundreds of rental villa choices on Saint Johns - Look through the list of
Villa rental companies to locate your perfect getaway villa or resort.
AIRFARE DELTA & OTHER AIRLINES Airfare to STJ runs from $700 to $950 per seat round trip (slow
season delta early 2010 rates) and higher during busy season--
First class about 50% higher but can vary greatly between flights - Watch out for the
fare games that Delta Airline's online site plays - I've seen fare quote go up
$100 to $500 within a few minutes as Delta plays with pricing online fares
(especially first class). I
think it is very possibly a rigged scam to net them more money, as sometimes the rates go back down
just as quick with a later price check (maybe they price higher as more people
start pricing, then when it slows put the prices back down?).
---
EXAMPLE AIR TRAVEL SCHEDULE (A summer ride to Paradise !! )
CARS - JEEP - 4 Wheel Drive required.
- 4 door is preferred.
Cool Breezes
http://coolbreezecarrental.com/ - Company run by native
Islanders with "Somewhat" decent cars but no Cruz Bay parking. - Office close to docks.
A few of the rental companies allow parking in their lots if room is
available (Cruz Bay) - There are about a dozen or more rental
companies in Cruz Bay area. - many walking distance from the docks /
ferry area. A few people say that they like to
rent in ST. Thomas and take the car ferry over to the island via car
ferry. -
St. Johns Car Rental is also highly recommended. (probably most good
reviews / popular)
Prices in off season are different than high season - Summer (off)
is about $500 to $600+ for week (May not include insurance) - 8 days. Be careful on insurance as many
personal polices may not cover your rental - check before traveling and
renting. Additional cost + for
insurance. - Jeep wrangler 4 door looks nice ... and you see a LOT of 2 door
jeeps rented. In most areas during dry roads you are probably okay
with 2 wheel drive vehicles - BUT if you are on a steep hill and it is
raining the 4 wheel drive is then needed - so most rental vehicles are
4X Wheel Drive due to this issue (along with a few villa driveways are
like strait up a 45 degree hill (often unpaved) and you need 4-wheel to keep from
sliding.
Check with credit card or insurance companies on primary car insurance? - Probably do need
liability as this may not be covered by some policies.
CAUTION ON INSURANCE:
Some personal companies do not cover vehicles for use in USVI or what
they consider "off road"
vehicles (jeeps, etc.) - READ THE DETAILS. I usually recommend for
peace of mind that you purchase the local optional insurance coverage.
- But if you are one who mainly wants to save all your hard earned
dollars - then check out the details and options (online USVI review
- forum sites discuss this issue)
CAR
RENTALS SAINT JOHN
Bougainvillea Leasing
340-776-6420 1-800-253-7107
C & C Car and Jeep Rental
340-693-8164
Conrad Sutton Car Rental
340-776-6479 Fax 340-693-8099
AN EXAMPLE VILLA FOR
SAINT JOHN
VILLA MARIA
(Are you staying here?)
Location:
Up higher on Westin resort Harbor (Great Cruz Bay Harbor)
Price: $ About 3600 week (6 nights
- offseason)
Description:
Higher up on hill (100 foot elevation) - Has no direct beach access but has Beautiful sundown views
(see pictures Catered To) -
Nice view of harbor area (Greater Cruz Bay & Westin) and boats - Close road drive to Cruz Bay and Westin
hotel - Only about 5 minutes to Grocery stores --- 260 degree views from villa - Beautiful Sunset
& night time lights of St. Thomas - Less bug issues higher up. This is an
older villa but appears to be well kept - good reviews as late as in 2009. -
Most guests say it is a great location with nice pool and nice views. Main Web Site:http://cateredto.com/VillaPage/VMA
-- Click on their pictures for large views.
Review:
Villa Maria
review (Trip Advisor)
Review:
Villa Maria (Virgin Island Online)
Available Dates: It could be Avaliable For Your
Stay!
Check with Catered To Website for rental dates.
