Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
easy exploration of the peaks and mountains. On the east end of the island is Coral
Bay, a favorite among yachties and home to a smattering of small restaurants and
bars. Crumbling ruins of forts and plantations also dot the coastline here. The far east
end is undeveloped and pales in comparison to the lush greenery of the park. The
south coast is a favorite hideaway for locals, but little known by visitors. The coast
here is sweeping and tranquil, yet rocky in parts and punctuated with a handful of
small protected bays.
Getting Around
The 20-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas will take you to Cruz Bay, the capital of
St. John, which seems a century removed from the life you left behind. Cruz Bay is
so small that its streets have no names, but it does have the Mongoose Junction
shopping center (definitely worth a visit), a scattering of restaurants, and a small park.
Cruise ships are nonexistent here, so you won't find hordes of milling shoppers. After
a stroll around town, seek out the natural attractions of the island.
BY BUS
The most popular way to get around is by the local Vitran ( &   340/774-0165 ) ser-
vice, the same company that runs the buses on St. Thomas. Buses run between Cruz
Bay and Coral Bay, costing $1 for adults and 75¢ for children.
BY TAXI
An open-air surrey-style taxi is more fun than taking a bus. Typical fares are $9 to
Trunk Bay, $11 to Cinnamon Bay, and $14 to Maho Bay. Between midnight and 6am,
fares are increased by 50%. Taxis meet the ferries as they arrive in Cruz Bay, or you can
hail one if you see one. More than likely, you or your hotel will have to call one. Call
&   340/693-7530 for more information or Paradise Taxi at &   340/714-7913.
BY CAR OR JEEP
One of the most exciting ways to see St. John is by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which
you can rent in town (in winter, it's best to reserve in advance). The steep roadside
panoramas are richly tinted with tones of forest green and turquoise and liberally
accented with flashes of silver and gold from the strong Caribbean sun. Most visitors
need a car for only a day or 2. Remember: Drive on the left and follow posted speed
limits, which are generally very low.
Unless you need to carry luggage, which should probably be locked away in a
trunk, you might consider one of the sturdy, open-sided, jeeplike vehicles that offer
the best view of the surroundings and are the most fun way to tour St. John. Note
that most of these vehicles have manual transmission, which can be especially tricky
in a car built to drive on the left side of the road. They cost around $76 to $84 a day.
The largest car-rental agency on St. John is Paris Car Rental ( &   340/693-
7580; www.rentalcarstjohn.com). If you want a local firm, try St. John Car Rental,
across from the Catholic church in Cruz Bay ( &   340/776-6103; www.stjohncar
rental.com).
4
ST. JOHN
Banks FirstBank Virgin
Islands is at 90C Cruz Bay
( &   340/776-6881 ).
Business Hours  Stores
are generally open Monday
to Friday 9am to 5pm, Sat-
urday 9am to 1pm.
112
 
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