When you get off the ferry from St. Thomas (RED HOOK), you are smack dab in the middle of Cruz Bay (which isn’t all that big). You can rent a car right there. St John Car Rental is who most people use. This must be booked in advance as they always sell-out, especially holidays. You drive on the LEFT here, and watch out for the donkeys (more common on the less inhabited EAST side but really everywhere). The day-to day DRIVER that we have used several times in the past is
CHICO: 340-690-6507.
Favorite BEACHESwould be: Maho, Cinnamon, Hawksnest, Honeymoon and Trunk. Trunk has an underwater “Trail” for snorkeling right off the beach, but it’s also the most popular with cruise passengers. So, I would try to go to that one on a non-cruise ship day. Maho, Trunk and Honeymoon all have facilities…food/snorkel rental etc. There are about a dozen lesser-known beaches and if you just pull up a map of “St. John beaches” you can get the lay of the land. RAMS HEAD is a gorgeous, famous hiking trail on the most Eastern part of the island. If you are going here or even venturing to Coral Bay-best to get a jeep rental that day. No taxi stands in these parts. You will notice pretty much right away that this island is relatively unspoiled in comparison to many others. St. John is 70% National Park and undeveloped.
I also would recommend making the trek up to the Windmill Bar, has an amazing view and live music most nights at sunset and you can see all of the neighboring BVI (British Virgin Islands 🙂)
RESTAURANTS:
ZoZo’s in Caneel Bay is a good spot for a special occasion dinner…in Caneel Bay. Get reservations. It’s Italian.
Most other restaurants around the island are very casual. We did frequent The Beach Bar (immediately to the right as you get off the ferry). With barstools overlooking the bay and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, live music most nights. Just further along the bay is a fun bar called Drink, (the fun, blonde girl that owns it, Katie, is a Rockefeller). The Longboard is also a cute, casual spot in town with food/cocktails. Lime Out VI is also a cool floating taco bar that you get to via boat. They have links on their Instagram and Facebook if you want to check them out. You need to be on a day-charter boat to get here OR you can take their shuttle from Coral Bay ($30 per person) which gives you two hours here. Make reservations ahead of time for the shuttle (Salty Daze Charters). If you happen to be Kenny Chesney fans (as we are 🙂) stop in Uncle Woody’s, at least for a drink…good seafood as well, but it’s a tiny, famous dive bar.
Wednesdays there’s a special Catamaran sail/dinner from The Westin to LOVANGO RESORT on the private island of LOVANGO CAY. This is about 4 hours and you have drinks/apps on the boat ($109 per person) and have dinner at the resort (not included in the $109).
Shopping is basically in CRUZ BAY & Mongoose Junction…there is also a deli here that has some great sandwiches/pasta salads/drinks and they can hook you up with a picnic lunch for the day-particularly if you are heading to some more remote beaches. TIP: Pack a collapsible cooler in your luggage-we used quite a bit here. TJMAXX has them for like $3.
DAY TRIPPING around the BVI…*I strongly recommend doing this* (Where Island Girl Vacations coined the phrase “Best Day EVER!”)You can see these islands and are pretty close at this point (you’ve come this far 🙂) and it’s where some of the most amazing sites/destinations lie. First, You must have a passport. Your Captain is required to clear customs when you enter the British islands. Currently, the Immigration, customs and environmental fees are $75 per person. You will bring this in cash with your passport, and it’s additional to your charter fee. A few amazing things to see on your DAY-TRIP:
WHITE BAY, Jost Van Dyke (location of the Soggy Dollar bar)-a favorite destination of mine)-it’s special and gorgeous! They have wonderful food (breakfast/lunch/dinner), great drinks including the famous PAINKILLER-you must have at least one…or 3! Their gift shop is amazing so bring that cash/credit card. Right next door is HENDO’s HIDEOUT, another amazing place to stay/EAT/SHOP. I tend to do a lot of damage here.
As you depart White Bay, you can stop at SANDY SPIT- a picturesque, deserted sandbar and home of the original Corona commercial.
The BATHS, VIRGIN GORDA are a wonder to behold-huge, beautiful boulders that jut out of the ocean.
COOPER ISLAND is a beautiful, remote lunch spot. Also, the home of a small resort, gift shop and rather impressive Rum Bar. Great food & drinks.
WILLY-T-Floating bar/grill off of Norman Island-usually our last stop and home to the famous shot-ski (do a shot with the crew and jump off the top deck!)
Below are CHARTER COMPANIES I recommend. You can do half or full day. Starting about $800 for smaller boats and upward based on the boat size and itinerary.
Sunshine Daydream Charters: sunshinedaydreamvi.com// 802-268-5625
Island Roots: Islandrootscharters.com// 340-643-5000
Seas The Day: Seasthedayusvi.com//340-642-3895
Bad Kitty & Calypso Charters: Calypsovi.com//340-777-7245
Another less expensive way to spend the day in White Bay, Jost Van Dyke is a The ferry trip that runs from Red Hook and Cruz Bay to Great Harbor-JVD ($120 roundtrip per person). BRING YOUR PASSPORT. Departs 7:30am from Red Hook /8am from Cruz Bay on SUNDAY/TUESDAY/FRIDAY//Departs Great Harbor for the return trip @3:30pm
Make reservations: Interislandboatservices.com
Consult their schedule for trips to Anegada and Virgin Gorda also.