Advantages: Close to
town - great views - great sunset - nice home layout - has pool and hot tub - AC
in bedrooms
MORE: Beautiful sunset view - Has bar next to pool View of Westin
Hotel bay (Greater Cruz Bay) - Love the Kitchen / dining / living room
views through large glass windows. House is little older (dated) but
supposedly well maintained. - Make drinks by pool
OTHER SITES WITH VILLA MARIA INFO
Flipkey
Villa Maria (note some picture views not on other sites)
Island Hideaways -
Villa Maria
(Older pictures - changes since these were made)
Link to Villa Maria FLOOR PLAN
Trip Advisor - reviews and
pictures
READ ABOUT MORE VILLAS AT
CATERED TO
Or look through our villa company list in left column above.
Hallelujah -- I'm headed to Paradise !!!
DETAILS FROM
CATERED TO (2010):
The photos of Villa Maria on the Catered To web site show the current
furnishings. We are the direct managers of the house, and photos on other
companies’ sites may not be accurate. The living room is more red than
orange. The kitchen has new mahogany cabinets. The dining room
furniture is new. All the tile in the main house is new terra cotta tile.
A lot of the bedding has been replaced. The house was redecorated and re
tiled last summer. The exterior of the house is coral in color-it was
painted about a year ago. There is no hot tub. There is no AC in the
main living area. The bug issue is related to how much rain we have
had before you arrive.
TRUNK BAY - OUR 2006 PHOTO
TRAVELING HOME FROM THE BVI (British Virgin Islands)
Hmmm... are you the same girl in the bikini picture at the top of page?
I see ... one too many drinks at the Soggy Dollar? No wonder you looked
different!
Words can't describe the
experience!
You will never forget this type of trip experience.
Our Power Boat - Docked in BVI (Customs Dock)
You can't beat the experience of going to the British Virgin Islands via
a Power Boat - Don't miss Soggy Dollar bar and their beautiful beach!
- Passport required.
Over the hill is your next beautiful Saint John Bay
view!
Above official US Virgin Islands flag.
US VIRGIN ISLANDS
STAY IN PARADISE
Thank you for your interest in
Blue Tang. We do have one
of the largest day charter power yachts in the USVI's. Blue Tang
will only
charter to one group of passengers at a time. This gives you
the boat for the day to go where you want, when you want. It is
your private yacht! Take extra snorkel stops, more beaches, more
time on Jost, at the Soggy Dollar Bar, Foxy’s and the Willy T
whatever your heart desires.
Here is a menu of options we provide:
Luxurious 51’ SeaRay Sundancer Motor Yacht
Phone(340) 776 - 9070
Full DayAll-Inclusive Private
Charters U.S. & BVI’S
Tour
Times: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Example spring
2010
Price: 1-2 persons/$1,350 3-6 persons/$1,750
Includes captain, crew, fuel, customs fee’s, breakfast & snacks,
top shelf liquors, beer, juices, sodas & water. ($250 fuel
surcharge added for trips to Virgin Gorda)
www.bluetangyachtcharters
(pricing
does
not
include 15%-20% gratuity for Captain & Crew - Email for current
rates)
Picture from Blue Tang Yacht Charters Other package options are available from Blue
Tang
All day Traveling to STJ - Arrive and make grocery run -
Get settled into Villa by night and watch sun go down from Villa -- Eat at villa
(take out food is great for easy end to first day) -
Saturday - Head out for Breakfast in Coral Bay?
Then out to our favorite Beach AND perhaps back into Cruz Bay town to see what
is happening or get something to eat for lunch or Dinner.
THINGS TO DO IN PARADISE?
(Subject to available if you ever have any Limin Time?)
Jet Ski trip out around waters of STJ or Boat over to BVI
(passport required)
Day trip on Ferry to STT (St. Thomas) to go to the tourist shopping
stores.
Walk around STJ and explore the restaurants and stores.
Eat Hamburger at Skinny Legs
Eat Breakfast at Coral Bay with Donkey Diner
Eat some takeout "FAST" BBQ from Uncle Joes or Candi's
(Lady next to grocery store - suppose to be good and faster service than
U.Joes)
Visit all the Main Beaches - Trunk, Hawksnest, Maho, Francis, etc.
Visit ruins of sugar plantations - Drive the roads for views.
Rent a sail boat and go snorkeling around STJ
Carnival watching & Party - July 4th and New Years.
New Years - 4th July - Fireworks / Parties (Jouvert on
4th)
Special events throughout the year (Music festivals, Runners,
etc.)
Lay around the pool & SUN or soak in your hot tub with your
sweetie.
