Visiting (US) Virgin Islands National Park
Oct 20, 2019, 4:51 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,284
Visiting (US) Virgin Islands National Park
I'm looking to plan a trip to the US Virgin Islands. Visiting the national park there (on the island of St. John) is be a bucket list item for my family. What's the best way to travel there? Should we make a base in St. Thomas, renting a car there and taking the ferry across to St. John for a day-trip or two? Or should we look to bed down on St. John Island for a few days? If so, is there a better way to get there from the mainland US than via STT & the ferry?
Many thanks in advance.
Many thanks in advance.
Oct 20, 2019, 5:02 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: mid-atlantic region of US
Programs: United Mileage Plus; Southwest; American Airlines
Posts: 103
Hello,
Yes, you have to fly into STT, and then take a cab to Red Hook to take the ferry to St John. It's a short ferry ride. Recommend you stay on St John, and explore the island (rent a jeep in St John). Most of the island is National Park, and it is gorgeous. Enjoy!
Yes, you have to fly into STT, and then take a cab to Red Hook to take the ferry to St John. It's a short ferry ride. Recommend you stay on St John, and explore the island (rent a jeep in St John). Most of the island is National Park, and it is gorgeous. Enjoy!
Oct 20, 2019, 7:20 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 702
We are 25+ year visitors to STJ.
you can only get to STJ via ferry from STT, STJ does not have an airport.
STT vs. STJ to stay? I am a STJ person but STT has many advantages - a few are a lower price point and many options for staying on the beach. It’s an easy ferry ride over to STJ but know that not all STT rental agencies allow you to take a vehicle over on the car ferry.
STJ is a quiet island with very few on the beach options. Those that exist are very expensive. The National Park and the Friends of the National Park offer great free or low cost programs.
If you want to offer a nightly budget and list of must haves for a rental, I can offer some suggestions for STJ.
we stayed on STT twice on the way to STJ and enjoyed it. The waterfront is historic and we enjoyed a self guided walking tour.
you can only get to STJ via ferry from STT, STJ does not have an airport.
STT vs. STJ to stay? I am a STJ person but STT has many advantages - a few are a lower price point and many options for staying on the beach. It’s an easy ferry ride over to STJ but know that not all STT rental agencies allow you to take a vehicle over on the car ferry.
STJ is a quiet island with very few on the beach options. Those that exist are very expensive. The National Park and the Friends of the National Park offer great free or low cost programs.
If you want to offer a nightly budget and list of must haves for a rental, I can offer some suggestions for STJ.
we stayed on STT twice on the way to STJ and enjoyed it. The waterfront is historic and we enjoyed a self guided walking tour.
Dec 18, 2019, 9:56 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: NWA, UA Silver. Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,395
I was just in STJ in June. I stayed at an AIRBNB for a couple nights on STJ. I wish I would have stayed there the entire time, but split it up with STT and Tortola. If you can afford it, stay on STJ, while the ferry is a short ride, I found it better to stay on site and explore the park. If you want to stay on STT and day trip over, check out Redhook as its got the ferry terminal right there.
You fly into STT, take a bus to the cruise ship terminal, take the ferry to STJ. The bus to this terminal is cheaper than to Redhook.
Renting a car there may not be a great idea. Its incredibly hilly terrain and crowded.
STT - Lindquist beach was quiet and near deserted. Stop at the grocery store in Red Hook by the ferry terminal get provisions and drinks, take the safari bus to the beach.
STJ - Ecoventures had a great hike, paddle snorkel 5 hour trip. Check out Woody's on STJ.
Most of all, enjoy. Its paradise.
***I had no issues with Verizon cell service. I was under the impression when I went that Verizon wasn't covered and considered roaming there. Turns out, worked just fine, some spots it dropped due to elevation.
You fly into STT, take a bus to the cruise ship terminal, take the ferry to STJ. The bus to this terminal is cheaper than to Redhook.
Renting a car there may not be a great idea. Its incredibly hilly terrain and crowded.
STT - Lindquist beach was quiet and near deserted. Stop at the grocery store in Red Hook by the ferry terminal get provisions and drinks, take the safari bus to the beach.
STJ - Ecoventures had a great hike, paddle snorkel 5 hour trip. Check out Woody's on STJ.
Most of all, enjoy. Its paradise.
***I had no issues with Verizon cell service. I was under the impression when I went that Verizon wasn't covered and considered roaming there. Turns out, worked just fine, some spots it dropped due to elevation.
Last edited by grbflyer; Dec 18, 2019 at 10:01 am Reason: Cell Service
May 4, 2022, 6:49 am
#5
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
We are 25+ year visitors to STJ.
you can only get to STJ via ferry from STT, STJ does not have an airport.
STT vs. STJ to stay? I am a STJ person but STT has many advantages - a few are a lower price point and many options for staying on the beach. It’s an easy ferry ride over to STJ but know that not all STT rental agencies allow you to take a vehicle over on the car ferry.
STJ is a quiet island with very few on the beach options. Those that exist are very expensive. The National Park and the Friends of the National Park offer great free or low cost programs.
If you want to offer a nightly budget and list of must haves for a rental, I can offer some suggestions for STJ.
we stayed on STT twice on the way to STJ and enjoyed it. The waterfront is historic and we enjoyed a self guided walking tour.
you can only get to STJ via ferry from STT, STJ does not have an airport.
STT vs. STJ to stay? I am a STJ person but STT has many advantages - a few are a lower price point and many options for staying on the beach. It’s an easy ferry ride over to STJ but know that not all STT rental agencies allow you to take a vehicle over on the car ferry.
STJ is a quiet island with very few on the beach options. Those that exist are very expensive. The National Park and the Friends of the National Park offer great free or low cost programs.
If you want to offer a nightly budget and list of must haves for a rental, I can offer some suggestions for STJ.
we stayed on STT twice on the way to STJ and enjoyed it. The waterfront is historic and we enjoyed a self guided walking tour.
May 9, 2022, 12:49 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 702
If STJ is the focus of your trip, I would recommend staying on STJ as commuting by ferry daily will eat up time. It is possible to stay on STT and take a STT rental vehicle over on the car ferry, which costs $50 each way. Double check your STT rental agency about taking a vehicle to STJ, not all allow it.