Take in the breeze, view and noises (surf) of paradise from your
villa.
Charlotte Amalie - Main area for stores. (Lots of alleys)
Info on duty free shopping at page above.
Saint Thomas shopping trip: - Ferry to
Red Hook? - Taxi to shops?
Go downtown to the Capital, Charlotte
Amalie for the best duty-free shopping in Saint Thomas - All located in
stores along the alleys between main street and the harbor road.
You will find it all...hundreds of jewelry stores, liquor, perfume,
clothes and souvenirs. Arrive early and maybe stop in at Glady's Cafe for a satisfying
big
breakfast.
Main street in town (Charlotte
Amalie) is the main shopping destination for hundreds of
thousands of visitors every year. (between main and the docks) There is
also great shopping in
(Havensight)
which is right next to the cruise ship docks.
You will find imported items in stores which are located along side stores
that sell locally made
products. Items for from the island include sauces, island rum and crazy
T-shirts and caps. There is plenty of interesting shopping to entertain anyone. Molly Malones is
also
another good
breakfast spot. It is a great place for for an island breakfast!
NOTE: The ferry from STJ to CA has limited hours - check schedule
or you might end up having to take a taxi to Red Hook to get back to STJ
BEST BARS?
Cruz Bay pub crawlers - You might want to start out with happy hour at Woody's
Seafood Saloon (also popular with locals). When you tire of that
location you can move down the street to the Beach Bar, Banana Deck or
even the Quiet Mon Pub. Beach Bar is great to be at during their happy hour and
also has good tasty food (lunches). The crowd hanging out in these bars
are usually a fun
group to hang with.
For the most part there are not as many
beach bars as you would think should be
on a resort island due to the NPS
beaches being mostly public beaches (no
private businesses allowed).
Cruz Bay has a good one called Beach
Bar. Others include the Balcony, Joe's
Rum Hut, Waterfront Bistro and High
Tide. There is also a beach bar located
within the grounds of the Westin
Resort - at Great
Cruz Bay & Beach. The new resort on Chocolate
Hole is
supposed to have a beach bar when it is
completed.
On the north shore Caneel
has one on their beach. The concession
stand provides blended drinks
at the beach at Trunk Bay. The Cinnamon Bay T'ree Lizards
also
makes drinks
to dream of. On the other end of the island you
will find that Coral Bay only has a couple of
beach locations - Miss Lucy's is on the beach and
Shipwreck Landing and Island Blues are
close waterfront bars and Skinny
Legs is off the beach a few feet in an
open air type of bar / restaurant (lots
of beer available here). Read more
on our
entertainment page.
GETTING TO SAINT JOHN BY BOAT
USVI PRIVATE WATER TAXI (STT to STJ &
BACK)
DOHM'S WATER TAXI www.watertaxi-vi.com
Minimum Price (Summer 2010) $125.00 (Red Hook & St. John) - Tip Extra.
Christopher Taxi - $75.00 (2010 - 4 persons) - Includes luggage but NOT Tip.
Total cost both ways $400.00 + tip. (Note: This is a little
cheaper than what the Westin charges their guests) - Prices may be
higher in main winter season.
V.I. FERRY OPTION:
Taxi to Ferry. (Leaves every hour from Redhook?) - $6.00 per person + Luggage chg of
$2? - More
Ferry info:
http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/interisland_ferry/
Still have to have taxi to Ferry from airport ($150 + tip for a 4 person
group)
CREDIT CARD USE & CASH:
How much cash? We find that $1500
is enough for 2 people to cover most expenses. Try and budget
where possible and use your credit card where possible (leaves cash for
reserve / emergency expenses). Many stores and restaurants will accept credit
cards (Visa / MasterCard -- A lot of the small businesses don't like Amex
- ask first).. Plan on at least
$100 per day beyond the essentials costs such as jeep, gas, tips, groceries,
drinks - This is for shopping and eating out. Credit cards can take you
the rest of the way. Beware and be careful on credit card use ---
You might want to notify your CC company that you will be using your
card in the USVI so they
do not cut it off thinking that you are
the latest victim of a paradise fraud. Also check to see if they
have additional fees for
"international" use that will
be charged to your card.
LOVE CITY = CRUZ BAY - Do
you know why it is called this?
RESTAURANTS TO CHECK OUT & MAYBE
TEST?
Blue Moon
Magen's Bay
Ms. Lucy's (Beach side tables) - She has recently died / Simple Restaurant? Friis Bay
Vie's Snack Shack (East End Road - shack place - also sloop's
studio)
MORE RESTAURANT REVIEWS (Around 72 restaurants
rated)
REVIEWS Available at
TripAdvisor.com
TAKE OUT BBQ DINNERS: THERE ARE 2 MAIN CHOICES IN CRUZ BAY
--
Candi's
Ribs, by Starfish Market. Awesome food,
including really delicious crispy fries,
awesome prices, and has awesome "FAST"
COURTEOUS service! Our favorite in Cruz
Bay. - The other favorite option
is Uncle Joe's downtown Cruz Bay with chicken and ribs ( Review of
Uncle Joes) - Note service is very slower at U.Joes as he runs on
Island Time (Expect to wait) - Takes a while
to get the pickup when called in - Not fast but it is good with an
island tang! - This is
the perfect solution for your first night on St. John (eating in at the
villa)
V.I.O.L. - Restaurant
Comments: -Mostly ones with fancy Food:
Many STJ visitors eat out every night when on vacation in the
islands. Estimate of costs for two people below include 2 normal drinks
plus two bar drinks, your meal and tip. Check with restaurants about
reservations and if open (Many have struggles lately in paradise, what with the
Obama economy.)
Chateaux Bordeaux – Location
on Bordeaux Mtn. Specializes in Steak & Pork. Very nice
view in the day time (looking down to Coral Bay) - Has been in and
out of operation lately due to economy - Call for hours. We
had an anniversary dinner here several years ago that was very nice
(ownership changed since then.) - Cost not known.
Donkey Diner
- Quaint and "Fantastic" restaurant located in Coral Bay. (One
of the must visit places - Has Lunch / Breakfast - bother are
outstanding) - Sometime you will have to wait to get served as not a lot
of tables Watch out for the
Chickens (they might jump off the shelf and scare you!)
Fish trap – Location is in Cruz Bay.
Speciality includes fish - Snapper & Tuna
Fry. Considered to be a very good restaurant. $52.
La Plancha del Mar
- Located in the
Marketplace - Cruz Bay: Food
here is awesomely good. Since its a
small mall (well kinda - maybe
Island mall?) you don't have any
view... but he food makes up for it.
Nice restaurant.
La Tapa: Nice restaurant
with fresh food. Very tasty selections and the staff is
accomodating.
Miss Lucy's - Another
famous St. John
unique beach
front restaurant.
Miss Vie's:
You have to drive way out to the
other end of the Island (east end)
But her little place has the best conch
fritters and honey johnnycake. Has
her own personal beach near by that
you can pay to use. Call to
see if open - schedule varies as she
is on Island time.
Morgan’s Mango
– Location is Mongoose
Junction overlooking the Cruz Bay docks. Seating may be limited on the
beach view from the porch.
Offers swordfish, grilled chicken
and other menu items. Very tasty
food. - Range $60.
Rhumblines – Location is Cruz Bay.
Specializes in Cuban Mojo
Pork and Wahoo with Crab Sauce. Food is usually spicy, but good. $50-$65
price range.
Shipwreck Landing – Location
is Coral Bay.
Serves excellent Steak and Fish & Chips. Decor and atmosphere is
very casual. Price range about $60.
Skinny Legs (Lunch or Supper) –
Location right on the beach bay in Coral Bay. The restaurant is open
on one end and you look out at boats docked on the sand - games
outside for the kids to play on and a small tourist shops sells neat
things. This is the Cheeseburger in paradise place made famous
by Jimmy Buffet's song. Very nice
Cheeseburger and hot dogs w/kraut. and the fixin's - Fun place top
visit and cheap. $25-$30 (plus lots of beer - See skinny legs
pictures on our site).
Sweet Plantains
- Located in Coral Bay:
Great meals in a wonderful
restaurant setting. Has good service
and food. This is one you might
visit twice. - Indian type food.
The Lime Inn –
Location is Cruz Bay.
Specialty is All-you-can-eat-shrimp and Sesame Chicken & scallops.
Popular and busy place with a great
atmosphere. Excellent food with
prices making this a favorite place
to eat. Around $55 cost.
Tourist Trap - This is an interesting
and fairly new roadside food stand. Serves
Hogdogs & more -
See neat video
about
owners
If you can arrange to be on island during the summer, don't miss the
awesome music, festivities and fun of St. John carnival. Carnival week
starts the week before July 4th, and ends on the 4th with a fabulous
parade and fireworks.
CARNIVAL REVIEW: We were there during Carnival
2007 and will be there again in three weeks. Its a LOT of fun...lots
going on...music, local artist's with tables set up, fire works, a
parade...its just fun...we had a great time in 2007 and have no doubt we
will this year as well... We are going this year 2009 - arriving the 3rd
in time for jouvert that night, and then the parade and fireworks on the
4th. Then everything creeps back to normal after that. We timed it this
way this year. We like the lazy (and slow) STJ, so this time we will get the best
of both.
Emancipation Day
July 3rd - A local Saint John holiday celebrating the emancipation of
slavery in the former Danish West Indies.
GROCERIES
Groceries on
St John can be found at several establishments:
Starfish Market, Dolphin Market, Pine
Peace Market and the new market by the
Westin are just a few in Cruz Bay.
We highly recommend that visitors shop locally - Not that much more in $ than if you bought off-island and you help
the local economy. Selection is quite good! - Occasionally the
check out service is not US quality (personnel can be testy), but hey you are in
the islands, not Wally-mart... chill out and just smile away as you will make it to your villa
fairly soon (and be shortly laid back & sipping that island drink by the
pool!) - TIPS --- Watch for dates on foods - Sometimes the milk will not
last long or be good due to the way they handle cold items transporting
them to the island - more laid back than US - not unusual for some
perishables to sit around a little while in hotter conditions before
going into the store shelves.
CRUZ BAY LOCATIONS
Dolphin:
Good
Produce
(check
expiration
dates on
perishable
items
especially meats)
Starfish
Market:
Best
non-frozen meat selection, good produce selection, - Probably the
largest and most complete
overall
selection
(as best
as one
stop as
you can
get)
Ample
parking,
ATM
machine
in
complex
(but you
usually
have to
pay a
bit of a
premium
for the
one stop
convenience).
Other stores in same complex.
Pine
Peace:
GOOD
prices! Has a decent
selection
of
non-perishable
items.
Very
nice people
who try
hard to
make
sure
they
treat you right.
- Also your Cruz Bay gas stop (The one and only for the big city).
St.
John
Market:
Good
selection
of produce,
friendly
service,
good
parking
area
GOOD STEAK RESTAURANT (Caneel Bay
Resort )
Turtle Bay Estate is
a great place for steaks. It
is open to the public (restaurant). We suggest that you head there early for a cocktail and
arrive in time to watch the sunset. Patio dining
is available with a beautiful sunset location
on St. John. A lot of people
aren't familiar with this resort or
it's location, but it is a great place for a special
evening. - you can expect an amazing
meal with great steaks and lots of
other entrees (many selections). -
Call to see if Restaurant is open
and hours / reservations.
You can get pool-side service included lunch-type
fare, and island drinks which are
fund for adults and kids. There is often live music poolside (check
music event link above). Beach chairs
at
the
Westin
are
reserved
for
paying
guests
-
But
they usually allow you to
use
the
beach
(But
not the towels or beach
chairs)
- A new primary restaurant (under new management) has just re-opened in
spring 2010 at the Westin resort.
GAS FOR VEHICLES $$$
The Texaco station in Cruz Bay now closed
(destroyed by the new round-a-bout - modern progress in action). This leaves E& C in Pine Piece as the only
station on the west end / Cruz Bay. There
is still the Domino
station in Coral Bay which is open most of the time.
However do NOT rely on
it always being open AND hey run out of gas
quite often. Their prices may be
better so stop and check but don't let
your tank get too low before heading to Coral Bay - There was a photo on
one of the news sites the other day of their gas pump: - A sign
there read: No cell phones, no credit cards, no $100 bills and no
GAS! (Driver Beware!)
MORE ST JOHN VIDEOS:
Sailing Saint John with
3
women (kind of college aged)
Soggy Dollar
Bar Web Cam - Home to famous drinks.
This is a "Fantastic" beach to visit in BVI (Jost Van Dyke)
From out by the Westin Resort
you won't even know
the Carnival is on in town...
Except maybe some
staff will be missing - the streets in Cruz
Bay are safe (with reasonable tourist
caution) and you can visit
Carnival Village and feel comfortable
for sure before midnight - the jouvert ,
dance all night, takes place in town in the early AM and I would hope
you would go see the Parade on the 4th and then maybe come back by 9pm
for watching the STT fireworks.
Joshie is a St. John local who knows all of
the free sparking spots in Cruz Bay. We
haven't tried all of these because our
favorite spot is never full - along the
Virgin Islands Visitor Center access road.
Boot and a fine if you park in Mongoose
Junction and leave the stores to visit
another part of Cruz Bay.
MORE JOSHIE -- FREEBIE PARKING
Free parking can be found at the DMV / BMV
(across from the fire station, next to the
tennis courts) and you can park behind the
National Park Visitor Center AFTER 5pm for
free. You can find other free parking, but I
would urge anyone to pay attention to the
posted signs and not get to upset if they
decide to enforce what is posted
THE BEST BEACHES? All
of them of course! - More Details:
Beaches of St. John
BEACH REVIEWS BELOW - You go to
St. John for the beaches! There are over 50+ of them in total and all are public
(though you might have trouble getting to some from landside due to private
property access - but you can rent a boat and approach that direction.) You can
visit several each day so not impossible if you do beaches daily to visit 2 or 3
each day making for 14-20 in a week! All or neat for exploring, snorkeling
(some) and beach-combing.
Trunk – The
Perfect poster card beach (see picture on this page), but has a
lot of tourists
at times
(them, not you!) They have a "famous" snorkel trail that is pretty fund to
visit. Crowds can arrive due to shuttles from Cruise ships
and the fact it is the most visited beach.
Salomon & Honeymoon -
These are nice beaches, which you reach with a
long hike (except if you go through the Caneel Resort ) - They are sandy,
pretty beaches. Boats do come close to shore. Occasionally there
will be larger groups of visitors beach partying in this area
(arriving by boat).
Jumbie – A small but
really nice beach. worth visiting.
Francis –
Fairly long beach with realtively few visitors. (Not unusual to
have it mostly to yourself.. always room! - Good snorkeling on
far grassy end and nice swimming location at the parking area -
Has a National Park potty (out-house) for must go's.
Salt Pond –
Different bay locations with a popular snorkeling spot - Located on
the trail to Ramshead. - You can park and walk about 1/2 mile
(easy walk) to this area. Further to adjoining beaches.
Parrot –
Eastern STJ location (Atlantic) side. Due to ocean has more
surf action and a rocky bottom - Beach is not crowded (usually empty).
Little Hawksnest – One of if
not the best beach! Loaded with beautiful soft pure sand,
crystal clear Caribbean water like you came for!. Often it's not that
crowed due to you have to know HOW to find it.
Others to visit:
Lameshur, Blue Cobblestone, Little Lameshur, Hawksnest, Haulover, Leinster, Denis, and Maho.
Check our page about the
Beaches of St. John for more
detailed descriptions.
WEATHER IN SAINT JOHN
FORECASTS:
Weather Underground Forecast Virgin Islands area:
Saint Thomas
Tropical Weather - Weather underground
Hurricanes & Tropics
WEATHER REVIEW:
Nice year round!!! Summer months are pretty
good (May-July). Of course most popular months are
high season months (when it's cold in the USA) - As to
summer travel I wouldn't worry too much about hurricanes in
June or July. Even August may be okay... we were there in
late-August and things were perfect during our 10 day
trip. Showers can happen (scattered)
any time during the day, but they don't last
long as they move right on. Rain can fall on one beach
and not on the next. Just take a break or a short nap...
soon it will be perfect again. Remember with hurricanes they will MAKE
you leave the villa (and island) - Get trip insurance where
possible. If you can afford the winter time, go then of
course... but if you want bargains... April through
early August is perfect time.
During off season months the island is less crowed and parking
is easier to fine. Restaurants aren't booked out and the beaches are quiet
(and not over-ran by tourists) - makes the summer months really pretty good
option. Also early enough so that you should miss the more likely
hurricane period
of local
weather (though
it is
technically
still a
hurricane
season even in
June) . Most restaurants don't shut down until in September/October.
Average temperatures - Monthly graph & other
weather data (VI NOW)
WEATHER CENTER - USVI
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL (Example of things you can do)
(8 nights - Most STJ trips are
made for 7 nights) Never enough days!
Daily Saint John schedule - subject to change as island
time slows things up.
Remember travel light -- no dress-up clothes
needed for most St. John trips (unless you are in a wedding?) - Sandals, shorts
& shirt. you are dressed for the week. People always overlook this
tip on their first trip and bring along the travel "trunks" full of clothes -
But we will bet their next time is much more of a laid-back pack - You just
don't need that much :stuff: in the islands...
Read trip reports at
Virgin-Islands-On-Line to see individual trip reports from
all sorts of visitors to STJ.
(There are hundreds of personal reports that give you a feel
about what to do and see!)
Thursday July 1st
Head to Airport - Stay overnight for an EARLY FLIGHT
Friday July 2nd
UP EARLY - Flight leaves at 6:30 that means we leave hotel at 4:45 -
be at airport at 5 - travel all day -arrive STJ paradise at close to 2PM
then ferry / water taxi over to STJ - then get rental car - then escort
to villa - get settled in - head to grocery store - dinner somewhere
(take out or eat in or maybe get some BBQ from Candi's) - Maybe drive over for a bar drink at the Westin bar?
Saturday July 3rd
Big day in St. John - Start out with breakfast at Donkey Diner...
the on to beaches. Maybe head into Cruz Bay and visit the carnival market? - Jouvert at 4 am Sunday morning
or maybe monday (schedule still not out)? Any takers?
July 3rd is Emancipation holiday on St. John - Can we stand an all
night party?
Sunday July 4th
This is 4th July holiday (NOTE: Actual events moved to Monday July
5th) - lots of activity with parade usually starting in
Cruz Bay at 11 am'ish or later (always late unless it gets moved to
Monday July 5th?) - Gotta find parking space
or walk to Cruz Bay if not too far?
- watch crazy-people-ness - then head out to a beach or maybe over to coral bay
for a hamburger, just to get away from the crowds in Cruz Bay. Back home to NICE
dinner at the Villa in time to watch fireworks in Cruz Bay from the deck. (Remember
lots of streets in Cruz Bay will be closed on Sunday for parading so
getting around can be challenging) - Sometimes with a Sunday July
4th they move the parade celebrations into the next day (July 5th -
check scheduled to be sure)
Monday July 5th
Beach day (AND 4th JULY PARADE) -- YES! - Carnival Parade moved to Monday to
accommodate July 4th falling on Sunday
Tuesday July 6th
Boat day - Lets cruise around St. John? or More Beaches?
Wednesday July 7th
St Thomas shopping day? That is as long as it's not overly crowded
with the cruise ships (check schedules) - One or two cruise ships
is probably okay - Three big boats is a crowd . None and some
stores may not open. Over three and you are like in New York City
Rush hour. Get to take the public ferry over to the big busy
Island (Population on STT is 54,000+ and only 5,000 on STJ)
Thursday July 8th
More Beaches (Donkey Diner)
Friday July 9th
Beach day (last full day) - Saint John is about beaches... Time to
get that last drive by view of Hawksnest and Trunk!
Saturday July 10th
Sigh... do we have to???? Leave STJ early Sat Morning - Say goodbye
to paradise - Flight out of STT at 1:30 - So that means leaving STJ
early in morning (on or before 10 AM) -- Some how it just seemed way too short !!
(Note you will probably feel sad that morning as you are leaving!
That's part of visiting STJ and why so many come back)
Any more fun ideas? (only fun ideas
are allowed in paradise) - Enjoy your Paradise Trip
. READ OUR ACTUAL TRIP REPORT TO SEE
HOW WELL WE FOLLOW THIS SCHEDULE
Get your Virgin Island Lottery
Tickets here! (Next to National Park docks) - Win and you
can live in STJ forever!
Some questions
you might have?
Answers already asked and answered in the VI Forums!
Breakfast in
Cruz City
(Try Tamarind Court - Mojo Cafe - JJ's Texas Coast & more)
